One thing that most truly successful people have in common is that they have daily practices, habits, or routines that help them keep a positive attitude and start their day with a mindset of success.

This one tip for success, in our our life and in our parenting, can make all the difference over time.  These practices are focused on personal care and we do them because they nurture and support us, not other people, but us.  For many people taking a morning shower is one of these practices that help them feel ready for the day, that they are physically good to go.

But if we stop there, we can fall into mental or emotional ditches within minutes of getting out of the shower!  This is where other practices are needed so that we also clear our mental body for the day and give our emotional body some nourishment as well.   For the mental body some good practices are starting your day with feelings of gratitude and openness for all the good that you will encounter this day.  Intentionally choosing thoughts that help you embrace the day is very helpful, thoughts like “I open to this day and all that I need to do.  I can handle this day and I will be gentle with myself and others so that I can move through this day with warmth and love”.

Emotionally related practices that are super helpful are allowing yourself to feel love toward yourself or to feel patient and compassionate toward yourself as you start out your day.  It seems like a small thing, but most people start our their day, from the moment they wake up, with old thoughts and mental tapes that have been playing for way too long, tapes that are negative, self deflating, and unquestioned.  We don’t even think of loving and appreciating ourselves for a few minutes. Look into the mirror in the morning and smile at yourself and see yourself as a beloved child of God doing the best you can, and you’re willing to Get Up, Dress Up and Show up with your best energy this day.

Time for a mental and emotional shower along with that physical shower!  Choose some new practices that you can incorporate into your day that help you feel empowered, successful and happy.  But be patient because you may not feel the results of such practices for a few weeks or months.  However once you do you will be motivated to continue them because of how they are changing you, and your life!  Whatever works best for you, remember to do them with the intention that they help you feel good, raise your vibe and give you the best possible start for your day ahead.

Examples of good daily practices, particularly first thing in the morning, include:

Walk or working out at the gym (physical and mental)

Meditation (spiritual and mental)

Journaling (emotional)

Looking in a mirror and appreciating yourself (mental and emotional)

Reading inspiriational material (spiritual and mental)

Stretching out while saying positive affirmations (physical, emotional, mental) 

Thinking of things you are grateful for while showering (emotional, mental)

Take a walk and give yourself positive messages out loud (physical, mental, spiritual)

Connect with God and just feel loved by everything (spiritual)

Appreciate all of the little ways that others support you, who you don’t even know (mental, emotional)

Practice appreciating everything in your life, even your particular set of challenges (spiritual, emotional)