Well done, Nick!

I have practiced this same morning routine for about a year with great success. Like you, once my first 9am client meeting begins, I’ve done a considerable amount of reading and writing, completed a light workout, had a healthy breakfast, finished time in meditation, reflection, and the Bible.

I do get up early, not because I love it — in fact I love sleeping; but I enjoy getting the stuff that is important out of the way before the less important.

How can people start?

Be intentional and realistic.

Set simple goals based on what is important to you and slightly outside of your comfort zone.

Start by making a list of what you’d realistically like to accomplish. Like I said above, for me, reading, time by myself, writing, and a healthy meal to start the day is important. So I intentionally block out the time to do each of those. I intentionally decline appointments before 8am. That’s my time.

I make my coffee, choose my clothing, prepare breakfast, and have my computer bag ready before bed each night. It makes mornings fast and smooth.

Of course, this doesn’t work for everyone. For some people, reading or writing may need to wait until evening. Physical exercise may need to be in the afternoon. The point is: be intentional about your time.