Create Your ‘Organized Life Morning Routine’ [Mission #21]

Get Organized And Enjoy The Morning More

Welcome to Mission #21 of our 52 Get Organized Missions.

Last week we created your personal Organized Life Bedtime Routine. This week we’ll create one for the morning.

Having an Organized Life Morning Routine will help you face each day – and the world – with a sense of confidence, order, and motivation.

Remember: you only need 30 minutes for the basic mission. Extended Options are below.
If you’re new, you might like to start here: 52 Organizing Missions.

Get Organized Mission #21: Create Your Organized Life Morning Routine

Step 1: Make a list of what you need to do each morning

I suggest you write, or type and print out, your list (or use the suggestions below and print out this post). Tape it to the bathroom mirror or somewhere you’ll see it each morning, to remind you of things to check off so you enjoy a calm, organized and productive day.

Include in your Organized Life Morning Routine the things that help you start the day looking and feeling good. I’ve categorized by zone, but create your routine in the order you perform the tasks. Here are some ideas:

Fuel Up

  • Have breakfast
  • Make lunches, snacks, etc
  • Put lunch/snack in bag/briefcase/backpack
  • Load dishwasher/wash breakfast dishes
  • Wipe down table, surfaces used, and the sink
    [Tip: A tidy kitchen will brighten your mood when you get home]

Do Your Ablutions & Grooming

  • Shower
    [Tip: Use products that smell nice and feel pampery to give yourself a mini spa treat every day]
  • Clean your nails with a nail brush
  • Brush your teeth [Tip: Brush your tongue too]
  • Shave (dudes)
  • Style your hair
    [Tip: Ask your hairdresser for a cut that looks good with minimal styling time and effort]
  • Apply make up (girls)
    [Tip: Keep it simple – you’ll save time every morning and avoid ‘touch ups’ all afternoon]
  • Hang up towels
  • Put make up, hair products, etc away

Dress

  • Choose an outfit that looks and feels good
    [Tip: Only keep items in your closet that look and feel good]
  • Check your labels are tucked in, zips done all the way up, etc
  • Put away any clothes left out
  • Stand up nice and straight and smile when you check your reflection in the mirror

Personal Organization

  • Make the bed
    [Tip: A nicely made bed will lift your mood as you start and as you end your day]
  • Check your diary
    [Tip: Knowing what’s ahead can help you feel like you’re starting the day prepared]

Check Your Remember-To-Take Checklist

  • Keys
  • Wallet
  • PDA
  • Cell phone
  • Handbag, briefcase, tote, backpack
  • Coat, jacket, cardigan
  • Special items for meetings, etc
  • Money/tokens for tickets, tolls, etc

Step 2: Time yourself tomorrow

Tomorrow, complete your Organized Life Morning Routine and notice how long it takes. That’s how long you need to allow yourself each morning.

Step 3: Use the Organized Life Morning Routine each day

Every day, follow your Organized Life Morning Routine. Make it a habit.

You’ll start the morning well because of your Organized Life Bedtime Routine. Use this routine to move the whole day that way!

Dos & Don’ts

  • Don’t turn this into an daily ordeal. Be quick and spritely. Have upbeat music on if it helps.
  • Do remind yourself that the time you spend each morning on this ritual will more than pay for itself in a greater sense of confidence, order, and motivation throughout the day.

Extended Organizing Mission Options

Want to go beyond this 30-minute organizing mission?

  • Create an Organized Life Morning Routine for each child. It will both save time and teach the kids valuable personal organization skills.
  • Depending on their age, many or all of the listed items above could apply. If age-appropriate, give them a printed copy to follow in the mornings.

Ready, Set, Go!

Remember – move quickly, act fast, don’t overthink.

Before You Go – Please Check In, And Send Photos!

Please add a comment at the bottom of this post to let your mission-mates know you’ve completed this week’s Get Organized Mission and you’re keeping your commitment.

We’d love to add your before and after snaps to the 52 Organizing Missions Hall of Fame. Please send photos to: Photos@GetOrganizedWizard.com

And see you back here next week!

Did You Know

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Click here to sign up for 52 Organizing Missions.

[Image: http://www.flickr.com/photos/filtran/ / CC BY 2.0]

Michele | Get Organized Gal

Michele is into writing, books, simplicity, love, TV, productivity, and staying thin in a world of chocolate.

32 thoughts on “Create Your ‘Organized Life Morning Routine’ [Mission #21]”

  1. Pingback: Organize your night for a good morning!!! | Drkathiemathis's Blog

  5. Lauren says:

    Done. I spend a lot of time not properly focused in the mornings and I think having a checklist will help me get things going more quickly.

  6. Lauren says:

    Done. I spend a lot of time not properly focused in the mornings and I think having a checklist will help me get things going more quickly.

  9. Ruth says:

    Love the morning list. When I finally wrote it out, I realized all my stress and worry was just a lack of focus. 😀 Easy morning in 2010, here I come!

  10. Ruth says:

    Love the morning list. When I finally wrote it out, I realized all my stress and worry was just a lack of focus. 😀 Easy morning in 2010, here I come!

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