How Are You Starting Your Day?
Mar 01, 2026
Most mornings, the first battle I fight isn’t with my alarm clock—it’s with my phone. That little device has a way of calling to me the moment I open my eyes. And if I’m honest, the temptation is strong. With multiple jobs pulling at me—my appraisal work, coaching, Airbnb management, even the goat farm—there’s always something that could have gone wrong overnight.
Even though I’ve set my phone so true emergencies can reach me immediately, I still find myself waking up and wondering, What problems are waiting for me? It’s almost automatic: the hand reaches, the mind starts racing, and suddenly my entire morning is shaped by whatever shows up on that screen.
What I’ve learned, painfully and repeatedly, is that the first thing I think about in the morning sets the tone for my entire day. When I start the day worrying—checking email, scrolling through texts, bracing myself for the worst—I find myself doing the same thing all day long. Waiting for the next shoe to drop. Looking for problems instead of possibilities.
But there’s a better way. Years ago, I committed to a different morning habit—one that doesn’t involve my phone. I focus on mindset, intention, and setting myself up for success before the world starts making demands. And on the days I stick to it, everything flows differently. I’m calmer. More focused. More grateful.
So here’s my challenge to you: take back the first few minutes of your morning. Don’t let your phone decide how your day begins. Choose a thought, a habit, a ritual that sets you up for success—not stress.
Your entire day will feel the difference.
Check out The Appraiser Coach Podcast for more info on this topic:
