Build Your Ideal Morning Routine


In this episode of The Localist, host Carrie Rollwagen talks about building a morning routine, emphasizing that while not imperative for success, such routines can be highly beneficial for setting a positive tone for the day. Carrie critiques the often glamorized and stringent morning routines shared online, advocating instead for customized and flexible routines that cater to individual needs and goals. The focus should be on creating a repeatable habit that helps in performing important tasks first thing in the morning, thereby conserving mental energy for the rest of the day.

Carrie breaks down the elements of a successful morning routine, suggesting the inclusion of a motivational playlist, some form of movement (whether it’s a full workout or simple stretching), time for reflection (through short readings, meditation, or journaling), and intentional fueling with a well-thought-out breakfast. She stresses the importance of consistency, particularly in the initial two weeks, to solidify these activities into a routine habit, aided by engaging multiple senses such as taste, sound and sight. By incorporating these elements, Carrie believes individuals can create a morning routine that is both effective and personalized.

Mentioned in this episode:

Carrie’s Instagram: https://instagram.com/crollwagen

Sign up for Carrie’s newsletter: https://gmail.us20.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=9c59a060684d71f12f6e495fc&id=98cd3122b9

Carrie’s Website: https://carrierollwagen.com/

The Power of Habit: https://bookshop.org/p/books/the-power-of-habit-why-we-do-what-we-do-in-life-and-business-charles-duhigg/7843601?ean=9780812981605

Atomic Habits: https://bookshop.org/p/books/atomic-habits-an-easy-proven-way-to-build-good-habits-break-bad-ones-james-clear/12117739?ean=9780735211292

Snoop Dogg Affirmations Song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PGFBxoWqOV0

Morning Pages: https://juliacameronlive.com/basic-tools/morning-pages/

The Creative ACT: A Way of Being by Rick Rubin: 

https://bookshop.org/p/books/the-creative-act-a-way-of-being-rick-rubin/18543579?ean=9780593652886

The Daily Stoic: https://bookshop.org/p/books/the-daily-stoic-366-meditations-on-wisdom-perseverance-and-the-art-of-living-ryan-holiday/12470416?ean=9780735211735

About Carrie

Carrie Rollwagen is host of the Localist podcast and cofounder of Church Street Coffee & Books. Currently, she works as Vice President of Strategic Planning at Infomedia, a web development company in Birmingham, Alabama. Find the Localist at @thinklocalist on Instagram and follow Carrie at @crollwagen.

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