In chapter 10 of your book, Say Goodbye to Survival Mode, you write that you “get up everyday excited about what lies before you. Eager to meet the day and the challenges. Anxious to make a little more traction each day toward bigger goals for the future.”
This really hits me. This is what I strive for everyday and struggle with. I have the strong desire, but some mornings, I really have a hard time making it happen.
I was wondering if you had any tips to help with that? I have found that when I wake up in the morning I can usually tell if it’s going to be a not-so-good day. I feel it and when I try to work around that it seems like I’m just making things worse.
I really have an extremely hard time with my desire and intentions on having a good and productive day and it turning into a stressful dash in the evening to try and make it a reality. I’m doing better with not putting added pressure on myself during the day but the evenings are still bad. -Nisa
Great question, Nisa! Here are some ideas and suggestions I had based upon what I’ve found helpful myself:
1. Set Yourself Up for Success the Night Before
A successful morning begins the night before. Get started on your bedtime routine early: take time to tidy up the house, lay out your clothes for the next day, write out a short list of projects to accomplish in the morning, set up the coffee pot, and go to bed early.
Taking time the night before to prepare for the next day will not only make your morning go much more smoothly, but it will also give you a boost when you wake up. There’s something about waking up with a simple plan in place and things in order that jumpstarts your day in a good way.
For more ideas, be sure to check out my post on 11 Things You Can Do Tonight To Set You Up For Success Tomorrow.
2. Make Sure You’re Getting Enough Sleep
Not too long ago, I read Sleep: It Does A Family Good and was reminded of how important good’s night rest is. So make sure that you’re not sacrificing your health for the sake of getting up early!
If you’re feeling tired in the middle of the afternoon, you’re probably not getting enough sleep at night. The book recommends going to bed 15 minutes earlier until you find your sleep ideal (i.e. the number of hours of sleep that your body functions best on).
By the way, remember that not everyone is at their highest productivity in the early morning. Some people are more disciplined and efficient at night. If that’s when you function best and that’s what works best for your family, go with that.
3. Have a Reason for Getting Up
I read this comment the other day from Lou Holtz: “If you’re bored with life, if you don’t get up every morning with a burning desire to do things, you don’t have enough goals.”
Goals have given me purpose and passion for life. I have many short-term and long-term goals I’m working toward that I’m stoked about, so each day I wake up knowing it’s an opportunity to inch a little closer to those goals.
If you don’t have anything you’re aiming for, you’re probably not going to have much motivation. Why? Because you’re basically just wandering around without any real destination in mind. Or, you’re just trying to survive and make it to the weekend.
Consider where you hope to be in six months or a year from now? Do you want to be more fit, advance in your career, become a stay-at-home mom, write a book, pay off your credit card, develop friendships, learn a new language? Whatever it is that comes to mind, write it down.
Then, once you have a list of ideas, pick out the top 1-3 ideas that you would consider the greatest priorities to you. Make sure to choose ideas that are at least fairly realistic and very specific. Wishy-washy, pie-in-the-sky, or vague goals aren’t really goals at all; they are more ideas or dreams.
Take those 1-3 goals and break them down into bite-sized pieces: monthly, weekly, and then daily goals to help you work toward where you hope to be in six months or a year from now. Commit to spending 15-30 minutes every morning working on one of the goals.
4. Jump Outside Your Comfort Zone
Does jumping out of the safe zone scare you? Well, then take a tiny baby step. And then another tiny baby step. Whatever you do, though, don’t stay put.
One thing that helps me is to ask myself, “What’s the worst thing that can happen?” In most cases, there are pretty much only two “worst case scenarios” when trying something new: a) You try something and fail at it — which isn’t bad at all, as I already hopefully convinced you of just a minute ago. b) You try something and decide you don’t like it. In that case, there are a billion other possibilities of things you can try next.
I loved this quote from Michael Hyatt that I heard on his Platform University video:
“The most interesting things in life happen just outside your comfort zone.”
I’ve found this to be true in my own life. There are so many amazing experiences and relationships I would have missed out on if I had stayed in the safe zone.
Sure, it’s scary, but if you’re willing to take the risk, I’m guessing you’ll end up finding it really rewarding. Plus, I’ve discovered that when you start pushing yourself outside your comfort zone, your comfort zone moves. Things that were once completely daunting to you can become exhilarating and invigorating.
And no matter what happens when you get outside of your comfort zone, I promise it will be more inspiring than staying stuck in a rut.
Also: Read my post on 10 Things to Do When You Wake Up Feeling Like a Grouch.
What advice do the rest of you have for Nisa?
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This 14-day online course includes videos, a workbook, and step-by-step projects and is designed to help you revolutionize your productivity, streamline your routines, invest your time in things that truly matter, and find more joy and peace in the process.
If you’ve ever wished that you could figure out how to get more done, have more organization in your life, and find time to spend on things you love, the Make Over Your Mornings Course is for you. Find out more about it here.
Wake up before everyone else, and start with a good cup of coffee and God’s Word 🙂 Usually works for me.
I hope to be able to get your book soon!!! I have so much to thank God for, but struggle due to so much stress. I’m stuck in a situation that seems to have no end and haven’t been feeling like myself either. I set goals but rarely reach them even though they are realistic. I feel like I’ve lost my passion for everything and am in a hole.
I would add that you might want to consider a physical exam if you haven’t had one in a while and get some lab tests. It is not always an issue of mind over matter. I once saw a psychologist who asked me when my last one was. It had been ten years. I was young, 28, why would I need to? She said she didn’t think there was anything mentally wrong with me, but that it seemed physical. I heeded her advise, and turns out I was low in niacin and had a growth that would be need to be biopsied and removed. Who knows what could have happened if she hadn’t had such insight?
