I’m on Day #9 of a new tiny habit, which I’m tracking as “Prepare tomorrow morning’s routine (set out clothes if needed, water, etc)”.

Prompted by a few friends a few weeks back, I sped-read through a book called Miracle Morning and decided that it was time to give early mornings a try again.

I’ve historically been a big fan but got into the badhabit over the past year of both getting to bed really late and then staying in bed till my wife takes the kids to school (which, not a big surprise, she isn’t a fan of).

Now, for the past 2 weeks I’ve set my alarm for 5 AM on most mornings and so far I’m really happy with the results.

The biggest difference is time to be awake in the quiet and thinking, reading, and working before the day kicks in for everyone else.

It hasn’t been easy.. There were a few nights where I still got to bed late and got up early anyway. Those days were a bit rougher, but I made it.

If you’re interested in experimenting with early mornings, there are two key takeaways from my experience thus far that I’d like to pass on.

1. The key tiny habit is to prepare the night before – I set out my clothes, fill up a water container, and put a book out by my couch in the living room. When I wake up in the morning I get up, get dressed, and go straight to my couch to begin my breathing exercises. I’ve prepared a routine for myself that I don’t have to think through in the morning. Figure out a routine for you that gets you out of bed without thinking about it.
2. Your mindset matters – The most helpful thought for me from the Miracle Morning is this idea of telling myself, before I go to bed, that whatever sleep I get that night is going to be enough. It seems counterintuitive at first, but it works. I’ve felt anxious in the past.. “Oh man, I have to get my 8 hours in or the morning will be terrible..” and instead I’m saying “You know what, whatever I get tonight will be just fine. I’ve done my best and I’m grateful.”

Now time to get ready for bed.