In one of my previous posts about Hawaii, I briefly mentioned my new morning routine inspired and taught to me by Tanner Martty. Here’s more about the single most important factor in my current daily life…

Standing in the checkout line at Trader Joe’s at 9:15am I noticed the cashier giving me a funny stare. I think my body language and facial expression signaled that it was okay to ask the lingering question on her mind.

Cashier: “You seem really happy this morning. Do you always have this much energy in the morning?”

Me: “Yup. But I’ve been up since 5am. It’s really not that early for me.”

Cashier: “5am? Wow, that’s early. You start work at 5?”

Me: “Nope. I do my morning routine. Gets my mind right and ready to go.”

Cashier: “I could never do that. You must work from home. Do you have kids?”

Me: “I do work from home. And nope, no kids.”

Cashier: “See. Once you have kids and family responsibilities, that stuff just gets too hard. You have to take care of them. You’re lucky”

I politely ended the conversation because so many thoughts raced through my mind at that moment. I think I brought the conversation to an end with a “Yeah, I guess you’re right.” I really had a lot more to say, but I thought it best to walk away. There was no way I was going to convince this cashier of my way of thinking.

Did this woman’s family life and work demands really prevent her from taking an hour or two in the morning to focus on her own health? Are there circumstances that make it impossible to implement personal growth and development within one’s life?

The answer, of course, is a resounding no. Maybe I should have voiced my opinion then, but I needed time to reflect and gather my thoughts. Instead, I share them here.

How can anyone reasonably believe they have the time, ability, and compassion to care for others without being able to first take care of him or herself first. This is not an issue of being selfish. This is an issue of fueling your body with the proper nutrition, movement, rest, and love so that you actually have the capacity and energy to care for your loved ones. If you’re running on empty, you’re capacity to give is severely limited. Imagine the potential for love and care you can give to those around you with just a little more energy and focus. This is where a morning routine that can truly help. Even waking up 10 minutes before you usually do and doing jumping jacks and mentally repeating positive affirmations will greatly impact the flow of the rest of the day. Go ahead and try it. What do you have to lose?

Everyone’s morning routine will be different. As it should be. Some people will focus on their mind with meditation, some on their physical body with exercise, and others on reading personal development books for growth and inspiration. The point is to take time for yourself before anyone can distract you from focusing on YOU. Remember, the early bird catches the worm. While everyone else is sleeping, you’re growing. Your loved ones will notice. You’ll be better off.

Next time someone tells me they don’t have time to take care of themselves, at least I’ll now have a one line answer prepared for them: If you don’t take care of yourself, how can you know how to take care of others?

My Morning Routine

In case you’re curious, here’s my morning routine (for now…)

5:00 – 5:10am: Wake Up, Morning Shake

5:10 – 5:30am: Meditate

5:30 – 6:00am: Sauna & Daily Journal/Daily To-Do List/Reading

6:00 – 6:20am: Foam Rolling, Stretching, or Yoga

6:20 – 6:25am: Shower

6:25 – 6:55am: Spanish Lesson

7:00am: Work day begins…

Since implementing my morning routine, my morning cups of coffee have become a habit of the past. I don’t need them anymore. My morning routine compliance rate is around 80-90% and it’s hilarious that my morning clients know within moments of walking into the gym whether or not I did my routine. Yes, the difference is that drastic.

Create a morning routine. Implement it. Send me some emails or comment about how it is going for you. I’d love to hear your stories.