Identify as a thermostat by setting your own internal temperature and influencing your environment, rather than being a thermometer that merely reacts to external conditions.
At the start of your day, imagine yourself at the end of the day saying it was ‘really great,’ then work backward to identify 3 personal and 3 professional actions that would need to happen to achieve that feeling, setting your focus and intention.
Structure your morning routine around ‘mindfulness’ (breathing, meditation), ‘movement’ (e.g., a short workout), and ‘mindset’ (reading something uplifting) to intentionally set the tone for your day.
In addition to a ’to-do’ list, create a ’to-be’ list to define the qualities or states of being you want to embody (e.g., compassionate, loving), as this can guide your behaviors more effectively.
Cultivate agency and view yourself as the pilot of your life and mind, rather than a passenger reacting to external stimuli, to maintain control and avoid being used by technology.
Be mindful of what you consume, especially in the morning, because your mind’s ‘algorithm’ will feed you more of what you engage with, and focusing on negative news can train your nervous system to look for threats.
Recognize that difficult times present a choice to either be distracted, diminished, or developed; choose to use them as an opportunity for personal growth.
Refrain from looking at your phone for a period of time in the morning to prevent starting the day reactively and to allow you to intentionally set your internal ’thermostat.’
Expose yourself to direct sunlight first thing in the morning to reset your circadian rhythm, which can help you sleep better at night, embodying the ‘fire’ element.
Hydrate immediately upon waking, as you lose water during sleep, and staying hydrated can significantly boost your reaction time and thinking speed by up to 30%.
Incorporate breathing exercises into your morning routine to combat mental fatigue and sedation, ensuring you get enough oxygen to your brain.
Go outside and get grounded by taking off your shoes and walking barefoot, as it’s a natural and free way to connect with the ’earth’ element.
Check your posture, especially when at your desk, to ensure your diaphragm isn’t collapsed, as proper posture allows your lungs to absorb more oxygen, improving blood flow and mental clarity.
Actively control the environmental aspects of technology use, such as avoiding picking up your phone out of boredom or during meals, because you always have a choice in how you engage with it.