My Morning Routine: Building Discipline through Non-Negotiables

I used to struggle with consistency in my morning routine. Something I was constantly guilty of was ‘deciding’ to not train while I was still wrapped up in bed without honoring my body and taking the time to check-in with how I really felt. But over time, after becoming sick of the ‘should I have’ guilt, I’ve learned that building discipline in my morning routine is essential for setting the tone for the rest of the day. One of the ways I’ve been able to do this on days that I already intended to exercise is through establishing non-negotiables.

A non-negotiable is a habit or action that you commit to doing every day, no matter what! My non-negotiables in the morning currently look like this:

• Wake up at the same time every morning, no snooze button!

• Going for a short walk to get some sunshine, connect with nature, and begin to take note of how my body is feeling.

• Completing my full gym warm-up routine.

After completing these non-negotiables, I am now in a much better position to decide whether going ahead and completing my planned exercise is appropriate or not for how I am feeling that day. This has become crucial for me in pregnancy where I sometimes feel like I am experiencing a completely new symptom each day.

I have also found the following benefits in following my non-negotiables:

1.       They create consistency. By committing to doing the same things every morning, I’ve created a sense of routine and predictability in my day. This consistency helps me feel grounded and in control, which sets me up for success throughout the rest of the day.

2.      They eliminate decision fatigue. Making decisions can be draining, especially first thing in the morning. By having non-negotiables in place, I don’t have to waste mental energy deciding whether or not to go for a walk or do my warm-up. These decisions are already made for me, which frees up mental space for more important decisions later in the day.

3.      They build momentum. As Admiral William H. McRaven writes in his book “Make Your Bed,” “If you make your bed every morning, you will have accomplished the first task of the day. It will give you a small sense of pride, and it will encourage you to do another task, and another, and another. And by the end of the day that one task competed will have turned into many tasks completed.” When I start my day by completing my non-negotiables, I feel a sense of accomplishment and momentum that carries me through the rest of the day. It’s like I’ve already achieved something before the day has even really started.

Building disciple in your morning routine can be challenging, but incorporating non-negotiables can make it easier. By committing to doing the same things every day, you can create consistency, eliminate decision fatigue, and build momentum that sets you up for success. Give it a try and see how it works for you!