Guide to Discipline: Growing Through Structured Morning and Evening Routines
Estimated Reading Time: 6 minutes
Benefit of Reading: Get 1% better at discipline
Introduction
In the journey of self-growth, discipline acts as the rudder steering our personal evolution. It's the invisible hand that guides us through the fog of daily distractions and fleeting desires. This guide delves into the transformative power of disciplined morning and evening routines. By adopting these practices, you align yourself with the stoic philosophy of control and self-awareness, paving the way for personal and professional growth.
Each of these items is part of my morning routine. I won't pretend, that I accomplish this every single day, but it's my goal to accomplish it 80% of days in 2024. When I do this routine, I feel more structured, balanced and more confident in myself which is an important part of growth.
Morning Routine: The Foundation of Your Day
-
Prayer: Starting your day with prayer sets a tone of humility and gratitude. It's a reminder that we are part of something larger than ourselves, which aligns with the Stoic practice of recognizing what is within our control and what is not.
-
Meditation: Meditation fosters clarity and calmness, essential for the Stoic virtue of equanimity. It allows you to observe your thoughts and emotions without attachment, preparing you to face the day's challenges with a balanced mind.
-
Affirmations: Positive affirmations reinforce your self-belief and focus. I like I am affirmations over any other ones. Affirmations act as a mental armor, shielding you from negativity and self-doubt, much like the Stoic practice of premeditatio malorum (anticipating challenges).
-
Podcast - Quote of the Day: Listening to an inspirational quote or podcast injects a daily dose of wisdom and perspective into your life, akin to the Stoic habit of learning from the wise. Your diet isn't just food, it's also what you listen and hear each day.
-
Clean One Thing: This practice instills a sense of order and respect for your environment. It's a practical application of the Stoic principle of living according to nature, which includes the nature of our surroundings.
-
Workout: Physical exercise strengthens not just the body but also the mind. It embodies the Stoic value of enduring hardship and improving oneself through rigorous discipline.
-
Medication/Supplements: Taking care of your physical health is a Stoic duty to yourself. It ensures that you are in the best condition to face life’s tasks and challenges.
-
Read 'The Daily Stoic': This integrates stoic philosophy directly into your daily life, providing practical wisdom and reflection to guide your actions and thoughts throughout the day.
-
One Shadow Work Question: Engaging in shadow work helps uncover and address unconscious aspects of your personality. This introspection aligns with the Stoic commitment to self-examination and personal improvement. I've created a guide of questions to ask myself that align to each of the 7 major chakras.
Nighttime Routine: Ending Your Day with Intention
-
Take a Shower: Cleansing your body is symbolic of washing away the day's stress and troubles, allowing you to sleep with a clear mind and body, in line with the Stoic practice of tranquility.
-
Aquafor on Face: Taking care of your skin is an act of self-respect and preparation for the next day, embodying the Stoic value of caring for oneself to better serve others.
-
Bonnet On: Protecting your hair during sleep is a form of self-care that respects the body as a temple, a notion that resonates with Stoic respect for nature and self.
-
One Cup of Tea: Sipping tea before bed can be a calming ritual, fostering relaxation and reflection, a time to embody the Stoic principle of peaceful end-of-day contemplation.
-
Read Hardcover Book (10-30 pages): Reading strengthens the mind and spirit, offering new perspectives and wisdom, much like the Stoic practice of constant learning and reflection.
-
Reflect on the Day: This is your moment to practice Stoicism by examining your actions, thoughts, and feelings, acknowledging what you did well and what could be improved.
-
Say a Prayer: Evening prayer helps you wind down with gratitude and humility, reinforcing your connection to something greater and aligning with Stoic acceptance of life's flow.
-
Gratitude for One Thing: Recognizing one thing you're grateful for each night cultivates a positive and thankful mindset, a core aspect of Stoic joy and contentment.
-
Burn Incense or Essential Oil: This creates a serene atmosphere, conducive to reflection and peace, aiding in the Stoic practice of harmonizing with your environment.
-
Pack Gym Bag and Update Habit Tracker: Preparing for the next day and tracking your progress instills a sense of responsibility and accountability, essential Stoic qualities for personal growth.
Conclusion
By embedding these routines into your daily life, you not only honor the timeless wisdom of Stoicism but also forge a disciplined path toward self-improvement and inner peace. Remember, the goal is not to follow these routines rigidly but to understand their underlying principles and adapt them to your personal needs and circumstances. As Marcus Aurelius, a Stoic philosopher, and Roman Emperor, once said, "The happiness of your life depends upon the quality of your thoughts." Let your morning and evening routines be the guardians of those thoughts, leading you to a life of purpose, resilience, and harmony.
Further Reading and Resources
- "The Daily Stoic" by Ryan Holiday
- "Meditations" by Marcus Aurelius
- "Letters from a Stoic" by Seneca