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As a freelancer, I realize that how I begin my day sets the tone for everything that follows. It largely affects not just my productivity, but also my attitude and energy levels throughout the day.
So, there is a way of maximizing your productivity. And it’s easy. Just read on to know how I get the most out of my day and follow it. You’re sure to see amazing results.
The first step before you launch into your morning rituals is to believe that morning rituals can help you unleash your full potential and achieve your goals.
Each daily ritual—beginning with waking up early to doing mindfulness exercises, working out, and setting daily goals—helps improve your morning routine and give your productivity a boost.
This is a life-changing set of rituals. It also has the power to give your freelancing business a huge leap.
Let’s dive into my nine morning rituals to get your day to a good start:
Ritual 1: Wake Up Early
You know the proverb, “The early bird catches the worm.” The same applies to us as we can benefit greatly from waking with the rising sun, if not before.
By being an early riser, you slip into the new day easily. You give yourself enough time to prepare for the day, physically and mentally.
For example, there was a time when I woke up very late. But when I realized that the calm of the early morning was the best time for a cuppa, I started waking early.
I began by setting my alarm 15 minutes earlier until I made a habit of it. Then, when I wanted to wake up a little earlier, it was oh so easy. And all the while, my productivity got a boost and I reduced morning stress.
Ritual 2: Mindfulness and Meditation
Have you taken on too much and are now regretting it? Does this make you tense and anxious? Sure, why not?
At times like these, including mindfulness and meditation into our morning rituals is very important. It helps give us better focus and clarity.
By doing just a few minutes of deep breathing or mindfulness exercises, you can see a huge difference in yourself.
It has been really helpful for me to dedicate even five minutes to meditation and mindfulness every morning. All through this time, I sit quietly and focus on my breathing. This helps me start my day with clarity and ready to tackle any obstacle.
Ritual 3: Exercise and Movement
Don’t believe that physical exercises only improve your physical health. They also boost your energy levels and mood. You might like to take a brisk walk. Or do yoga. Or a complete workout. How you move your body in the morning sets the rhythm for your day ahead.
Ritual 4: Healthy Breakfast
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Having a nutritious breakfast helps you fuel up for the day, so that you’re all set for success. Besides, you don’t feel dull and sluggish as the day wears on.
Ritual 5: Setting Intentions and Goal-Setting
Your work day hasn’t yet started. So, take a few minutes to set intentions for the day. What are your goals for the day? What are your priorities?
Setting your goals and intentions clearly gives you a roadmap of your actions throughout the day.
I prefer to write down my intentions in a journal or planner, or even on a Word page. This helps me stay focused and motivated as I move from task to task.
Ritual 6: Personal Growth and Learning
Continuous learning is the cornerstone of a freelancer’s life. It keeps you competitive and relevant. So, it pays to dedicate some time to personal development every morning. You might like to read a book on personal development, or listen to a podcast.
You might also like to attend an online course. Or invest in your growth by practicing a skill. Whatever you choose will pay off in the long run.
Ritual 7: Working At Your Productive Workspace
Your neat and tidy workspace is ideal to maximize productivity. Ensure you choose a quiet spot with a lot of sunlight. If it is distraction-free, so much the better. Otherwise, take a few minutes to turn off the notifications on your phone, switch off the TV and exit your inbox.
Ritual 8: Review and Planning
Don’t dive into your work for the day before reviewing your schedule and planning your tasks. Check out if you have deadlines around the corner. Do you need to spend time on certain projects?
With a clear action plan, you’re better equipped to handle your daily tasks. Personally, I like to keep it simple, so I write it down on paper. However, you might like to use a digital calendar or task management app for this. They will help you track your schedule and plan your tasks for the coming days.
Ritual 9: Practicing Gratitude and Positivity
Want to begin your day feeling focused and happy? Try this simple 2-step routine:
Gratitude Journaling: Spend a few minutes each morning writing down three things you’re grateful for. They needn’t be anything big. Even something like the morning sun, a cup of hot steaming coffee or a small win at work is fine. Focus on the bright side of life as this will set the rhythm for the day.
Mindful Meditation: Once you’ve written down the three things you’re grateful for, focus on your breath. Sit comfortably with your eyes closed and concentrate on how your body feels as you inhale and exhale.
Let your mind come up with various thoughts. Don’t be judgmental. This practice will help you feel calm and ready to handle the day’s tasks.
Takeaway
If you’re determined to incorporate these 9 morning rituals into your daily routine, congratulations! That’s a big step.
You’ve just set yourself up for success as a freelancer.
Remember, it’s important to be consistent. Don’t expect overnight success as these practices take time to give results. With patience and consistency, you will you’re your mornings to be focused, productive and extremely fulfilling.
Ready to kickstart your day with these powerful morning rituals? Start tomorrow morning and see the amazing results for yourself!