Personal Development: How to Have a High-Energy Day on Purpose

Do you have a set morning routine to maximize the impact you are going to have each day? How can you set yourself up to win consistently?

And how about your end-of-day routine: Falling asleep while scrolling mindlessly through Facebook?

If personal development and maximizing achievement is your goal – or generally being successful in life and in your career – you need a system you can rely on.

Here’s what you need to know to start your day off on the right foot AND end it well.

Get the right start to your day

Before you start thinking about getting things moving in the office, you have to take care of some things personally.

Here are some ways to get the right mindset first thing in the morning.

1. Shower Power. This list of helpful things to think about while you’re in the shower can be laminated and left there so you can peruse it every day. It reminds you to consider what you have to be thankful for and how you can make your family smile, as well as practical things like packing healthy snacks and enough water for healthy fuel.
2. Hydrate. Start your day off with water and lemon. Your body is dry in the morning after a long night’s sleep. Swigging a few glasses of water first thing will rehydrate you, aid in digestion, and give your metabolism a jump start.
3. Deep breathing. This practice sends the message to your brain to be calm and relaxed. What better way to start your day than with a chilled-out attitude? I learned this simple method during my years with Tony Robbins. Breathe in a 1:4:2 ratio. Breathe In through your nose, HOLD it and then breathe out through your mouth. Example: Inhale for 5 seconds, hold for 20 seconds and exhale for 10 seconds. After a set of five, you’ll immediately see the benefits.
4. Get your blood pumping. Doing some light stretches, sit-ups or jumping jacks can get your muscles loosened up and make you feel ready to conquer the day.
5. Read or listen to something positive. Whether it’s some scripture or a few motivational quotes, fill your mind with good things in the morning. I believe in the power of the 4% Solution: 4% of one day is one hour, so 7 out of 168 hours a week, you must invest into becoming more valuable. I have a goal of listening to one great podcast a day and reading a minimum of 15 minutes a day. Here’s a list of recommendations you can download.

Ending your day on the right note

I’m all about “Getting Switched On,” but it’s important to be able to switch OFF at the end of the day.

Here are some tips for winding down the right way.

1. Ditch your phone. At least 30 minutes before bed, step away from the devices. No social media, smartphone, etc. It’s a good idea if you have teens, too. Our only child left at home is 15 and his phone is plugged in downstairs at 10:30pm. He, of course, hates it, but nothing good is going to happen on his phone after 10:30pm!
2. Deep breathing. Again? Yes! And for the same reasons. Calm, peaceful and relaxed are the goals at bedtime. Developing the habit of just three minutes before you sleep will serve you well.
3. Write in your gratitude journal. Take the time to list the things you’re thankful for that day. What went well? What are you proud of? What are you looking forward to? What lessons did you learn today?
4. Read or listen to something positive. Fill your mind with uplifting things before you go to sleep. Just 15 minutes of a positive book will feed your soul. I am currently revisiting the classic The Greatest Salesman in the World by Og Mandino. You can listen here.
5. Visualize and set yourself up for success. Envision tomorrow’s wins. What do you want to accomplish? For example, if you want to work out first thing the next day, lay out everything you need to wear and have to get it done.

Good beginnings and endings improve personal development

The right start to your day sets the tone for what you’ll accomplish. Meeting your personal and professional goals requires you going into a new day with a positive mindset.

Drink some lemon water, ask AND answer the questions from Shower Power, breathe deeply, get moving and fill your mind with positivity before you walk out your door to conquer the day.

How you put your day to bed is important, too.

Unwind without your phone and say goodnight to social media well before you turn in. Visualize tomorrow’s successes and jot down some of the things you’re thankful for.

Get relaxed with more deep breathing and drift off for some restorative sleep.

Personal development begins with starting and ending your day on the right note.