5 Mind-Changing Actions to Start Your Day Right

Have you ever had those mornings where you wake up wishing you could crawl back under the covers? I think it’s safe to say that we’ve all been there at some time or another. I find myself saying “if only I had more motivation and encouragement, then maybe I would feel better about today.” I went on saying these excuses for months and I ended up nowhere.

What I finally realized is that the change I was looking for was right there in front of me. These five mind-changing actions to start your day aren’t anything elaborate – in fact, you don’t need anything except yourself to do them all. I hope that you will find this list to be full of words of encouragement for you to get through even the toughest days!

1. Say a Blessing Out Loud

Yes, I’m asking you to say a blessing out loud even on a Monday morning when you have enough paperwork to last you for the next two weeks. I’m not saying that the day is going to be perfect or that you won’t encounter a few Monday blues, but I am telling you that you have the power to change the way you start your day.

To begin, I want you to say a blessing before you get out of bed. As humans, we often are looking for the next big thing and that means we are in constant competition with the world. We are so quick to notice our deficits and the things that we don’t have, and that causes us to miss out on some of the greatest blessings that surround us every day. Simple things like having a bed, running water, a job, or a cup of coffee are all blessings. Don’t overlook them!

2. Look in the Mirror and Say Something Positive About Yourself

I think one of our biggest struggles in life is being content with who we are and how we look. We are our own worst critics, constantly looking for a flaw that needs tended to. Today, and every day from here on forward, I want you to look in the mirror and give yourself a compliment. It’s as simple as that.

3. Tell Someone You Love Them

How often have you read a sad story where someone got into a fight with a loved one and that person ended up dying? Although life is a beautiful struggle, we never know when our struggles are going to come to an end. I would hate for you to miss an opportunity to tell someone you loved them because your own selfish pride got in the way or because you were too busy to give that person two seconds of your time.

If someone isn’t around to talk to, send a text, call someone, send an email, write it on a Facebook wall, blow up Twitter, but make sure you do it somehow!

4. Exercise – If Only for a Minute

I think that a lack of time may be one of the biggest obstacles that gets in the way of exercising. I have to admit that I’ve fallen victim to this as well and it doesn’t make me feel very good. I’ve learned that sometimes I need to read motivational and inspirational quotes or listen to words of encouragement to get up the desire to workout, so maybe you should try that and see if it works for you. Even if you only have two minutes to spare, do some light stretching, jog in place, or lift some hand weights. Just that little spike in endorphins could help you get through a long day.

5. Give Yourself a Pep Talk

Before you think I’m crazy and want you to walk around talking to yourself all the time, I want you to hear me out. Something I’ve been working on when I get into my car every morning is to give myself a little encouragement to get through the day. I may say something about how I’m going to rock my meetings or that my work is beneficial to my clients because it helps change their lives for the better. I find that when I feel pumped up about what I’m about to do, then the tough stuff doesn’t seem so bad.