The best do this routine. So can you!

As mentioned in the 1st APR issue of T+P on Morning Routines, these are two options I implement for priming my brain for a day of mental activity. 5min or less and you’ll be awake, mentally clear, and you’ll even solve a few things before the day starts, or at least you’ll feel much better about the day or the challenges you’re facing!

I pulled both of these techniques from Tools of Titans by Tim Ferriss, which records multiple interviews with top performers in their fields (Olympic Athletes, Authors, Politicians, Scientists, etc.). After seeing it come up multiple times I decided I would give it a try. Safe to say, this is one of those things that you really underestimate at first, and then after you implement it you don’t turn back.

Morning Pages 📝

Free-space to write about anything! The important thing is that you JUST WRITE! Don’t stop and edit; keep it flowing.

• Journal Thoughts

• Draft Ideas

• Pray

When to use?

• Are wrestling through a decision?

  • Write your thoughts, pro’s & con’s, or brainstorm solutions.

• Is something weighing on you?

  • Write your thoughts and prayers.

• Do you have to create something that week or have an important conversation?

  • Draft your content.

5 Minute Journal ⏱️

Set of 5 simple prompts to answer. Question 3 has been modified by me from the traditional 5min Journal prompt, which focuses solely on personal affirmation.

1️⃣ - I am grateful for…
1…
2…
3…

2️⃣ What would make today great?
1…
2…
3…

3️⃣ Encouraging Attribute of God OR Personal Affirmation (Expressed with gratitude toward God)

…

RECAP OF PREVIOUS DAY
4️⃣ 3 Amazing things that happened.
1…
2…
3…

5️⃣ How could I have made the day better?
…

When to use?

• Is there a project that you need to keep making progress on?

  • This will keep you focused on the task at hand, and adapt where needed.

• Do you need to stoke gratitude?

  • This will prompt thankfulness.

• Does life seem chill and you’re simply wanting to maximize efficacy and enjoyment?

  • This keeps you calibrated and lets you move forward.

🌟 TOP PICKS & BEHIND THE SCENES

Preferred App: Flow

Bonobo Labs previously had a partnership with Moleskine, so some know this app as part of Moleskine Studio, but the company that operated the app suite has always been the same, and now they run the app independently.

• Writing with Apple Pencil on this app is incredibly satisfying. It is the BEST writing experience I have ever had.

• You can save templates, so I have the Morning Pages prompts ready to paste in, whenever I need it.

• I use my iPad for all other aspects of my morning routine, so it’s a one-stop-shop (Devotions, reading, checking calendar, checking daily tasks, and then writing).

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