In this webinar, I talk about the unique qualities of mornings, and how we can take advantage of them .
I’ve broken this webinar recording into two parts:
- Part I – My Talk:Â Why the mornings are so important, and how to shift (See notes)
- Part II – Questions & Answers: I answered some amazing questions, please watch!
Part I: Leo’s Talk (with notes)
The problem: We often launch into the start of our day like we launch into everything else – just out of habit, mindlessly, doing the things that are busy and easy instead of focused and important.
But this wastes the first part of our day, which can be one of the most valuable times of day. It also sets the tone for the rest of the day, and we end up filling the rest of the gift of this day with the same kind of mindless habitual busywork.
The Importance of the Start of the Day:
There are two big reasons the start of the day is one of the most valuable times of day:
- It’s the beginning, so it sets the tone and pace of the day. The way we start the day will translate into how we move through the rest of the day. If we start mindful and focused and grateful, that will influence the rest of the day. If we start out busy and frazzled and driven by anxiety, we’ll feel that throughout the day. It can be shifted later … but it often isn’t. How we start the day affects everything else, most days.
- It can often be the most productive, because there’s a calm and quiet that’s somewhat unique to this time. For me, I’ve learned that I get my best writing done in the morning, before the wife & kids are awake. After that, I have too many interruptions. It can be the same in an office — interruptions kill deep focus. There are ways to create that in the middle of busy environments, but the morning can often a wonderful environment for focus that we can take advantage of. If I’m doing a really important project, I’ll put that in the beginning of the day, before the chaos sets in. If I’m putting off an important task that requires focus, I’ll move it to the beginning of the day so I am feeling a little more calm. It’s a beautiful time of the day to do deep work.
With that in mind, how do we shift the mornings?
Shift the Mornings
Whenever you awake … see that this is a wonderful opportunity! Be grateful for this time.
Think of the morning as a gift that you can take advantage of.
If you are rushed because you have to get ready and get out the door … can you wake 20 minutes earlier to have more time to enjoy? Just set the alarm for 20 minutes earlier. Set an alarm to go to be 15-20 minutes earlier.
Make use of this gift!
First, be intentional: how do you want to start your day? With mindfulness, gratitude, focus? Then do things that are mindful, grateful, focused — like a short meditation (just 5 minutes), a gratitude journal, and a short focus session.
You can shift how long these are, over time, but start out short. Don’t worry about getting it perfect. Don’t even worry if you miss a day or two. This isn’t about perfection, but about using the gift.
Second, can you shift one or two things to the morning that could use this kind of quiet focus? For example, writing, deep work, or anything that requires contemplation, creativity or uninterrupted thinking? If you notice yourself putting something off regularly, shift it to this time. Ideally it’s something important, that would have a big impact on your life.
It only has to be one thing. Use the gift of this time.
Now, there are things that get in the way of all of this … but I’m guessing you have already encountered them in this challenge. So let’s talk about what’s getting in the way — share your questions with me!
Watch above, or here on Vimeo.
Part II: Questions and Answers
In the second part of the webinar, I answered a number of great questions from members, please watch!