Mastering Your Day: A Guide to Building a Powerful Morning Routine for Addiction Recovery & Habit Change
Following the framework of The Miracle Morning book by Hal Elrod
In today’s article, we’ll dive into the art of crafting a powerful morning routine, inspired by Hal Elrod’s groundbreaking book, “The Miracle Morning.” As we start the new year, it’s important to explore the transformative impact that well-designed morning routine can have on your life. Particularly if you are working on overcoming an addiction, or changing your habits and behaviors, a solid morning routine sets foundation for success in your life.
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Setting the Tone for Success
A solid morning routine holds the key to jumpstarting your day and, consequently, your life. It serves as a catalyst for change, propelling you towards healthier habits while helping you say goodbye to the ones that no longer serve you. The beauty lies in its simplicity — a condensed session where you can infuse various positive habits, setting the stage for a successful day, week, month, and beyond.
Win the Morning, Win the Day
One benefit of the morning routine lies in the sense of accomplishment it provides. By proving to yourself that you can tackle challenging tasks early on, you cultivate discipline and commitment that carry over into the rest of your daily endeavors. As the common phrase goes, “Win the morning, win the day.”
Eating Your Vegetables: A Metaphor for Self-Care
Another benefit of morning routines is that they offer an ideal time for what we might call “eating your vegetables” — engaging in activities beneficial for your well-being, which may be challenging later in the day when your willpower and energy are lower. For example, with consistent practice of meditation: you are more likely to establish and maintain the habit if you do it in the morning compared to attempting it later in the day.
Becoming the Driver of Your Life
One of the most compelling reasons to embrace a morning routine is the empowerment it bestows — putting you back in the driver’s seat. Instead of being a passive observer, reacting to life’s demands, you become the architect of your journey. By intentionally deciding how you want to live your life and planning your day ahead, you assert control over your actions and priorities.
The Life SAVER Components
The framework I often follow comes from the book The Miracle Morning, by Hal Elrod. I’d recommend simply going and checking out that book yourself. As I mention later on, you don’t have to adopt every aspect of the SAVERS routine. Find and use what works for you. Here’s the framework.
Setting the Foundation: Silence (S)
Silence, the ‘S’ in the Life SAVERS acronym, lays the foundation for your morning routine. It’s not only about meditation; it’s an intentional commitment to any form of solitude and stillness. Consider incorporating mindfulness practices from my online course, Mindfulness Made Easy, to enhance your moments of silence and stillness.
Empowering Affirmations (A)
Affirmations, which I often dismissed as cheesy or fluffy, can hold tremendous power when done with purpose. These positive phrases simply serve as reminders of your highest potential, values, and the wisdom you aspire to embody. Take the time to create personalized affirmations that resonate with your journey.
Painting Your Future: Visualizations (V)
Visualizations take you beyond the present, guiding you to visualize success in your goals and aspirations. Beyond envisioning the day’s success, consider creating a vision board with images that reflect your dream life. A collection of inspiring visuals can serve as a daily reminder of your aspirations and motivations.
Energizing Your Body: Exercise (E)
Exercise in the morning isn’t just about physical health; it’s a powerful energy booster. It can be as simple and easy as a brief routine of 10 squats and 10 pushups, which can kickstart your day. Explore what works for you. Whether it’s a morning jog, yoga session, or a trip to the gym, moving your body sets a positive tone for the day.
Nourishing Your Mind: Reading (R)
Reading is a form of intellectual nutrition, an essential part of the Life SAVERS routine. Again, make it easy, it can be simply reading 1 page, or spending 5 minutes reading. Recommended books: “Deep Work” by Cal Newport or “The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck” by Mark Manson. Choose books that resonates with your interests. Dedicate a few minutes to feeding your mind each morning and witness the impact on your personal growth.
Reflection and Expression: Scribing (S)
Scribing, the final ‘S,’ encapsulates the power of journaling or writing. Successful individuals often share this trait, and it’s more than just jotting down thoughts. Explore different forms, from free-flowing reflections to structured daily planning or gratitude journaling. Use this time to articulate your goals, express gratitude, or explore thought-provoking prompts available online.
Tailoring Your Morning Routine
The key to a successful morning routine lies in customization. Choose components that resonate most with you, ensuring a manageable routine you can consistently follow. Whether it’s a five-minute routine or a more extended session, aim for at least 95% consistency each week.
Embracing Meditation for Recovery
For many, the cornerstone of a morning routine is meditation. Particularly, mindfulness meditation cultivates equanimity — the ability to navigate life’s challenges without reactive impulses. This practice plays a vital role in the journey of recovery, providing strength and resilience.
As a reminder, if you’re looking for support with getting started with a mindfulness meditation routine, check out my online course, Mindfulness Made Easy, which offers a 14-day training guide to help you master the foundations of mindfulness meditation.
As we head into 2024, there’s no better time to commit to a morning routine. Let this guide inspire you to harness the potential within you, one morning at a time. Happy habit-building, and here’s to a transformative new year!
