WIN THE MORNING, WIN THE DAY?

WORDS BY NICHOLAS REESE

You’ve heard people say 'win the morning, win the day'. Whilst searching for motivation at the beginning of my isolation period in early March, instead of studying, I came across this. Reading article upon article, but truthfully, watching a lot of YouTube videos on the subject, I decided to create my own morning routine. Hopefully my article will serve as motivation for anyone reading. Please read this, it’s my first time published, can I put this on LinkedIn? Now, if you’re like me, you’ve spent more time on Netflix, procrastinating until guilt sets in, and not having learnt several languages or gaining another new skill, despite everyone else seeming to have accomplished this or something similar. But never fear, it’s not too late!

6.00am : Waking up. The first task on my list for a successful morning. I hear the alarm, which I’ve put across from by bed, so I’m forced to rise. This without doubt, was the hardest part to implement into my routine. The early bird catches the worm, a saying I’m sure everyone has heard.

I stand facing the mirror, and looking back at me is the face of a chap who would rather be asleep. His unshaven face which at first was considered to be an achievement, but the realisation has now set in that it’s a failure in personal hygiene, the messy hair and the dry mouth. My brain, begging me to return to the throws of my blanket, back into bed, where I would return to sleep for what could be another hour or more.

I leave the bathroom to discover everyone in the house is still asleep. Using the excuse that I don’t want my Nespresso machine, about the only thing that I’m sure is similar about my morning routine and that of George Clooney’s, to wake the rest of the family, I go back to bed, where I fall asleep again until 8am…

So for a moment (albeit a brief one), I woke up early. Where I failed however, you can succeed. I’m sure you’re looking for an excuse to move on from my article, so I’ll give you a couple of reasons why waking up early is beneficial, before you get the chance.

1. A head start :

If you’re awake at 6 or 7am, there’s a fair chance you’re going to be awake earlier than others around you. Given that you’re starting your day earlier than most, you’ll have more time to accomplish those tasks that really require attention. A good start to the morning, and you’re already on your way to winning the day. Imagine having an extra hour to focus, think of all the tasks you can tick off. You can start editing that assignment earlier, you can gain extra time to study for that quiz or even avoid procrastination later in the day but watching all the latest content on YouTube.

2. Stress reduction :

Does this sound familiar? You’ve got a 9am lecture (via Zoom or otherwise), you wake at 8am, the stress kicks in. No time for breakfast, barely anytime for a shower to wash the sleep from your eyes, rushing out the door with bedhead in check, just managing to make it in time. It’s stressful for me just writing about it, thinking about all the times this has happened. If you wake earlier in the day, you might be in with a chance of avoiding this unnecessary stress. I can’t help you with what breakfast you’ll choose, or what clothes you’ll be wearing, but waking up earlier will give you an opportunity to focus on these decisions, without feeling rushed. Convinced? I know I am. This article is so well written (humility is a strength of mine).

8.30am : Tip #2 Dress for success

Another one of my favourite sayings, dress for success. Simply put, if you dress like a professional, you’re going to be treated like a professional. German fashion designer, Karl Lagerfeld once said, “sweatpants are a sign of defeat”. During these times, not going out as much, there’s an overwhelming desire to stay in the pyjamas and dressing gown for the entirety of the day (I’m

guilty of this for sure). But, there are benefits to be had in getting out of your nightclothes and wearing something that you’d be comfortable in wearing out. I’m not necessarily talking about wearing the suit and tie or skirt (although I do love a three piece), just wearing something that’s outdoors appropriate, something you’d be happy to wear to class or to be seen in by a prospective employer. Pyjamas are associated with relaxation, going to bed on the horizon. These are not the feelings you want first thing in the morning, especially if you’ve got a big day of work ahead of you. Also, it’s much less conformable hopping into bed wearing the chinos and RMs (gosh, I miss them so). You’ll be much more inclined to work from your desk in your room, or at the table in the living area to get work done if you’re dressed appropriately. Clothes are powerful, and they have the potential of lifting your mood and cheering you up during these uncertain times. Studies have shown that the clothing we wear may have a direct impact on our mental wellbeing. So, get dressed!

8.30-9am : Tip #3 Breakfast, the best part of the day.

I know you must have tired of all the sayings, but I promise, just one more. Eat like a King for breakfast… . Having something in your stomach to start the day is incredibly important. If you’re going to be reading a lengthy judgment or working on that assignment that’s slowly (or quickly) becoming the bane of your existence, you’re going to need energy. Choose something that’s going to fill you up, but that’s also going to make you happy. Whether that’s Bacon and Eggs with a double espresso or Coco Pops and a glass of milk, it’s up to you. Your mind will thank you for it, and so will your work.

Well, there you have it ladies and gentlemen, a morning routine for a productive day. Wake up early, dress for success and have some breakfast. Notice, I haven’t bombarded you with loads of advice, and let me tell you why. Starting something new is hard, it takes on average 21 days to form a habit. I only want to start you on your journey, to inform you of some things I’ve included in my morning which I found beneficial and maybe you will too. Of course, there’s so much more you can do in the morning to start your day. You can read, watch the news or meditate. You can include anything you wish into this template or, you can read the first paragraph of my article, decide it’s full of rubbish and try your own morning routine, that’s completely okay too.

Until next time, stay safe and have a wonderful day, Nick.

(Disclaimer, this advice is not one size fits all, and individual results may vary – the law student in me must warn you of this).