Are you feeling depressed about the state of the world?
Worried about whether you’ll have enough business in your law practice?
Starting your day by immediately checking the news or your email may feel productive. For me, it usually has the opposite effect.
I know this because I keep experimenting.
For a long time, I have started my mornings with meditation. It has helped me to slow down, quiet the noise, and begin the day with a little more perspective. I don’t do it every day but I’m always happy when I do.
Lately, though, I’ve noticed that music sometimes works even better. This morning was one of those days (thank you Eli Angote for recommending Yvonne Chaka Chaka and Ari Seckler for recommending a new Bruce Hornsby song. )
A great song can sometimes shift my mood faster than meditation. It changes my energy. Gets me out of my head. Sometimes that’s what I need first. Meditation may come after.
The key point is not that you should meditate.
Or listen to music.
It’s that you should pay attention to what actually helps you start your day on the right “note” (pun intended.)
I still have a bad habit of reaching for the news first thing in the morning. And I can say with confidence: that is not working particularly well for me.
So I keep adjusting.
Lawyers spend a lot of time solving problems for other people while ignoring the habits that shape their own mindset.
If your current morning routine leaves you more anxious, distracted, or depleted before your day even begins… maybe it’s time to experiment.