Morning After Morning – Part 2

After discussing the importance of repetition and action last week (no more excuses!), this week I want to encourage you to take action in the morning. One of my goals for this year is to define and stick to a morning routine. It’s not always easy getting up but if I don’t start extra early then I don’t have time to get done what I want. Over the past 2 months, I have felt more accomplished when I get up even if it means being a little bit tired. Setting your priorities helps you stay focused on your goals. It is just as important to set aside time to work on your priorities as it is to set your goals. The best way to do this is to start in the morning with your highest priorities first.

Attacking your priorities first thing in the morning is not a new idea. There are several books and authors that recommend it. Here are two current books that I think you will enjoy and get benefit from:
1. 100x Life by Stephen Skinner. (http://www.stephenfskinner.com/)

2. Miracle Morning by Hal Elrod.

I am an early morning guy, but that doesn’t mean you have to be. My morning usually starts between 5 and 5:30am. I get exercise, reading, journaling and prayer done first thing before I start anything else. It also gives me time to work on the projects that are most important on my list. For you, it may mean getting up at 7 instead of 7:45, or 9am may be early for you. Whatever your time is, get up and get after your goals. The Bible even encourages getting your priorities done early. The scripture from last week, Exodus 36:3, says the people brought their offerings “morning after morning”, not later in the day and they didn’t rush to get it done before dark. My favorite passage on this subject is Mark 1:35: “Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.” Talk about a practical way to live like Jesus! For a majority of my life, bedtime prayers were my regular time to talk to God. I still pray at night, but my focus has been so much better since consistently beginning my day with prayer and scripture.
Take time first thing in the morning to pray and focus your attention on what is important. You will not be disappointed.

Next week, I will define how I get my mind focused in the morning and share with you a template for your own morning.