Today I am simply going to rely upon my morning routine to launch my day properly. No decisions, no worries, just simply following the habits I have established in 2019. Today I was up at 4am.
First thing is this blog. I switched from writing at the end of the day to writing in the morning. I found that writing after a long day was not much fun, so I switched to morning. Before I begin writing, I indulge in a new habit, it’s trivial, yet something I enjoy – making coffee – the old-school way.
About a month ago our MR. Coffee drip coffee maker broke. This thing was not very old and should not have broken. I mean, what the heck! Hasn’t Mr. Coffee figured out how to build a coffee maker yet? Of course they have, they make crappy ones on purpose so they can keep selling more. I was disgusted by the the thought of buying another misanthropic coffee maker, so I dug out my old campfire percolator coffee pot from the camping box. It’s steel with the speckled blue porcelain finish and some blemishes from firepits over the years. It brings be joy. No plastic, not digital readouts, no moving parts and no electricity required! In a word, it’s bitchin’! With a little practice, I now have this thing down to a science. With the stove flame on high it takes exactly 14 min to achieve the first perc, then I switch the flame to a very low setting and let it percolate for 5 minutes. I enjoy that sound, and love the aroma of the brewing coffee.
After I write the blog, the next thing is a morning run. Well, actually a walk, with body-weight squats every 90 yards or so, that turns into a run at some point. Today is Saturday, so I’ll be doing hill sprints. And since it is a new month, April, I’ll add one for a total of six 105 meter uphill sprints. The hill is not especially steep, but it does increase the challenge, I will follow up with some some ab work; not too much, my focus here is on being habitual, just following the routine, allowing the habit to take me over.
The next bit in my routine includes some daily body maintenance. I become my own chiropractor; using my inverter, I place a basketball under my shoulder blades, invert to about 70 degrees and grab a 45lb weight and stretch out my spine and joints, feels good. I also roll a round container under my neck putting the curve back. Feels good.
Next comes 15 minute meditation, followed by a hot shower (closest thing I have to a sauna) and Wim Hoff style breathing before I bask in a cold shower. The cold shower has become easier and almost enjoyable, almost. Then I shave and get dressed.
Each habit rolls efficiently into the next and doesn’t take very long. This is my morning routine, my habit, and it always leaves me feeling great and ready for the day. I feel momentum because my workout for the day has already been accomplished, along with some good self care – and the blog is done too! I complete the morning with the crucial habit of addressing what is important for this day (write it down and prioritize), pray, and then launch.
Here goes . .
Ben Wagner
What is really cool about your post is that you are now on Day 89. Tomorrow is Day 90. You have now formed a real habit! This post is evidence of the power of habit formation. When you get out of bed, the routine of accomplishing your habits are automatic now. The need for tremendous will power has lessened. I would daresay that at this point it is HARDER to NOT do your routine then slacking off.
So congratulations – you have proven to the 365 community the awesome power of habit. Who is next?