How to Build a Strong Morning Routine: The Essential Guide
von Danny Forest
1. What is a morning routine?
1.1. A set of actions you perform in the morning, usually before starting your day’s main activity.
1.2. Sample routine
1.3. What’s important is that it remains largely the same every day of the week, turning each action into a habit.
2. What does it mean for a routine to be “strong”?
2.1. Sets your day so that you accomplish meaningful results right away, giving you the energy to be motivated for the rest of your day.
2.2. Ordering activities in your routine
2.2.1. What gives me the most energy and motivation is not necessarily the same for you.
2.2.2. Realize what is 20% of the activities that will give you 80% of the results you want to achieve.
2.2.3. What order makes the “most sense” to your brain will require experimentation.
3. Why is it so important?
3.1. The way you start your day defines your mood for the rest of it. Better start it right!
3.2. When you accomplish things soon after waking up, however small the activity, your brain produces much-needed dopamine.
3.3. Insufficient levels of dopamine can lead to a wide range of serious symptoms, including:
3.3.1. Depression
3.3.2. Inability to focus
3.3.3. Loss of motor control
3.3.4. Reduced sex drive
3.3.5. Cravings or addictions
3.3.6. Lack of motivation
3.3.7. Compulsions
3.3.8. Loss of pleasure or satisfaction
3.4. A strong and consistent routine breeds wins. Wins = dopamine production. Consistent wins then turn into habits.
4. How can I build a strong morning routine? — A six-step process
4.1. List down all the things you want to do on a daily basis
4.2. Order the tasks by ascending order of importance to you
4.3. Place the tasks in an Eisenhower Matrix or Table
4.4. Write down how long it takes you to complete the task
4.5. Place tasks on a calendar
4.6. Be consistent in the execution of your morning routine
4.7. Resources
4.7.1. Free
4.7.1.1. A Morning Routine Really Does Set You Up For Success — Here’s A 6 Step Process To Create One
4.7.1.2. The Eisenhower Matrix: Introduction & 3-Minute Video Tutorial
4.7.2. Paid
4.7.2.1. The Eisenhower Table: $4.99