How to Hack Your Morning Routine

I love me a good life hack, and a couple years ago I stumbled upon what has proved - for me - the most effective life hack of them all.

Hacking my morning routine.

I start my mornings with a 7-step process I have come to call The Present Principle. It’s a simple routine built around a simple acronym — P.R.E.S.E.N.T. — that helps guide me to remember to implement the seven most important things I need to do each and every day to keep me present -- and to do those things in the mornings.

Over time, I’ve started to share this process with others, in the hopes that it might help folks to best think about how their morning routines can work for them.

Here’s an overview of how my routine. Remember that this is what works for me -- and that you may not like all the steps at hand. Just ignore what doesn't work for you, and always work towards the goal of finding something that sets your day up for success.

The 7 Steps in My Morning Routine   ("The Present Principle"):

P — PRAY (or PAUSE)

I start my days with a steaming cup of tea and a prayer of guidance, thanks, and direction. If prayer isn’t your thing, then just take a moment to PAUSE and do nothing. Breathe in life, and clear your mind.

R — READ

After praying (or pausing) I dive into reading something inspirational and motivational. I generally work through one particular devotional for a few months, and sometimes have a few going at a time. Find one that works best for you - and if you aren't into the idea of something inspirational or spiritual, think about a good read on business, leadership, or productivity that you can slowly work through day by day.

E — EXPRESS

After reading, I then take my own thoughts to paper. I use a Moleskine journal, but a post-it note will do;) The key is just to get your feelings out there. Worries, thoughts, thanks, everything.

S — SCHEDULE

Now’s the time to do an overview of your day, and to do a check-in on your week. I typically spend 5-10 minutes drafting my day’s schedule and checking in on the week at large. I do this on paper, with the goal of this entire routine being offline, but you may find it works best to use your computer or an app you love.

E — EXERCISE

I try to get in exercise of some sort every day, and I find that doing it in the morning is the most effective. Experts say this is also smartest when habit-forming. Move, and you'll feel better.

N — NOURISH

Each day, do one thing that truly nourishes you. Take a walk. Take a bubble bath. Read a novel. Do something for you. It's fun to do this in the morning straight away, but if not, put this off until later as a reward for getting your big tasks of the day done.

T — TRACK

At the day's end, look back at how many of the seven steps you were able to accomplish? Can you do better tomorrow? Track your progress, and think about what is working, and what isn't.