The Secret to a Great Morning

There’s nothing quite like getting my morning off on the right foot! Coffee’s made, the sun’s shining, and everything I need is where it should be. When I’m rushed and forget something, it’s hard to get back on track. My secret to a smooth morning is what I call the Evening 20-20-20, and when it gets done, the whole household runs like clockwork (well, most of the time!). Try this trick for one week, and you’ll be a believer!
 
The 20-20-20 refers to three 20-minute increments of time. They don’t have to be consecutive, but it works easiest for me if they are in a row. Here’s what we do during those 20 minute segments:
 
            20 minutes – Put away
            20 minutes – Prepare for the morning
            20 minutes – Peaceful time
 
It sounds really simple, and it is!

1. Put away: Anything that is out of its place should be put back where it belongs. Dirty dishes? Dishwasher. Pile of shoes? Closet. Papers all over the table? Sort and put away, throw away, put in your To Do box or file. Seriously, the amount of work you can get done in 20 minutes may just astound you. A sink full of dirty pots and pans can be conquered in 10 minutes or less. Play some high energy music to get the blood pumping or make a contest out of it to get the family revved up. Remember to set a timer because when time’s up, just stop. Even if EVERYTHING isn’t picked up and put away. Your 20 minutes has been well spent. Next:
 
2.  Prepare: Get tomorrow morning’s work done tonight so your morning runs like a Swiss watch. My husband loads up the coffee maker so we wake to a delicious cup of Joe. Is tomorrow trash pick up? Collect all the trash around the house and get it to the curb tonight. Pick out your clothes. Is there a video conference call tomorrow or am I free to wear my old college t-shirt (with a NSFW slogan - I’m not judging!)? Do the kids have homework or a project due? Get that assembled in its designated place. Everyone should be helping out with the 20-20-20 routine, too. When the 20-minute timer rings, you can all stop and move to the final 20:
 
3.  Peace. Reward yourself with a final 20 minutes to do what you want to do for peaceful time. Let the family do the same. Read a book, drink a cup of tea, play a game, or take a relaxing bath. Whatever you choose, be sure it sets you up for a relaxing night sleep which is so important to our well-being. Model for your family what it looks like to go to bed at a decent hour and wake up refreshed!
 
Try this routine for a week and see if you start to feel stress melting away with easier mornings each day. Feel free to call me if you need coaching to get started.
 
Let me know if you try it – I’d love to hear your stories!
 
Until next time,
 
Mrg
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605-929-1493