Habits and routines are popular right now. There is a growing interest in developing the right ones in hopes that they will spell success in our lives. We want to become high achievers, power movers, and to have all the trappings that go with the label successful. In this pursuit, we look around and model our lives after those who already have the moniker we covet. We read books by authors doing the same and commit to making changes to our daily lives.
And it works. At least on some level, we find that there is a collection of habits and routines that increase our output and changes how we interact with the world. They make us more productive, help us find clarity in our work, and even make us feel better. In short, the right collection of habits can work miracles in your life and mine.
That’s it though. We need the right collection of habits because not all habits are equal. Some are better than others. A few lead to the change we seek, while the rest clutter our lives with activity.
You don’t need ineffective work added to your day. You need life and energy injected into it. So what will infuse these much-needed qualities into your day? What can you do each morning to set yourself up for a successful day?
The truth is that transforming your day involves a whole list of things you’ve heard before.
1. Get up early
2. Spend time in God’s Word and prayer
3. Plan your day
4. Work out
5. Read good books
Sound familiar? Sure it does. You already know what to do. Doing it is hard because we make excuses.
I spent the better part of a year rebuilding these habits because I got off track. While I can give valid reasons for each failure, that’s exactly what they were-failures. Failures to get up at the right time. Failures to spend intentional time in God’s Word and prayer. Failures to plan out the day. Failures to steward my body well by getting in the gym. Failures to feed my mind the nourishment it needs
Peace, certainty, and productivity follow as a matter of course when I nail these habits. You don’t need a long sermon on why you need these things in your life, but here is a quick rundown of how they help me.
Getting up early. Start the day with a win. Build will power. Practice saying no to the flesh and yes to the Spirit. Gives you a quiet time to do important things.
Time in God’s Word & Prayer. Focuses the mind. Gives perspective. Shapes how you see the world. Sets up how you will respond to the day’s trouble. Time with the only One who can handle every issue or problem that comes your way. Refined character.
Plan your day. Dictate what you’ll do. Proactive, not reactive. Clarifies priorities.
Work out. Healthier body and mind. Strengthen will power. Increase mental performance. Less stress.
Read Books. Increased knowledge. Learning mindset. Reinforces humility because you don’t know everything. New ideas. New habits. Refined thinking.
Chances are you’re already doing a number of these things. Chances are also good that there’s some room for improvement. So identify that area. Focus on it. Ask others for help. Do whatever you must, because we aren’t talking about success in the business world, but in all of life. That means being a better parent, spouse, and friend. It also means growing into the mature believer in Christ you want to be.
A rising tide lifts all boats. So raise the tide of your life, by improving at a few key habits. Habits that infuse your life with more energy, focus, and fun.