In the world of financial budgeting, they say you should pay yourself first. The idea is that before you allocate funds to bills or other things that you might want to buy, you should put aside money for your nest egg. Put money into savings, your 401(k), or wherever that money will serve to build your vital financial foundation. The foundation is what you draw from, and what will support you for the rest of your life.
When it comes to budgeting your time and energy, the same principle applies. Allocate time and energy to the things that build and maintain your foundation — that thing that you draw from in order to be productive during the day. In many cases, this means doing something in the morning. Have a small morning routine, or something simple you do to build your own foundation.
When I drink the first few sips of coffee in the morning, I enjoy it. I enjoy the way the mug feels in my hand. I enjoy the heat as it hits my tongue. I enjoy the flavor. It’s a ritual. And it’s nourishing — both physically, and emotionally. However tired I feel, however high the pile of stuff facing me for the rest of the day, I’m nourished and fortified by the coffee.
Whatever your thing is — be it coffee, tea, oatmeal, bacon, yoga, meditation, a shower, prayer — nourish yourself with something that gives you energy and optimism. Make sure it’s something that doesn’t take a lot of effort or a lot of time, and provides you with nourishment and energy. Then pause, and take on the day.