Exposed: amazingly simple tips to set yourself up for success
Want to be the best version of you, every day?
It’s all about setting yourself up for success in the morning. In my new book The Happiness Habits Transformation, I walk you through the exact daily routine that I use to boost my health, mindset, clarity and happiness every single day. So when one of the wonderful members of my Ideal Life Club Facebook Group, Kelly-Anne Victor, told me how her personal morning routine sets her up for success, I jumped at the chance to have her share it here with you! Kelly-Anne is the founder of the delicious and healthy MYcha Tea, mum to two gorgeous kids and always so cheerful and full of energy - so what exactly is her secret?
Let’s find out. Over to you Kelly-Anne…
I used to be one of those people, insanely busy and running on coffee. I'd flit from one thing to the next but not actually get any of the important stuff done. Then there was a turning point. There’s always a turning point, right? Working, parenting and altogether frazzled was mine. I woke up one day and thought to myself, I don’t want to feel like I’m JUST surviving each day anymore. This feeling pushed me into making a few changes to my lifestyle. Small changes that helped me to feel more in control of my days. I found that it was the little changes I made to my morning routine which had the biggest impact on my days. Now each morning I do these four things - they clear the sleepy fog and help me to feel like I can conquer the world!
#1 Make The Bed
I know it’s probably way down your list of priorities. Especially if, like me, you have little people to dress, feed and get out of the door. But have you watched Navy SEAL commander Admiral William H. McRaven’s commencement speech at the University of Texas? It really struck a chord with me. He delivered this key advice on success:
"If you want to change the world, start off by making your bed. If you make your bed every morning, you will have accomplished the first task of the day. It will give you a small sense of pride, and it will encourage you to do another task, and another, and another. And by the end of the day that one task completed will have turned into many tasks completed”.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m not bouncing pennies off the covers or checking the creases with a ruler. But making my bed has become a morning habit. It’s the first thing I do when I get up, gives me a sense of taking charge and sets off a chain of other good decisions throughout the day.
#2 Drink Matcha for success
I replaced my morning coffees with one cup of organic matcha tea and I haven’t looked back! I don't know about you, but coffee has a tendency to overstimulate me with a big (but very short-lived) burst of energy. It leaves me flitting from task to task and spending a lot of time on unproductive things, like reading pointless news stories on my phone.
Similar to coffee, matcha tea does contain caffeine but not as much. The big difference with matcha tea is that it’s rich in L-Theanine, a rare amino acid, which works with the caffeine to provide a more sustained energy boost that can last up to 6 hours. The L-Theanine also helps me to feel calm, creative, alert and mentally focused. But more importantly, it’s packed with nutrients and antioxidants too, so I know I’m adding powerful health benefits to my everyday diet. It’s a healthy habit that sets me up to make healthier food choices for the rest of the day.
#3 Exercise
My approach to exercise is 'done is better than perfect’. Getting up and out in the morning means that my workout actually happens. There’s nothing worse than reaching the end of a long day without the energy to do the workout I had planned. I hate going to bed feeling guilty because deep down I know I could’ve squeezed it in, but I didn’t push myself to do it. By getting it out of the way in the morning, even if it is just a quick jog with the dog or 10 minutes with Davina, I’m setting myself up for success; instead of failure.
#4 Set My Intention
My intention for the day is the first thing I write down as soon as I get to my desk. Every day is different but, for example, it could be something along the lines of “Today, I will finish writing a blog post; attend a webinar on search engine optimisation, eat healthily and be patient with the children” or anything else I feel is important. Without an intention, there’s a danger I won't put my energy into the things that matter most to me.
In fact, Michelle has recently gifted me a wonderful This Is My Era journal. It is brilliantly structured and comes with motivational quotes on every page, I’m looking forward to seeing what effect it has - thanks, Michelle!I won’t lie to you. I don’t get it right every single morning. Just like everyone else, my life doesn’t go like clockwork and I have to prioritise other things. But I do try to do these things consistently most mornings.
By taking control of my morning with these four simple habits, not only are my days 100% more productive, but I’m also a much happier person at the end of them.
Does your routine make you happier every day? Learn the simple steps to make it work for you in The Happiness Habits Transformation.