The morning is enormously important. It is the foundation from which the day is built. How you choose to spend your morning can be used to predict what kind of day you’re going to have.
When our stressed out coaching students whom have way too much on their plates come to us and ask, “What should I do next?” we always start with the same simple suggestion:
It’s time to “ … ”
That blank space denoted by “ … ” is no mistake. That space represents silence.
Silence is soothing. Silence is peace. Silence is divine.
The more silent you are, the more you can hear yourself think, and the more you can help yourself heal. Somewhere deep inside, you already know this is true. Think for a moment …
Have you ever heard the silence just before the sun peaks over the horizon? Or the hush of a country road at sunset? Or the peaceful calm just after a heavy rainstorm ends? Or perhaps you know the silence in the back of your local city library, or the eager pause of an auditorium full of people when the lights dim for the main event, or, best of all, the moment just after the front door shuts and you suddenly have the whole house to yourself?
Each silent moment is different, yet all are beautiful if you listen carefully. The key is to leave enough space in your day to enjoy the space between the commotions.
Take a break. Think quietly. Just be and breathe.
The easiest time to create some extra space for silence, I have found, is first thing in the morning. I make it a point to start the day in a peaceful, mindful emotional state.
Too many books and courses on self-improvement act like we’re robots, and completely overlook the enormous power of our emotions. The less frenzied emotions we have at the start of the day, the less we will have all day.
When we start the day in a calm, mindful state, it’s easy to focus and get the right things done. And that’s where the morning mantras below come into play.
Tomorrow morning, I challenge you to wake up five minutes earlier, read the first mantra, memorize it, close your eyes and repeat it to yourself silently for 60 seconds. Practice this quiet morning ritual for two full weeks using the remaining mantras, and see how doing so affects your mindset.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
Please share this post with others who you think may benefit from it, and also share your thoughts with us in the comments area below. If you’re up to it, I’d love it if you shared an additional mantra or personal saying that helps calm your mind when life gets hectic.
Also, if you haven’t done so already, be sure to sign-up for our free newsletter to receive more powerful mantras and related life lessons in your inbox each week.
Photo by: Julia Erin
J.J. says
“Even on my very weakest days I get a little bit stronger.”
A personal reminder that has helped me remain calm and let go of the notion that life should be easier on the days when I’m struggling forward.
Thank you, as always.
Lulu says
Awesome!
Bethany says
Thank you for this post. I am going to implement your 14-day morning mantra challenge starting first thing tomorrow. 🙂
As for my “calming” personal mantra of recent times, well, it’s a slightly longer one that I borrowed from your book. I actually copied it down on my white board in my home office about a year ago, and it’s still there:
“Someday all the pieces will come together. Unimaginably good things will transpire in your life, even if everything doesn’t turn out exactly the way you had anticipated. And you will look back at the times that have passed, smile, and ask yourself, “How did I get through all of that?”
Marc Chernoff says
So glad you continue to find value in our book, Bethany. Thanks for supporting our work.
Nicole says
Love this morning mantra idea! Consider it implemented at my end too. 🙂
One mantra I picked up from one of your emails a while back that I simply love:
“Your old worries and fears are down payments on problems you may never have. Let them go. Today is a BRAND NEW beginning — take a deep breath and START AGAIN.”
Thoughts Blender says
I didn’t want to read the article at first, but then I started and… Universe is sooo incredible! In the very first mantra I found an answer to something that was bothering me for the last couple of weeks.
Vidya S says
Same here…its like it answered what was bothering me a lot today morning..thank you marc and angel..its my 1st post on this site….but surely not the last…Thank you for the good you unknowingly did today !
Diana says
I really enjoyed reading this and I love the idea of the morning mantra. When I wake up in the morning I need to remind myself that one day I will get there and I will succeed.
Allan Botes says
Good Morning Star Shine; the earth says hello… Remember to breathe in the morning…
Douglas says
Daily mantras are great and yours speak straight to the heart and mind. I will add yours to mine and make it a 15 day ritual. The one I use daily now is: “I never worry about action, only in action – Winston Churchill” This reminds me daily that we are the creators of our success. Yes, if we take action we just might fail however if we take no action we definitely will fail. Make life an action and do not sit on the sidelines watching it go by.
Cheers
Leslie says
My personal mantra is “Everything has a way of working out. It may not work out like we want it but it will work out”.
Jamie says
Marc and Angel:
You two have improved my world so much, I am forever in your gratitude. About 4 months ago I sought out help and advice to get me through the most difficult time of my life, and the search engine led me to you two. As soon as I read your words of wisdom, immediately I knew that’s what I had to do; that was what had been missing from my life to get me through that negative time. Immediately I felt my world transition, and my mind as well. Or maybe I have that backwards: my mind transitioned to a more peaceful and happier place, and so my world did, too.
Somewhere along the way I lost my road to happiness, but you two have guided me back. Every morning I awake to your emails, and I read them with my coffee, and I incorporate your teachings into my daily life. And it’s because of you two, that I feel confident enough in my happiness, that I want others to know they too have the power to BE HAPPY!
I recently began a page that I would like to share to the world, because I want people out there to know that they do have the key to their happiness, they just have to find it. Marc and Angel, thank you from the bottom of my heart for helping me to find my key. I am forever grateful to you both!! <3 Jamie Brooks <3
Facebook.com/FindYourKey2015
#FindYourKey2015
Ruwaida says
Thank you. I always feel special and blessed when I receive your emails…. “Let your faith be bigger than your fears” works for me.
