I’ve previously shared my Morning Power Routine and now here’s my Evening Power Routine. They’re similar in that they’re both directing your mind towards positivity but one is starting your engines up and the other is shutting down for the day. If you toss and turn for hours before going to sleep there’s a very good chance that you have a crappy evening routine.
Just like Morning Power Routines, everyone will have their own way of shutting down but there are a few things that should be included and a few to avoid like the plague.
Evening Power Routine Dos
- Review your day constructively. Ask how it could have been improved and focus on the positives.
- Be thankful for the day. At the very least you’re alive or you wouldn’t be reading this article. Do you know how ridiculously lucky you are to be alive right now? You really wanted this existence as a sperm, now be grateful for it! So many stars had to align for you to exist. Life is great.
- Read a book and/or listen to an audiobook. Make sure it empowers.
- Review and focus on your goals. What did you do today to move closer towards them?
- If you’re religious, look to god. If you’re spiritual or “other” then look to whatever it is you believe in. I look to energy/life as I have issues with angry gods and I’m not good with authority figures. So I’m thankful to this energy/life and always show my appreciation to it. If you worship an angry god then maybe you can tell him to chill a little for me.
Evening Power Routine Don’ts
- Avoid all forms of media. No news, no politics, no drama, no television. In fact, if you have a TV in your bedroom you’re a masochist. First thing tomorrow get that evil thing OUT of your bedroom and douse it in holy water. Just make sure it’s not plugged in when you’re pouring a bottle of holy water over it as it might strike you down with great fury and vengeance.
- If you’re in a relationship do not try to solve your problems in bed! If it’s so pressing then both of you should get out of the bedroom to figure it out, especially if one or both of you are sleepy. Ideally, write the problem down and agree on a more suitable time to discuss it.
- Don’t read trashy fiction or anything even remotely negative. The last 30 to 60 minutes of the day should be pure and positive.
- Don’t eat for at least a couple of hours before bed. Water is fine. Everything else, not fine.
- Don’t dwell on the problems of the day. If your ego insists, then get out of bed, go take a cold shower, and then see how you feel. If your ego knows what is good for it it’ll quieten down until tomorrow. If it doesn’t, give it another late night cold shower.
Think about your own Night time Power Routine. There’s no real right or wrong way to do it, just make sure it empowers you. It’s all about good energy. Do whatever it takes to end your day alive with energy and pointing in the right direction for tomorrow. Think of your night time self as gently pushing the positive you towards your morning self.
My Evening Power Routine
- Firstly I make sure I’m clean and refreshed. Teeth brushed, clean sheets, clean clothes, etc. As much as possible I’ll also have a clean and uncluttered bedroom. I wish I could say it’s minimalist but I just don’t have enough space to have a minimalist bedroom at the moment.
- I’ll go through my goals, just like I do in my morning routine. I guess you could call it part prayer, part affirmation. Starting with the things I’m thankful for (eg. family and friends), I’ll then affirm my goals to myself: I am earning this much per month, I am thankful for my beautiful car, I am confident, etc. I do this before I get into bed.
- Then I’ll review my day. Where I was successful and made progress. Where I could have improved. Sometimes I’ll write a few notes down to remind myself. And sometimes I’ll write down my goals.
- I’ll then read at least a few pages of something positive. Usually a book on self development. Something motivational. Nothing too profound and nothing heavy.
- After reading for a while I’ll then press play on a positive audiobook on my iPad. I’ll set it to switch off after 60 minutes. I’m rarely ever still awake by then so I’m super careful about what I’m listening to. It will usually be a book that I have already listened to and something that I trust.
My evening power routine usually takes between 30 and 60 minutes. It’s best to keep them simple and uncomplicated as you’ll end up skipping them if you’re too tired. Even if I’m super tired I can still manage to review my goals and be thankful for another day on earth.
There’s nothing complicated about success and happiness. They just require you to be heading in the right direction and to be consistently taking action. Only those who have a complicated solution to sell you will argue against the simplicity of success and happiness. Be grateful and keep putting one foot in front of the other towards a goal and the majority of your problems will disappear.
Let me know what your Evening Power Routine is and remember to check out the Morning Power Routine here.
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