Every now and then I run across an article titled something like: “What successful CEOs do before breakfast” or “The top five things high-performing leaders do before 5 am.”
I don’t know about you, but what I’m doing before 5 am (or 6 am for that matter) is sleeping. And what I’m doing in the morning (after pushing the snooze on my alarm too many times) is running around frantically trying to remember how to make breakfast and lunches in the fog that is the early morning.
For those of you who are a bit more like me and a bit less like the 5 am over-achievers, here is one habit I have developed to begin my work day with the intention to create beauty, be authentic, and inspire those with whom I connect.
If at all possible, I squeeze in an invigorating morning walk (while listening to a thought-provoking or inspiring podcast — often Happier by Gretchen Rubin or the NPR Ted Radio Hour) which is a wonderful oasis between morning craziness and diving into work.
Then, when I sit down at my desk and wait for my computer to start up, I open the top drawer of my desk where I have arranged some beautiful aromatherapy hand cream (aptly named “focus“), a daily gratitude book with mesmerizing National Geographic photos and inspiring quotes on topics like beauty and wisdom, and a beautiful planner I recently purchased (after years of using online calendars).
While my computer starts up, I set up my streaming music, inhale deeply to breathe in the scent of my hand cream, take a moment to gaze at an inspiring photo and take in the deep thoughts of the day, sip my coffee, and then open up my planner to begin my day. This routine makes me excited to sit down at my desk, appeals to all my senses, and helps begin the day with beauty and hope.
What if you created an oasis of beauty and inspiration in your morning routine?