The Three G’s to Start Your Day

It’s never a good day for it.  It inevitably happens when you are already feeling rushed.  You get ready, load your car, hop in the driver’s seat to start it.  Then, nothing.  No turnover. You’re stuck until you can get the car jumped or the battery replaced.

You likely know that experience.  Most people have had it at some point in their adult life.  But, for many of us, the “stuckness” began even before we got into the car.  It began when the alarm went off…for the second or third time.

Does the word “morning” create a strong feeling in you?  For some people the feeling is excitement.  They have a clear routine that’s working.  They love the calm before the storm of life.  They get things done.

For some it is a feeling of dread.  They anticipate not having energy.  The thought of getting out of bed sounds like work and most definitely doesn’t sound like something to look forward too.

I’ve tried a number of routines in my career.  I’ve read the books on getting up at 5 AM.  That model hasn’t really worked for me–especially since having teenagers that stay up later and those late hours are when we connect.  I’ve made New Year resolutions.  I’ve tried working out first thing in the morning.   I’ve headed to the office before everyone else, trying to get ready to take on the day.   I’ve tried huge structure and little structure.  But, after daylight savings time or a few bad nights of sleep (did I mention I have four children) the routine can easily get sabotaged.  

When my new commitment to the new routine starts fading the guilt and shame kick in. Around this time, I likely just give up on the routine with confidence that the new routine was the wrong one for me. Giving up these routines has never resulted in getting more out of my day.

I’m about to share with you a brief formula that can help you renew your commitment to your mornings.  Whether you have 10 minutes or an hour to devote to starting your day with some focus, you can use this routine. I am confident that when you use it, your day has a much higher likelihood of being better.

The formula is called “The Three G’s.”  Here’s what it looks like:

  Gratitude + Growth + Goals = Good Start

Grab a journal.  Be ready to start when you’re finished reading this. Let’s break it down.

The #1 G:  Gratitude
The first G to journal about is Gratitude.  Write the headline “Gratitude.”  Then, put the numbers 1, 2, and 3 beneath it.  Enter three things from the past 24 hours that you are grateful for.  These things may be opportunities, relationships, victories, spiritual experiences, connections, accomplishments in your discipline, or anything you want to express gratitude for today.

This exercise can happen in as short as 2-3 minutes or you can really contemplate it and spend 10-15 minutes and pick the top three things among the many you consider.  Just orient yourself towards noticing the things you can be grateful for.  This focus on gratitude helps you appreciate the past day as well as the day to come.

The #2 G:  Growth
Next in your journal write the headline of “Growth” followed be 1,2, and 3.   Identify and fill in the spaces with areas you recognize growth in your life over the past 24 hours. Again, you could spend as little as 2 or 3 minutes on this or as long as you want.

I’ve been doing this exercise with my 11-year old for several weeks.  It started out as a struggle for him.  As we’ve helped him see success in his own growth, he’s starting to identify 2 or 3 things pretty quickly.  His definition of growth has changed and he sees it a lot more than he did before we started this.  It’s amazing even on the rough days he’s finding areas of growth in his life.

Look for growth wherever you can spot it.  It may be in your professional, spiritual, emotional, relational, financial, intellectual, or any area of your life.  Often we get focused on one slice of our life like our career.  Our careers can have hard days but our life can still be showing signs of growth.  We need to recognize these areas of growth.  

One of my areas of growth recently was around my emotional volatility on the disc golf course. It’s one thing to throw one bad shot.  But, I’ve been known to throw three, four, or five bad shots in a row.  While the bad shots still happen, my emotional range has narrowed because I’m more emotionally healthy these days.  I’ve calmed down and learned to enjoy the game and the time with my boys.

Think of three areas in your life where you’ve grown in the last 24 hours.  This daily practice can help you get more out of your day and remind you that you are still developing.

The #3 G:  Goals
The next area to journal about is your three (3) Goals for today.  Write “Goals” as your heading and then put in your 1, 2, and 3.  

The goals do not have to be monumental in nature.  They should be things you are committed to accomplishing before you conclude this day.  If you accomplish these three things your day will be a success regardless of what else happens.

I had a recent goal of scheduling a date with my daughter.  On that same day I committed to updating contracts for a client and writing two articles for an upcoming issue of my newsletter.  (Sign up here if you want to be a part of The Neighborhood: An Encouraging Email.)  Those were the highest priorities for that day.  I still had other responsibilities.  But, those three goals were my non-negotiables for the day.

Your goals set your day’s priorities.  This isn’t your checklist for the day.  But, these are the big rocks you’ll build your day around.  Set your three goals and then go knock them out.

Conclusion
When you are feeling stuck, this routine may help to jump start your day.  It doesn’t mean the battery in your car will work.  But, it does mean that your emotional wellness will get off to a great start.  Try using “The Three G’s” method of journaling to start your day.  Once you try it, string a few days together with this practice and see how it impacts your mindset.  When you discover the impact it has set a goal to do this at least 5 or 6 days a week.