This morning, as I was driving to work, I intentionally did some things to get my mind ready for what I was about to do.
I was on my way to a training for a group of high-level leaders from across the state where I, and my team, would be talking with them about how to create an organizational culture that helps people thrive. I wanted to be “on my game” and add value to others, so I spent some time getting myself mentally prepared for the task.
And this made me think about how I get ready for work each day that helps me bring my best for others.
The Night Before
The night before the workday I do three things:
- I get my clothes ready. I choose what I will wear, iron the clothes if needed, and lay them out so that everything is ready to go. This helps me start the day with a feeling of preparedness.
- I review my calendar and identify my top 3 priorities for the day. Again, this helps me start the day with a feeling of preparedness because I know what I will be doing and focusing on tomorrow.
- I pray about the events on my calendar and the priorities of the next day.
The Morning Of:
- First thing in the morning, I get up and go the gym. Getting your body going also gets your brain moving. It also gives me a sense of accomplishment before I even start my workday. And,, while working out, I will listen to a podcast that relates to one of my top 3 priorities for the day, or, most often, to Scripture that keeps me focused on my core beliefs and values.
- I then eat breakfast. This is so obvious, but many people either skip or skimp on breakfast. I did for a long time, until I realized that breakfast is feeding my brain as well as my body. When I have taken the time to eat a healthy breakfast, I have noticed that I am able to begin my workday with greater energy and a better attitude.
- I spend time reading Scripture and praying. This takes me about 10-15 minutes. I read a short passage everyday (currently, I am reading through Proverbs), write a one sentence summary of what I’ve just read in a notebook, then pray about the theme of the passage and ways that I can apply its teaching to my life. I also have lists of prayers – including this workday startup prayer – that I rotate between so that my prayer time is intentional, intercessory, and Kingdom-focused.
On My Commute:
- I work from home, so I don’t have a regular commute. When I am commuting to work, I listen to worship music on the way. Continuing to worship as I start my workday helps me to stay centered and reminds me of the “way of being” that I want to display to my colleagues.
- While I listen, I am also listening for the Holy Spirit to bring certain people or opportunities to my mind. And He always does!
- When I get to work, I am prepared. I know what to do and I am ready to do it because I have spent time getting my mind right. I also have people on my mind and heart, placed there by the Spirit, that I am looking to encounter so that I can be a source of encouragement to them.
That’s how I get ready for work.
What does your routine look like?
rusty tugman 