Creating a Habit

Creating a new habit is hard. Most experts agree it takes at least 21 days to make something a habit. If you're like me, it takes even longer. I'm great at planning things, but I'm often not so great with following through on them.

Getting up early to spend time with God can an intimidating habit to start, but there are a few simple things you can do to make it easier.

1. Start small.

If you normally get up at 7:00, don't set your alarm for 5:00 the first day. Work into your new routine gradually. Get up fifteen minutes earlier the first week, then another fifteen minute earlier the next week. If fifteen minutes seems too hard, start with five minutes. What starts as a smal change will lead to a big change if you persevere.

2. Adjust your schedule.

If you're going to wake up earlier, you have to go to bed earlier. Don't try going to bed at midnight and getting up at five the next day. Instead of soaking in God's Word and starting your day feeing peaceful, you'll most likely be grumpy and desperate for more coffee. Set a realistic wake up goal and follow up with a bedtime goal. Set an alarm to remind yourself when it's time for bed.

3. Set alarms and reminders.

Set reminders on your phone. Name your alarm on your phone (mine is Hello Morning.) choose worship songs for your alarm tones. Do whatever you can to motivate yourself to put your feet on the floor when your alarm goes off. (I am a little too fond of the snooze button, so I put my phone on the other side of the room. If I have to get up to turn off my phone, I'll stay up.)

4. Make it fun.

Fix your favorite coffee. Buy a new journal. Play your favorite worship song as you start your Bible study. Wrap up in your favorite blanket. Make your new morning routine special and fun, and it will motivate you to get up each morning.

5. Be accountable.

Find friends or family members to hold you accountable. Join an online group. Hello Mornings is an amazing group that offers accountability groups via Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. They also have many speciality groups - homeschool moms, working moms, etc. You can find out more at http://hellomornings.org 

What helps you start your mornings with God?