A Simple 10-Minute Morning Practice That Changed My Life

On By Start Small And ThriveIn Thriving

This all started two years ago while I was listening to a Tony Robbins podcast.  He was sharing his morning routine, how he spends 10 minutes to be grateful and prepared for the day. He then said…

”If you don’t have 10 F’ing minutes for your life, you don’t have a life!”

WOW. This made a ton of sense to me and  I decided to commit a few minutes each morning and try this out as an experiment. No need to overhaul my entire morning or commit long periods of time to a routine, just a few intentional minutes each morning. No apps. No fancy tools. Just a timer, a quiet spot, and a commitment to show up.

That was two years ago—and this simple habit has been genuinely life-changing.

What You Need

  • A timer (your phone works just fine)
  • A quiet place
  • 10 uninterrupted minutes
  • A willingness to try something small and consistent

My 10-Minute Morning Routine

The author meditating
The author doing her morning ritual

Minutes 1–3: Gratitude

I begin by thinking about everything I’m grateful for. Once this ball starts rolling, it’s amazing how much we take for granted:

  • A hot shower
  • Food in the fridge
  • Clean water
  • A warm comfy bed

This practice immediately shifts my mindset into a more positive, grounded state.

Minutes 4–6: A Simple Prayer or Ask

Next, I offer a prayer or intention to God.  For you, this can be to God, the Universe, or your higher self, whomever you feel comfortable speaking to. I ask for help with one specific thing that day. Sometimes it’s for me; sometimes it’s for someone else.

This part helps me release control and remember that I don’t have to carry everything alone.

Minutes 7–9: Set an Intention for the Day

I then set a clear intention – to me this is the most important part of my ritual because it keeps me focused towards my goals.

What is the one thing I want to accomplish today?

This step cuts through mental noise and helps me focus on what actually matters right now, instead of everything at once.

And finally, 1 minute to stand, stretch, and breath

I breath in for a count of 4, hold for a count of 4, and release for a count of 6.  This just seems to work well for me – you can do any count that works for you. The important point is taking in deep breaths because this signals your nervous system that you are safe. It can lower tension, improve mental clarity, and help you step into the day feeling centered rather than rushed

The author holding a cup of coffee

Why This Works

Starting the day with gratitude primes your brain for optimism. Pairing that with intention gives your day direction. Together, they create calm, clarity, and momentum.

And because it’s only ten minutes, it’s sustainable.

Make It Your Own

You can absolutely try my routine, explore the Tony Robbins 10-minute morning routine, or create something that fits your life better.

What matters most is this:

  • Commit to the time
  • Keep it simple
  • Show up consistently

Try It for 30 Days

If you commit to a short daily morning practice for just 30 days, I’m confident you’ll notice a difference: in your mindset, your focus, and how you move through your day.

Small habits really can change your life.

And this is one of my favorites.

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