BpB here, fellow RW, husband of one and father of five, in a heavy travel stretch right now and in high book promotion mode. But most of all, humbled and honored by all the feedback, support, and positive takeaways from so many people who’ve read my new book, ERW - Six Energy Habits to Master the Business Travel Life.

My challenge is two-fold:

Don’t think “this will never work” and never even try it
Don’t say “I’ve already tried it” and discount the content 

We  ALL have the FIRST hour of the day. But here’s where it changes: how we spend the 1st hour is dramatically different. (TWEET)

I’ve found most people’s morning are one of the following:

1. Lazy (do whatever I feel like doing) - meander 
2. Reactive - check email, text message pops up, phone call

Does this sound like your morning routine? 

working too late with your laptop lover over dinner then in your room and it’s taking you twice as long and your work is half as good
hanging out too long at the hotel bar
catching one more inning or quarter of the game or mindless binge-watching Netflix

But the most successful are both of the following in the morning:

1. Intentional
2. Focused

So, Why the 1st Hour of the Day? 

1. Blank Slate - the day has not taken over just yet

1. Your Mind is Clear
2. Nobody else’s agenda yet
3. What you choose to do will give direction to the rest of your day

Four Quarters on the Road

Q1 - Morning Before Work

Q2 - Work Morning

Q3 - Work Afternoon

Q4 - Evening After Work

Here are some Definite Don’ts right from the start:

Don't email

Don’t check my phone

Don't turn on the TV

Don't waste time

So What does every ERW do the 1st hour on the road?

So What does every ERW do the 1st hour on the road?

Here are 8 Practices to Creating An Energy Hour Before Your 1st Minute of Work:

Two quick details:

1. You don’t have to do every single one - they’re practices, ideas for you to pick and choose what works for you
2. The 8 are in no particular order except the 1st one:

 1) Drink (and I don’t mean alcohol or even coffee)

Two Quick Tips:

• set a goal of how much water you’ll consume within the 1st hour - if your only water absorption is from water hitting your body in the the shower or rinsing your mouth after brushing your teeth, set a goal of 8 oz. If you’re taking the Morning Drink then set a goal of 16 oz.
• Think Convenience - have it set out or made the night before - ease will help set the habit

Drink falls under (FUEL) - Energy Habit 3 (under continually hydrate)
2) Learn  

read or listen to something for personal/professional growth

Learn falls under DEVELOP - Energy Habit 5

3) Meditate / Pray - this is time to be mindful

Meditate/Pray falls under (Develop) - Energy Habit 5

4) Write -Journal / think space 

What happened in the past day?

Biggest Wins

What did you learn yesterday?

What am I thankful for?

How am I feeling?

What did I learn/hear?

What stood out?

What are my goals for today?

Write falls under (DEVELOP) - Energy Habit 5

5) Move  
Move shockingly falls under MOVE Energy Habit 1

6) Connect with Fam/Friends 

Connect: Intentionally / Thoughtfully / Creatively
Ideas: 

thoughtful text/audio/video

Not Forgotten Journal 

Flat Kiddos

Connect with Fam/Friends falls under (CONNECT)  - Energy Habit 6

7) Eat (FUEL) - Energy Habit 3

Drink falls under (FUEL) - Energy Habit 3 - fuel the ferrari by eating Clean and Green
8) Plan / Review