Start your day focused on you

For years the first thing I did when I woke up each morning was reach for my phone. It was instinctive.

My first thought of the day was focused on work and what other people needed from me.

Five minutes into my day and I was already stressed. And I told myself it was ok because I was doing it in the name of helping others. Putting clients first was the way to get ahead, the definition of good service, and an essential part of running a successful business.

But then I realized I was doing it backwards.

It turns out that the best thing you can do for your family, your friends, your colleagues and your clients is to prioritize the things that help YOU show up at your best.

When we get busy or stressed, our first instinct is to sacrifice our own wellness. We abandon the things we need most. We edge ourselves out of the equation.

Instead, what we need to do is triple down on taking care of ourselves first.

This is not something to feel guilty about. It’s not just ok for you to prioritize yourself. It’s an absolute necessity.

The people around you are counting on you to do it.

Try this:

If you want to start shifting your perception, answer these three questions:

• What brings me clarity?

• What helps me take care of my mind and body?

• What makes me happy?

Pull one thing from that list. And instead of grabbing your phone tomorrow morning, do that one thing first.

This is how you start to be the best version of yourself. If you really want to help the people around you, you’ll put yourself first.

Go have a great workday.