Remember our interview with Hilary Bilbrey, the “Live Inspired” coach? We’re delighted to have her back as a featured guest, writing about the importance of routines and how developing healthy habits starts with keeping simple promises to yourself.

Whenever there is change and we are out of routine, it can be a struggle to find the rhythm of our days again. Whether it is weekday to weekend, school in session to summer, or we are just in the midst of a pandemic, our routines can help us feel a sense of control, accomplishment and confidence. Gaining control again when there is so much uncertainty may sound like an overwhelming task, but it really is much easier than you think. It all starts by banning your snooze button. 

On May 19, 2014, Admiral William McRaven, former Navy SEAL, gave a commencement speech that motivated the world to “make their beds” first thing in the morning. If you have never seen it, it really is a must-watch. I agree with the Admiral’s thought: when we wake up in the morning and make or beds first thing, we have accomplished our first task of the day and reaffirmed that the little things matter. This is 100% fact. However, I would contend that our success for our day starts the night before when you decide when you set your alarm. 

You are in control of when you get up. Some of you may be shaking your head and saying, “No way. My mom comes in and makes me get out of bed every morning (or afternoon).” While that might be true, that is still your choice. You could make a decision the night before and get up on your own, accepting responsibility for your own day, not deferring it to other people to decide your routine. Why is this important?

You decide when to get up. You set your alarm. You envision yourself hearing your alarm the next morning, putting your feet on the floor, making your bed and getting dressed. This is called habit stacking, by the way: envisioning a group of tasks you will do grouped together results in a better chance that you will actually follow through. Then when the alarm goes off the next morning, your biggest decision of the day happens… do you hit the snooze button or not?

STEP AWAY FROM THE SNOOZE! This is absolutely vital. You made a decision, a promise to yourself, about when you were going to wake up. Every time you hit the snooze, you are telling yourself that you are not trustworthy. You don’t keep promises to yourself. Breaking promises to yourself erodes your faith in yourself and ultimately your confidence in who you are. Have you ever wished you were more confident? Confidence is earned, and it starts with keeping your daily promises to yourself. This one little shift will help you develop a more positive mindset for the rest of your day.

Here’s your challenge:

• Decide the night before when you are waking up and set your alarm.

• Visualize a group of habits you will stack together as soon as the alarm goes off.

• Hear the alarm the next morning and refuse to snooze!

• Pop up and step into your day with confidence. 

• If you would like an accountability partner, comment with what time you are going to get up and report back on your success tomorrow.

There is no getting around the fact that this pandemic has been a struggle for our mental health. It is easy to go negative, but you have the power to shift your own mindset and it starts when you decide.

As always, for tutoring or academic help, contact PCH Tutors!