A day is like a rocket without steering. The trajectory on which it begins determines the arc. Small changes in that trajectory matter a lot.
Beginning the day on my terms is important. The challenge is that those terms change and it’s not always easy to tell what they are. What will allow me to feel free and in control of the day, vs. feeling dragged along by it?
Today, it was starting with a walk outside and a blog post. I knew I needed to avoid any screens until I had some protein, got some movement in the morning sun, and sat down with a fresh cup of coffee. When I sat down, I realized I needed a playlist and a few minutes to write before I opened emails or Slack or surveyed and prepared my week or work.
This allows me to create and think independent of any demands as the first activity of the day. It puts me in a frame of ownership. I feel balanced. So when the demands start coming, it feels easier to field them because I feel autonomous.
Some days I get up, hop right on my computer and immediately start checking emails and Slack and reacting to what I missed overnight. It feels chaotic and those days don’t end well.
So consider this post the setting of my trajectory for today. Take charge of yours and enjoy it. I’ll do the same.