š I like reading about how successful people spend their days, as I wrote the daily newsletter I must have thought people might be curious about how I spend mine. So I would write posts like this. Itās important to note that the shape of my days evolve dramatically. - I have a toddler and I shape my days to be able to maximize the time I have with her. These days, I donāt feel how I spend my days are an interesting topic to read or write about. But itās only by writing daily that I could come to this insight. Anyway if you what to know how I spent my mornings when I was starting out, it went something like thisā¦1
On Habits and Routines
I use an acronym to help me remember my morning routine J.E.T.S. Depending on the available time Iāll do this in levels. Level 1 is the minimum. And the other levels may be added on or may replace the preceding levels.
J: Journal
Level 1 - is a Five Minute Journal, which Iāll do in an app. Youāll be surprised that this takes me 5 minutes to complete.
Level 2 - I write morning pages Itās a practice Iāve gone to for half of my life, I donāt. do it daily. But itās. a great tool to have at my disposal.
Level 3 - I may read something and journal my thoughts. This tends to be Non-fiction or Scripture.
The overall goal is to gain a perspective and operate for a perspective of purpose rather than the urgencies of inboxes.
E: Eat
Level 1 - A protein shake or a bowl of nuts and A digestive cookie (or 3) with milk, Coffee
Level 2 - Eggs and beans
The goal here is to have enough fuel to keep going through a session of work.
T: Train
Iāll admit ātrainā is a stretch of a word, but I needed to make the acronym work. Exercise is probably a better word. Up till recently whenever I thought of exercise I always think of āThe Rockā and āArnold Schwarzeneggerā.
Thatās where perspective needs to come in. Iām not a movie star or Mr Universe, Iām an illustrator. So my training is to help me get through long bouts of sitting at my desk drawing and to give me the energy to work through my drawing sessions with a sharp mind.
Level 1 - 2 mile walk with a 9 KG weight strapped to my chest (her name is Zelda)
Level 2 - Pilates
Level 3 - 4 Mile Run
S: Sketch
This is my gym. This is where I work out with the goal of being world-class. I started seriously using my sketchbook for workouts and as part of my process for about a year and it has really transformed my work and career. Just like the gym, it looks like nothing is happening, but the hours spent working out eventually show results.
Level 1: 30 minutes Sketchbook time
Level 2: Workout bits for jobs.
See you tomorrow!
I love your illustrative style! Thank you for your newsletter.
Wow, impressive start to the day Adam!! I agree, mornings are the best and set the tone for the day! I'm usually up by 4:30 am and I love the quiet "think" time!