This post is very inspiring. I just realized I don’t have any real goals and I never do anything outside my comfort zone. I guess that’s why I’m depressed and stuck in a rut. I’m a stay at home mom and everyday feels the same. I live in a small town and there’s not much to do. Also, I don’t have any friends or family here. My husband and I are not doing well. I feel trapped, suffocated, and lost. I am in survival mode!
Well it is very clear to me I’m stuck at the bottom of a very big hole 🙁
I’d love to send you a copy of my new book, Say Goodbye to Survival Mode. I believe it would be a true blessing and encouragement to you. Can you email your mailing address to crystal@moneysavingmom.com? {Hugs!}
I’ve struggled with waking up in the morning, and I kinda consider myself a morning person. I loved the tips here and what I saw in the excerpts of the new book on Amazon.
My wife has talked about Money Saving Mom for quite awhile for the awesome deals and tips posted, but the book really appeals to my desire to be more effective in life in general. Ever since kidlet #3 came along 2+ years ago, we’ve definitely been in survival mode. Even though I’m a dad, I look forward to getting the book soon! Thanks for all that you do!
Great List! I really like #2. In my experience, people can reduce their stress and anxiety tenfold if they just slept well every day. It’s amazing the feeling you have waking up when you had a good sleep.
I had a very tough 2013 due to a number of factors. My two best friends of over 20 years both moved to Florida and California from our home state of Michigan over the summer. Our economy is still recovering, which makes our financial situation a constant struggle and our job market is still struggling. I’m greatful to have a position, but it’s only a temporary one. A few months ago I was struggling with my purpose in life and struggled each day to find motivation. Through the help of prayer, my young daughters and my husband I have found strength and courage to look at the positive side of things again. Your post above is just what I needed to read today. I will be ordering your book shortly to keep me going in the right direction. Thank you!
Crystal, you are amazing! What a blessing your are to those around you! You have such a sweet spirit. My husband & I can’t wait to read your book. 😉
Thank you! Angela
Everyday is a struggle. Today it maybe the kids and getting them up and ready and constant bickering. Tomorrow it’s the house , always cluttered and no one cleaning up after themselves. The next day it’s the struggle at work of too much to do in too little time. It constantly flip flops . I’m happy and content at work one day and the next I’m done with it. The following day , I’m content at home and then the kids get into it!
Not sure if a can purchase the book.
Hey Crystal,
Love this. 2 things that caught my attention :
1. “The most interesting things in life happen just outside your comfort zone.”
2. The question, “What’s the worst thing that can happen?”
Thanks for sharing.
I find it impossible to get to bed at a decent hour. The result is an unavoidable need to nap in the middle of the day. I have tried getting up earlier than my daughter, but she’s an incredibly light sleeper. No matter how quiet I am while I make my morning tea she wakes up and my quiet time/solitude evaporates.
Hi Dawn,
It’s so frustrating when circumstances prevent you from organizing your schedule the way that seems most natural to you! If you really can’t get to bed any earlier, I just go with it, and build naptime into your schedule. As for the issue with your daughter, that’s super frustrating. I’ve dealt with this phenomenon myself and I know other moms have too. Have you tried a noisemaker in her room that might help block out other sounds? I don’t know how old she is, so that would affect what your other options are, but my kids are required to play in their room in the morning until a certain time. Or you could put a cartoon on for half an hour first thing to give you a few minutes to get yourself together. Hope you can find a solution that works for you!
Thank you for the insight. After reading this I just realized that I don’t have enough goals, at least not tangible written ones. That’s why I feel aimless during my day sometimes. Also, CAN’T wait to get your book from my library! I requested they get a copy as soon as I heard about it!
I feel the same way. Life can be overwhelming and stressful but what helps me stay positive is how grateful I am for my family and all that surrounds me. As a Christian woman I thank God for all the blessings I have. When I feel like I’m falling into a mini depression i take some time for prayer before bed or when my daughter is napping. I let it all out. I cry, I rejoice and just pour my heart out. It definetely helps me feel better.
I really love your encouragement to get out of my comfort zone. I’ve been realizing lately how much I’m letting my own insecurities and fears of failure hold me back. I love the idea to take small steps outside your comfort zone! And your right, having the house cleaned up, and coffee ready makes mornings so much nicer(even if the second the kids get up you’d never know the house was clean!)
Congrats on your new book, I am so excited to get my hands on a copy! 🙂
This is such an enlightening post. Every single point has hit home with me. Thank you for such wonderful advice. Can’t wait to read the book!
I think a morning routine that you look forward to helps as well. I love getting up early on Saturdays because I know I am going to be meeting my friend to run together first thing. Other mornings I look forward quiet time that I don’t get the rest of the day. Time to pray and read my bible and just sip my hot tea and soak up the quiet that fills my tank. I know if I stay in bed I won’t get that. Making your morning routine contain things you can look forward too the minute your feet hit the floor so you have something to lure you out of those warm blankets.
I am definitely not a morning person and work has been stressful which makes it even worse. I also have a bad habit of turning small things into catastrophes in my head. I really like the advice of asking “what’s the worst that can happen?” I really can’t wait to read your book. Unfortunately my library does not have it on order. Maybe I can convince my husband to take a break from our debt snowball and pick it up for my birthday. Thank you for sharing this piece of you and offering encouragement to every one who is sick and tired of being sick and tired.
Email me: crystal@moneysavingmom.com — I’d love to send you a copy. 🙂
Gosh Crystal, your generosity has just amazed me this week…truly amazed me!
Getting out of bed in the mornings has always been a struggle for me (even if I’m awake). Having an early deadline or morning appointment helps me get over the hurdle of getting out of bed and getting my day started.