The single most important thing you can do to have a better life is to work on improving yourself. But how exactly do you turn this into an achieavable New Year’s resolution?
After healing from a decade of severe depression and health issues, overcoming my symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis through diet and lifestyle choices, and radically transforming my life, relationships, and professional orientation all on my own, I found there is ONE thing that will make or break your attempts at self-improvement.
That one thing is: the first thing you do in the morning.
This does not mean that you need to have a “good” morning to have a “good” day. It’s not about it being good or bad.
It’s about what you do with it and the signals you send to your brain.
Why The First Thing You Do in The Mornings Matters
Instead of coming up with a laundry list of New Year’s resolutions, try adopting just one: commit to doing one thing, the same thing, every morning, for a few months, ideally 3-4.
Make it something easy but do it first thing in the morning.
Why?
1. It’s About the Standard You Set for Yourself First Thing in the Morning
Start the day by setting a non-negotiable standard for yourself. Creating certainty at the crack of dawn builds self-confidence because you took action first thing in the morning.
You won’t spend the whole day thinking about that thing you should do later. You’ve already done it, and you know it throughout the day.
You probably can’t fathom yet the impact this can have on your self-confidence and the level of respect you have for yourself, especially in the long run.
2. It’s An Opportunity to Create Alignment Between Where You Are and Where You Want to Be
When you bring intention into the first thing you do in the morning, you orient your actions toward your goals and desires. This creates alignment from the very start of your day.
Conversely, if you begin your day by letting yourself be bombarded by external demands, it’s much harder to stay focused and directed toward your own aspirations.
Starting with intention ensures that your day aligns with your long-term goals, rather than being driven by distractions and obligations.
3. It’s About Priming
Tony Robbins talks about priming, which means preparing yourself mentally and emotionally for the day ahead.
I suppose priming can mean different things for different people but the way Tony teaches it, it involves a few minutes of breathing exercises, visualization, and setting your intentions. It helps you take control of your mindset and energy.
4. It’s Easier Than Trying to “Control” Your Entire Day… But More Effective
Once I took control of my mornings, my days became a thousand times more manageable.
I felt a lot less susceptible to being pushed left and right by external circumstances. And once I had accomplished what I needed to do in the morning (remember: what I need is not necessarily what YOU need), I was prepared, much calmer, and tackling the challenges of the day felt a bit easier somehow.
Focusing on my One thing in the morning made me feel more at ease and in control, without the overwhelming pressure of trying to manage every aspect of my day.
5. It’s About Committing to What Matters to You
Putting yourself and your goals first thing in the morning shows commitment. It means you prioritize your well-being and ambitions right from the start of the day.
But the most important part is: through your actions, YOU are showing YOURSELF that you are committed to YOURSELF.
This. This is what changes lives.
6. It’s a Profession of Faith
The thing with sticking to just one thing every morning is that it makes this new habit easier, more digestible, and ensures that you will stick to it.
And when you stick to it, every morning, you are declaring to yourself and the world that you and your goals come first. You prove this through your actions each morning.
Doing just one thing ensures that you get to experience this wonderful feeling of fulfillment and accomplishment.
7. It’s Scientifically Proven
A consistent morning routine can lead to better mental health, increased productivity, and overall well-being. It stabilizes your mood and sets a positive tone for the rest of the day (Source: Forbes).
The One Thing vs. a Morning Routine
Normally, I would say the only New Year’s resolution you need is to stick to a morning routine.
BUT if you are someone who does not have a morning routine yet or who struggles to stick to a FULL routine for longer periods of time, then you need to start with just one thing.
Not a full routine. Just the one thing you will commit to doing every morning for the next four months.
Make it easy and attainable. The challenge should not be the thing itself; the challenge should be the consistency.
Related Post: The Best Morning Routine for the Highly Sensitive Person (HSP)
What Will That One Thing Be for You?
It has to be something that makes sense for you and for what you are struggling with in your own life.
For example, in my case, the one thing I decided to commit to was to get up, get dressed, and go out for a run.
It didn’t matter if it was a 15-minute run or a 60-second run: the point was to wake up, get up, get dressed, and get out.
Why?
Because for years I had been struggling with morning depression, anxiety, and sweaty hands, feet, and armpits as soon as I awoke, even before I opened my eyes. I was plagued with doubts, worries, and questions about my day.
So, for me, this one thing was what I needed.
I needed to move past the questions and the anxiety, get up, out of bed, and out the door, and spend that (negative) energy.
And outdoors + exercise + short-circuiting my morning depression = magic combo.
How to Figure Out What One Thing You Will Commit to First Thing in the Morning
A good rule of thumb is, if you don’t know what to focus on, make it your health, physical or mental, or a personal goal (like a side-business).
Self-awareness, self-exploration (through journaling), meditation, stretching, some form of exercise, or being outside are always good places to start.
Remember to start small! It’s not (just) about the thing: it’s about consistency!
But the best way to figure out your one thing is to start by asking yourself the right questions. Questions that will help you figure out:
- Where are you currently in your life and where would you like to be?
- What behaviors do you currently have that hurt you the most?
- What are your goals for the future?
- Can you Identify your values and what matters to you the most?
Consider downloading my 11-Question Workbook, filled with prompts and advice to guide you through these next steps.
Read next: 5 Powerful Tips for New Year’s Resolutions that Stick
