How You Start Your Day Shapes the Rest of It (and Yes, That Includes Workdays)
Let’s talk about the moment your alarm goes off.
What’s the first thought that pops into your head?
Is it:
“Ugh, already?”
“I don’t want to do this.”
“How many hours until I can come back to bed?”
If you’re like many healthcare workers I know (and how I used to be, too), those early morning thoughts sound like a lot of negotiation.
But, the first thoughts you have in the morning are not just random—they set the tone for your whole day.
To be clear, I’m not talking about toxic positivity or a fake smile before sunrise.
I’m talking about the simple mental habits that either drain you or fuel you before your feet even hit the floor.
Why It Matters
When your first thought is one of dread or resentment, your brain immediately starts scanning for evidence that the day will be hard, thankless, or overwhelming.
You go into survival mode.
You’re already behind.
You’re already tired.
Now add in a full patient load, short staffing, and a charting backlog—and of course your day feels like a battle from the jump.
But if your first thought is intentional—if it’s even slightly more empowering—your brain will shift into a different gear. One that helps you stay more grounded, clear-headed, and resilient… even on the tough shifts.
What This Looks Like in Real Life
Let’s say you normally wake up thinking, “I don’t want to go to work.”
Try something different:
“I don’t feel like it yet—but I always find my groove.”
“I know how to handle today, even if it’s messy.”
“I’m allowed to take care of myself while taking care of others.”
None of those thoughts are magical. They don’t erase a 12-hour shift.
But they do create a completely different emotional starting point.
From defeat → to neutral.
From overwhelmed → to steady.
From reactive → to intentional.
One Small Tweak That Changes Everything
You don’t need to overhaul your life by 6 a.m.
You just need to choose a better first thought.
Here’s how you can start tomorrow:
1. Notice what your current morning thought is. (Don’t judge, just be aware.)
2. Pick one sentence to try instead. Something grounding or gently encouraging.
3. Write it down and put it by your alarm. Let it be the first thing you see.
4. Practice. The brain loves to run old scripts, but you can write a new one with a little repetition.
A Few Thought Starters You Can Borrow
• “I’m capable of handling what comes my way today.”
• “I get to support people—and I’m learning how to support myself too.”
• “Today’s not perfect, but neither am I—and that’s okay.”
• “I’m figuring out how to make work work for me.”
Find one that feels true—or close enough to true that your brain doesn’t reject it.
You Deserve More Than Just Making It Through the Day
You spend so much of your life helping others.
But you also deserve a life that feels like yours.
A life that doesn’t run on dread and obligation.
It starts small.
It starts in the morning.
It starts with a thought.
And if you’re ready to go deeper—into habits, mindset, and actually loving the life you live—coaching is how we get there.
Let’s chat. I offer complimentary consultations, and this might be the sign you’ve been waiting for.
Your morning mindset matters. Let’s make it work for you.