Do NOT Check Your Email First
What was the first thing you did this morning when you entered your classroom, office space, or work area?
Okay, besides turning on the lights. Putting down your bags. Rolling up the shades. Picking up the various papers that are strewn about the floor.
Like the actual first ‘task-type’ thing you did?
If you’re like me and many I know, you probably checked your email inbox. This may seem to be a great way to start your day and begin to feel productive. I’m hear to tell you that it is NOT a great way to start most days.
Not sure about this idea?
Try this:
Keep your morning routine of checking your inbox as is for a week. Each day after checking, just sort of scan your mood, body language, and your next actions.
Mood Check:
What is your mood like as you’re checking your email?
Overwhelmed
Happy
Anxious
Confused
Relieved
Productive
Stressed
Body Language:
What is your body language like as you’re checking your email?
Upright/Good Posture
Leaning in/Leaning Over
Head in Hands
Eyebrows Furrowed
Eyes Tensing
Next Actions:
What are your very next actions?
Reply Immediately
Discuss Emails with Colleagues
Complain
Locate Materials
Late for a Meeting
Preparing for Students/Colleagues in a hurry
You may add or delete from these lists. The point is, you most likely already have a system for when and where to be on any given day, but what you might be searching for is a way to feel and act differently throughout the day.
Email CAN wait. In fact, email can be consumed with a new lens if you start your day with a different habit like gratitude.
So, where can you go from here?
Once you’ve completed your one week ‘normal’ routine, you already have enough awareness as to how you feel and what you notice about your actions to probably convince you that there has to be a better way to start.
Try this:
Each day as you enter your work area;
Place your bags down.
Grab your notebook.
Write the date.
Write the word GRATITUDE (this is important because it signals your intention for the practice)
List 1-3 things that you are grateful for about your work or daily interactions (make sure these lists are things you truly believe in and are not just filler for the page).
Read the list.
Smile.
Breathe.
Start your day.
Most importantly, don’t over think this part of your day. No one is going to ask to see your gratitude journal, you do not need to share your content, and you most certainly do not need to be perfect with your words or aesthetics. You simply need to DO the work. 2-3 minutes, that’s it!
As the week goes on and your notebook fills, take inventory of your mood, body language, and next actions again using these three questions:
How are you feeling after your gratitude routine?
How has your body language changed?
How has this practice impacted your next actions?
In the video below, I share my very basic routine. The video is truly a documentation of my morning routine, unedited.
As always, I am thrilled that you are here and that you’ve taken the time to consume this content. Please, leave a comment or share your process with me.
I look forward to hearing from you!