My 100th attempt at this goal
Ah yes, the perpetual goal that never makes it off the "list." lol!
I have had a very specific goal since I was in COLLEGE. Every year when I write intentions... every year when I'd sit down to write my goals-- there she sat. The same goal that forever stayed on paper and never made it into my actual life.
The goal? Have a dependable morning routine.
For as long as I can remember my mornings have been chaotic. Rushed. Never knowing what I'm going to get. Every morning looking different than the next.
Aka no predictability for my nervous system! Aka a nervous system that starts the day in a sympathetic (fight or flight) state.
NOT GOOD.
So I ask myself- HOW can this be? Well, I have a list!
1. Genetically I am set up in a way where my cortisol production is haphazard. My HPA axis genetically needs a LOT more love and care. My cortisol levels are easily flip flopped-- low cortisol in the mornings = groggy, slow mornings. Higher cortisol at nights = Katey cleaning the house and dancing around and suddenly having all the energy to do all the things! Mornings are harder for me than the average person when judging from a cortisol standpoint.
2. Up until recently, I let other people dictate my working schedule instead of being collaborative. Meaning, I would let anyone schedule time with me at any time! So some days my work would start at 7, some days at 9:30. Some days at 8:30! Every day different. I still have people-pleasing tendencies and for over a decade I had no boundaries for myself on when work started (except the years I was at a 9-5.)
3. I do have a husband who loves to stay up late. And I'm someone where I can't go to bed sooner than my partner because I *know* when he comes in the room I will simply wake up again.
4. I'm very ADD and routines have always been challenging for me.
....AND YET. I can't play the victim here otherwise things won't change.
Yes, my cortisol levels are whack. But I do have the ability to take supplements and do nervous system work. I'm not *totally* SOL.
Yes, I allowed my work to start at different times and I got used to that. Well, I've already worked to change that- and turns out my clients love a schedule anyway haha. So already, I have decided that I am "online" or "at work" at 9am.
Yes, my husband loves to go to bed later. But I bet I can manipulate that and get him to start falling asleep sooner ;)
Yes, I have ADD and staying in routine isn't natural to me. But I've had little routines I've stuck to before. I believe in the brain creating new habits despite your circumstances. If I want this bad enough, If I'm disciplined enough... I can do this!
So here is my goal. I'm writing this to stay accountable.
I am going to be up by 7. And by 8:30 I will have walked my dog, made coffee, prayed, taken my supplements, done my skincare, participated in 20 minutes of facial massage, gotten dressed with makeup on and everything... and I'm going to feel SO GOOD because of it.
Any ideas on how I can better hold myself accountable? Like please please please send me your tips. I beg! haha
This is how Dan has agreed to help me out. 1- He is agreeing to a 10pm/10:30 bedtime. He knows it's better for him too. 2- He agreed to let me play music first thing in the morning even if he is still sleeping. And I told him that even though he is a natural grump I need him to put on his "encouragement hat" in the mornings for me. lol!
So do send me your accountability tips! And also let me know-- what's that goal of yours that's always stayed on paper? Speaking it out loud will help you get some momentum!
