If you know me personally or follow my YouTube channel, this won't come as a surprise—I take my mornings very seriously and protect them at all costs. I believe the way we start our day determines how the rest of it unfolds.
Some people claim they can hit snooze three times, jump out of bed, throw on clothes, grab a slice of breakfast pizza and an energy drink at Casey’s, and arrive at work with two minutes to spare—and they’re "just fine." I respectfully disagree. Not only is this approach unhealthy, but it also invites chaos into your day.
Why Rushing Sets You Up for Stress
When your morning operates on such a tight schedule, minor hiccups—like a car issue, heavy traffic, waiting for a train, bad weather, or even a long line at Casey’s—can spiral into major stress. Being late to work might disappoint your employer or clients, throw off your schedule, and force last-minute changes. These disruptions create unnecessary, self-inflicted stress, which compounds the everyday pressures we already face.
The Importance of Preparation
For me, having a productive, enjoyable day requires being spiritually, mentally, and physically prepared. When I’m at my best, those around me benefit too. This level of preparation doesn’t happen by chance—it begins the evening before.
Getting enough quality sleep is foundational. Experts recommend 7–9 hours of sleep, and I’ve learned I need at least 7.5 hours to feel my best. Since I wake up at 4:30 AM to leave the house by 8:00 AM, I know I need to be asleep by 9:00 PM.
My Morning Ritual
Over the years, I’ve developed and refined a structured morning routine that sets the tone for the day. This routine includes:
By the time I start work, I feel spiritually, mentally, physically, and nutritionally equipped to handle whatever challenges come my way. My day becomes more enjoyable, productive, and stress-free. And just as importantly, the people I interact with deserve the best version of me—something my morning routine helps ensure.
Adapting the Routine
When I have an early meeting or event, I adjust my schedule by waking up 3.5 hours before I need to leave. That means ensuring I get to bed at least 7.5 hours before that. On weekends, I stick to my routine rather than staying up late or sleeping in. Disrupting your sleep schedule, even for a couple of days, can feel like the effects of transitioning to and from Daylight Savings Time.
Staying Consistent: A Real-Life Example
To show how dedicated I am to my mornings, here’s an example: I use an app to log my written affirmations, and as of December 5, 2024, I’ve maintained a streak of 2,766 consecutive days—over 7.5 years without missing a single day.
Ready to Transform Your Mornings?
If you’re looking to improve your life, start with your mornings. I’m always happy to share my experiences and tips. One book I highly recommend is The Miracle Morning by Hal Elrod. Kristy and I had the privilege of hearing him speak at the EXIT Realty convention in October, where he kindly autographed our copies.
Wishing you all the best on your journey to becoming the best version of yourself!
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Norwalk IA Real Estate –
Jon Niemeyer, Broker/Owner/REALTOR® at EXIT Realty North Star. I list and sell real estate in Central Iowa including Norwalk, Des Moines, West Des Moines, Cumming, Indianola, Carlisle, Waukee, Urbandale, Grimes, Clive, Johnston, Ankeny, Altoona, and Pleasant Hill in the Counties of Warren, Polk, Dallas, and Madison. Call
Jon Niemeyer at
515-490-4675.