Elyse says
These are all great, thank you for posting them. They are insightful and helpful.
So yung says
I really look forward to your post and this morning post really speaks to me I appreciate it alot, I took one deep breath and let it go.
Cristina says
I made the time to read your blog today even though I really don’t have it with my deliverables right now at work. Your quotes instantly made me feel calm. This would be great as a rotating screensaver for my work PC to be reminded all the time of these great pieces of advice. You have so many great quotes and reminders that your readers benefit from. Please consider adding downloadable screensavers to the list of products you offer.
Max says
Thank you for all the beautiful and powerful thoughts to reflect on.
jane says
Wake up every day and realize how alone I am. I’m so alone. No cheesy mantra it’s going to take away that feeling. My husband never loved me or our children he left after 18 years and replace us immediately with a bartender and her daughter. He has invalidated an erased every meaningful part of my life. Then after two decades of his lies and abuse he skips off merrily and I’m left picking up the pieces. I’m old no one wants a woman over 50… and my own husband didn’t love me. I don’t see how any mantra can take away that kind of traumatic experience…thank u for your advice.
Teri says
I’m sorry you feel you are worthless…but nobody did that to you, you did it to yourself. These ‘cheesy’ mantras are building blocks to help everyone, including you, construct a strong foundation of self love and, especially for you, an increased self-worth.
You have a right to be in the world, but happiness is up to you.
Marc Chernoff says
Jane, there is a great deal of wisdom in Teri’s comment, above. I hope you will think about it.
The key is being present. Making the best of today, with zero attachment to the past. This takes practice. Sending prayers of strength your way.
AJ says
I’m sorry that you feel that way Jane. Let me just say that you should never give up on love. There’s no guarantee that you’ll get it, but at least remember to always love yourself and do you know who would want a woman over 50? Men over 50. All the best.
Mohsen says
I like these because they hit the right spot. Even though I had a feeling there was not ‘hit-able’ place left. Thank you.
Susan says
I am enough.
Ethan Bridges says
Empty fatigue and gratifying exhaustion–you’ve perfectly put them together right there!
Your mantras are powerful.
Definitely sharing this! Thanks!
Berta says
This is such a great idea! Quiet mornings are the start of the best days!
Something that I like to repeat to myself every morning is this: “Today is a blessing, and I will do my utmost not to forget that.”
Thank for another great post!!
Leisa says
I can’t believe the times we are living in.. As a positive upbeat woman in my 40’s I can’t help but wonder where the madness ends in the times we are living in.. and what is around the corner. It’s actually a little scary. Not only globally but what is happening in our own communities and backyards. What I do know is where my happiness, peace of mind & safety begins, and that is within me. I have subscribed to your emails for a long time now and love the place from which your writing and teaching comes, from beautiful ordinary people with extraordinary souls committed to sharing ‘the good news’ and offering hope in our corner of the world. I have never commented, but today is different. I just wanted to say Thank You, but it just didn’t seem to be enough. Your Invisible arm around my shoulder when I open your emails has been invaluable to me this year.
Marc Chernoff says
Thank you so much for the extra kindness, Leisa. 🙂
lucy says
thank you so much for your brilliant blog
@amakarachaelmordi says
Thank you so much for sharing. I would like to find you on Instagram, Marc and Angel. What’s your handle? Mine is @amakarachaelmordi
Armen says
They look great and have solid messages throughout. The expect less and prepare more message is one I will single out. I met someone who reads your articles too.
Constant approval or much approval at all is not necessary or even wanted. Internal approval is paramount.
christine pay says
Every morning I start with “Thank you, God, that I have another day, hat I am breathing, that my children are healthy and happy, that my husband loves me and You deeply, that I love my job, that You bring people into my life to help and help me….. And on and on. I find that when I focus on the things that really matter, the things we sometimes take for granted, it sets the tone for my day and help me set my priorities in the right order. As usual thank you for an amazing post. I look forward to seeing them in my inbox every day.
Ceil Tulloch says
Thank you Marc and Angel! This incredible post really struck a chord in me. It came a long at the perfect time. Thanks again for all that you do to enrich our lives and help us to reach our full potential. You both rock!
With much gratitude,
Ceil
Marc Chernoff says
Everyone, thank you for sharing your mantras and thoughts with us. Angel and I just read through every one of them together — and we are inspired. 🙂
Rachel says
Hey Marc & Angel,
Enjoyed your post. When I read the bit about the hush of a sunset, the quiet after a rainstorm. That paragraph; they are all my favorite times. But driving on a high way as the sun is rising is my best time as it means I am on some adventure.
The mornings for me are my best hours and I wake to a coffee and writing. It has been apart of my routine for six months now and most days I rejoice. I get a bit of meditation in. Number 7 was my best quote. Thank you.
In Scioltezza says
Great post and amazing tips.
Thank u so much. 🙂
Judith says
I am like a sponge to all you share with us. Thank you. I have two:
The universe will unfold as it should…if we let it.
No matter what….just love.
Daniel says
I really like these morning mantras. These are great to start the day with a positive attitude. I like them especially “You can not expect a victory while planning for defeat”.
MURUNGI JOAB-Uganda says
Thank you for the inspiration. I am humbled!
sarah says
Love the mantras, especially the one about not beating yourself up. We all get there a little at a time. sometimes that is hard to remember, while trying to do it all and not make too many mistakes. Then even I have to remember that I’m human and so is everyone else on this planet. Thank you. I needed it.
susan says
i am so grateful for these…i feel like you know me and are speaking directly to me…thank you