Planning for Success: Make Room for "Miracles"
(Jan Contest Entry #2)
Success starts with my "Miracle Morning" routine. I've touched on this before,
but I believe a morning routine is essential for meeting my first four daily criteria:
Waking Up with Gratitude: I start each day by vocalizing my gratitudes,
which I also journal. This practice sets a positive tone for the day ahead.Daily Affirmations: I recite my six daily affirmations, which I typically update on a monthly basis—unless one is tied to a longer-term goal. These affirmations reinforce my mindset and intentions and suppor the habits necessary to achieve my goals.
Consistency in Routine i.e. "Show Up!": I commit to my morning routine by setting my alarm for the same time each day. This consistency ensures I have ample time each morning to focus on my agenda before distractions, or "time bandits," invade my day.
Time Blocking: I utilize time-blocking techniques to stay on track.
From 5:30 AM to 7:45 AM, I have a structured routine that has naturally evolved into a habits.
Beginning my day with gratitude fosters positive thoughts and reminds me that regardless of external challenges—be it wildfires, COVID-19, or a tough week—
I am mentally prepared to face whatever comes my way.
The Power of Habits
Affirmations strengthen my habits, and habits support my goals. I focus on developing systems (habits) because while the goal is the desired outcome (like losing 25 pounds), the habits—such as my daily exercise routine and meal planning—are the activities that make achieving that goal possible.
My emphasis is on the system, not just the result (the goal).
The Importance of Showing Up
Nothing happens if you don't show up for your habits and routines.
As famously noted in Eat Pray Love:
Peasant: "Dear God, please let me win the lottery."
God: "My dear, please buy a ticket!"
Time Blocking as a Commitment
Time blocking means creating immovable appointments with yourself. My first two hours of each day consists of four 30-minute appointments and a some buffers that encompass my Miracle Morning routine.
As a side note, I want to acknowledge that while I have read and do admire
Hal Elrod's Miracle Morning books, I've been practicing my own Miracle Morning routine since July 1999, when it was introduced to me by Larry Kendall, CEO and Founder of The Group in Fort Collins, CO, and the creator of Ninja Selling. Ninja Selling promoted morning routines long before many of the well-known contemporary morning routine books emerged.
I’ll share more about this Miracle Morning and additional tips in submission #3 next week, as part of my four-week plus bonus submission contest entries this month.
Planning To Unlock Your Potential: Overcoming Ignorance
and Neglect (Entry #1)
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