My Morning Makeover: A Quiet Shift with Big Results

From groggy starts to grounded mornings—here’s what worked for me.

Do you ever feel like you’re rushing through life, constantly playing catch-up and struggling to find balance? If so, you’re not alone. Many of us lead busy lives filled with responsibilities and commitments, leaving little time for self-care and reflection. But what if I told you that a simple morning routine could be the key to transforming your life?

Have you read the book “The 5 AM Club” by author Robin Sharma? I have recommended it to countless friends because it works! In his book, he examines the importance of beginning your day with intention and purpose. He argues that you can set the tone for a successful and fulfilling day by waking up early and dedicating time to personal growth and self-care. As someone who has experienced the life-changing benefits of a morning routine firsthand, I couldn’t agree more. Trust me, I was a huge skeptic at first, but it does work.

Of course, a morning routine certainly doesn’t have to be overcomplicated or hard, and it really shouldn’t be. It can be as simple as waking up 15 minutes earlier to enjoy a cup of coffee in peace or taking a few moments to meditate and set your intentions for the day ahead. The key is consistency—making it a habit and sticking to it, even on days when you don’t feel like it.

One of the most powerful aspects of a morning routine is the sense of control it gives you over your day. After really honing in on my routine and making it a habit, I stopped reacting to my day because I had mastered how to start the day on my own terms, with clarity and purpose. I used to rush through my mornings. Mornings to me meant taking care of all the horses and dogs,  showering, eating, and grabbing a cup of coffee for the drive to the office. Oh, and most of the time, it meant LATE to work. I was doing well if I got there in one piece. Mornings were just for rushing, rushing, rushing! This always bothered me. I wanted to be one of those people who eased into her day and actually enjoyed her time before work. I never really mastered it. Now, I’m about 7 years into my morning routine transformation, and I can’t imagine not being a morning person. It’s my favorite part of the day.

So the thought of getting up EARLIER to enjoy my coffee in peace, journaling, or even working out was ridiculous. However, I’m here to tell you I’ve now mastered my morning routine, and it DOES make a HUGE difference in my days. Starting my morning in a calm state and enjoying it is something I now look forward to every day. There are definite benefits to waking up earlier!

My Morning Routine:

5:00- Wake up and feed my doggie, Huxley

5:10-Get my coffee with whipping cream and read the news on my iPad. I look forward to savoring my coffee and reading the news every morning. It’s my thing, and I love it. Then I’ll briefly review my social media. I like my mornings….quiet. I learned this about myself once I started working on it seriously. Some people thrive on noise in the mornings (my husband being one), but I do not.

5:45ish-Journal. I write in a daily journal every day. I write about the previous day and what I’m grateful for. If I had a bad day, I write it down. My journal is just a cheap notebook from Walmart. I also review my work planner (I use a Franklin Covey planner) to see what’s on the agenda for the day. This is the time for me to make tweaks if something has changed for the day.

6:00-Feed horses and have a morning walk with Huxley

6:30-workout/move

Then I prepare my breakfast and get ready for the work day. Most of the time, I’m in my office by 7:30 or so, but every day is different when it comes to work. I don’t veer from my routine very much at all. I don’t sleep in on weekends or change my routine. I don’t need to because I look forward to it. 

My Morning Routine Starts the Night Before

The best way to have a successful morning is to plan it the night before. For me, that means preparing the coffee in the evening, so by 5:00 in the morning, it is already brewed and ready. I ensure that both my iPad and Apple Watch are fully charged. Nothing worse than waking up to get my coffee and read the news on my iPad, only to find that it’s not charged. I also lay out my workout clothes the night before. Waking up and knowing that everything is ready to help me have a delightful morning sets an excellent tone for the day!

Here’s the thing….do what works for you. I like it to be a peaceful start to the day. My husband is the exact opposite. He will watch a movie first thing in the morning. It would never occur to me to turn on the TV. Do what works for YOU! If you like quiet, find a quiet spot in your home. Make it a cozy corner just for you. 

This sense of empowerment can have a ripple effect, influencing every aspect of your life—from work to your relationships to your overall sense of well-being.

So, how can you start incorporating a morning routine into your daily life? Start small. Set your alarm 15 minutes earlier than usual and use that time to engage in an activity that brings you happiness and sets a positive tone for the day. Whether it’s journaling, stretching, or simply enjoying a quiet moment of reflection, find what works for you and make it a daily practice. It will take time for you to figure it out.

As you begin to reap the benefits of your morning routine—increased productivity, heightened focus, and a greater sense of peace and well-being—you may find yourself wanting to expand it and add more elements. And that’s okay. The beauty of a morning routine is that it’s flexible and customizable, allowing you to tailor it to your unique needs and preferences.

Also, be kind to yourself! Are there days when I don’t get up right at 5:00? Sure, but I still do the things that set me up for a great day. I still have my coffee (in the fall, I add this homemade creamer); I still journal, go for a morning walk with my dog, and work out. I may have to shorten the time I spend on these things, but I still stick to my routine. It’s not so much about getting up right at 5:00 (even though I do agree, it’s the magic hour), but more about the routine you incorporate after you get up.

So why not give it a try? Wake up a little earlier tomorrow morning and see how it feels. Who knows? It may just be the life-changing start you’ve been searching for. 😉

Easing into my morning has been life-changing for me. It’s helped me clear my mind, therefore creating more productive days.

If you’re craving more slow, soul-filling moments like a quiet morning, Front Porch Life Magazine was created with you in mind. It’s full of stories, inspiration, and the kind of peaceful reads that pair perfectly with your first cup of coffee. Good luck on starting your day with joy! Comment below and let me know how you conquer your mornings. 💗

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