My ‘Morning Routine Binder’ Breakdown and How to Build a Morning Routine for You
A few years ago, I started a morning routine that has become a game-changer for my personal and professional life. And while my routine isn’t something that you’d see on Instagram—no fancy teas or meditation rituals—what it lacks in glam, it more than makes up for in practicality and purpose. It’s a simple binder filled with loose-leaf paper and a stack of books that keeps me grounded, intentional, and on track toward my goals.
The best part? It works for me because I made it fit my life. And in today’s post, I’m going to share with you how you can create a morning routine that works for you too—no fancy rituals required.
Why Your Morning Routine Matters (And Why It Doesn’t Have to Be Perfect)
Before diving into my specific morning routine, I want to take a moment to talk about the difference between a habit and a routine because this is key to understanding why your morning routine doesn’t need to be rigid or complicated to be effective.
Habits are automatic actions you take without much thought, like brushing your teeth or washing your hands. They’re small actions that become second nature. On the other hand, routines are a series of actions or habits that you intentionally design to achieve something. A routine requires a bit more effort, planning, and consistency. It’s something that you purposefully build into your day to move you closer to your goals.
In this post, I’ll break down my morning routine binder, what’s worked for me over the years, and four tips you can use to create a morning routine that is tailored to your unique needs, values, and lifestyle.
My Morning Routine Binder Breakdown
My morning routine starts the moment I get up (and after I grab my coffee—because let's be real, that's what gets me out of bed!). Here’s how it looks:
Reading the Bible
The first thing I do each morning is read the Bible. I follow a “Bible in a Year” journal, which guides me on what to read each day. It’s usually just a couple of chapters, and I try to keep it simple—if it’s a longer reading, I’ll break it up over multiple sessions. The key is to start my day with grounding spiritual reflection.Reading Nonfiction
After reading the Bible, I dive into a nonfiction book. Right now, I'm reading Why Zebras Don’t Get Ulcers, a book about how stress impacts our bodies. Now, I’ll admit, I struggle to get through nonfiction books—while I love to learn, I’m often drawn more to fiction. So in order for me to stick with this, I set no limit on how much I read. Some days, it’s just a paragraph; other days, it’s a chapter. I go with the flow depending on my time and how immersed I am in what I’m reading.The Heart of My Routine: The Binder
This is the big one! The binder is where all of the magic happens. It’s where I track my habits, journal, and review my goals. Each day, I use a habit tracker to check off the habits I completed the day before. I also journal a little bit—sometimes a few lines, sometimes a full page—about how I'm feeling, any challenges, and what’s going on in my life. I also make note of where I am in my cycle, as I’ve noticed that certain days bring different emotions and energy levels.At the end of each day, I make sure to flip through the binder, check my goals, and review my quarterly plans. This serves as my accountability checkpoint. I remind myself of the bigger picture, and then break it down to the smaller, achievable steps I’m working on.
Tips for Building a Morning Routine That Actually Works for You
Now that I’ve shared my routine, here are four key strategies to help you design your own morning routine, whether you're a busy mom, entrepreneur, or someone just looking to build a routine that supports your goals and values.
1. Start Small and Build Momentum
Don't feel like you need to overhaul your entire morning routine all at once. Start with one or two things that feel meaningful and doable for you. For example, maybe you want to start by drinking a glass of water before your morning coffee or writing down one intention for the day instead of doing a full journal.
I’ve been through plenty of iterations of this routine, and it definitely didn’t start with all the pieces I just mentioned. It’s evolved over time, and that’s okay. Celebrate the small wins and build momentum over time.
2. Align Your Routine With Your Values
Ask yourself: What do I want to feel or accomplish each day?
If connection is important to you, maybe your morning includes sending a thoughtful text to a loved one. If growth is a priority, you might spend your morning reading a chapter from a nonfiction book or listening to a podcast. If relaxation is your goal, spend time doing something you enjoy, like reading a fiction book or engaging in a hobby.
Your morning routine should support what matters most to you—not what anyone else says you "should" do. So, whether your routine involves celery juice or something completely different, it’s all about aligning with your values.
3. Ditch the Morning Label
Here’s the truth: your routine does NOT have to happen in the morning. While I call mine a morning routine, it doesn't always happen first thing in the day—especially now that I have a child. Sometimes it happens in the afternoon or even at night when I can find a moment of peace.
What really matters is consistency and being intentional about when you do it, not whether it's technically "morning." Some days will be chaotic, but that doesn’t mean your routine is ruined. As long as you stay consistent with your routine, it will work.
4. Experiment and Let Your Routine Evolve
Your routine is a living, breathing thing. What works for you today might not work tomorrow, and that’s totally fine. Routines are flexible and should evolve as your needs and priorities change.
Don’t be afraid to experiment and tweak things as needed. If something’s not working or you’re feeling overwhelmed, it’s okay to change it. Adjust, experiment, and find what works best for you, your goals, and your lifestyle.
Why It’s All About Intentionality, Not Perfection
The key to a successful morning routine isn’t perfection—it’s intentionality. I’ve spent years trying to make my mornings perfect, but I’ve learned that they don’t have to be Instagram-worthy or follow a rigid, strict structure. The magic comes from showing up with purpose and commitment, no matter when or how you do it.
Remember, routines can be flexible. I’m not always at my desk first thing in the morning with everything perfectly in place, and that’s okay! What’s important is that I take the time each day to show up for myself and for the life I want to build.
Final Thoughts
Whether you're just getting started or trying to fine-tune your morning routine, the most important thing is to design something that feels sustainable and aligned with your personal goals. You don’t need a 10-step routine or a collection of wellness practices to create a productive and intentional morning. You just need a simple plan that works for you.
Remember: Productivity is personal. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to morning routines. The only rule is that it should fit your life.
Want to get started with your own morning binder? I've created templates and resources to help you build a morning routine that works. Check the link below for access to these tools and get started today!
Let me know what your morning routine looks like or if you have any questions about building one that fits your needs! I’d love to hear from you.
The FREE Personalize Your Productivity Toolkit:
Tired of one-size-fits-all productivity advice? The Personalized Productivity Toolkit helps you create a time management strategy that actually fits your life and goals. With tools like the Life and Business Reset Checklist, a Productivity Persona Quiz, and all the templates I use to build my morning routine binder, you’ll uncover what works for you and ditch what doesn’t. Plus, you’ll get an exclusive invite to the 9-5’er to Dream Business Entrepreneur Slack Community for coaching, support, and connection with other full-time working moms building their dream businesses. Ready to get organized and take back your time? Download the toolkit now.
Connect with Chelsey Newmyer
Website: https://chelseynewmyer.com/
Instagram: @chelseyncoaching
