THE HABIT I HAD TO FIX FIRST
One of the first things I had to face was how I was starting my day.
I would wake up and immediately grab my phone. Scroll, check things, react to everything around me before I even gave myself a moment.
And I didn’t realize how much that was affecting me.
My mind was already distracted. My energy was already scattered. I was starting my day in reaction instead of intention.
It seemed small, but it wasn’t.
So I changed one thing. I gave myself space in the morning. No phone. No noise. Just a few minutes to think, breathe, and get clear.
It wasn’t perfect. Some days I still fall back into old habits.
But that one shift started changing everything.
Because how you start your day, shapes how you live your day.
I used to start every morning by immediately grabbing my phone and scrolling through messages, news, and social media. At the time, it felt harmless—just a quick check before getting out of bed. But over time, I noticed my mornings became chaotic and unfocused. My mind was overwhelmed before the day had even begun, and I often felt stressed or drained. One day, I decided to experiment by removing my phone from my morning routine entirely. Instead of reaching for it, I sat quietly, allowing myself a few minutes to breathe deeply and set clear intentions for the day. This small habit created a surprising mental space, helping me feel calm and more centered. As I stuck to this habit, I realized that avoiding phone use first thing in the morning prevented the scattered thinking and energy drain caused by digital distractions. My productivity improved, and I was able to approach daily challenges with a more positive and mindful attitude. I also discovered that this intentional start helped me prioritize my own well-being. Instead of reacting to a flood of notifications, I could focus on what mattered most to me—whether that was meditation, journaling, or simply enjoying a quiet cup of coffee. While it’s not perfect and I still sometimes slip back into old routines, the overall shift has made a profound difference. This experience taught me that how we start the day deeply influences our mindset and energy. Creating deliberate moments of calm before diving into the digital world fosters better mental clarity and emotional balance, which can ripple throughout the entire day.