2 Minutes in the Morning for a Better Day

Summary

The article suggests using the two minutes spent brushing teeth each morning to practice positive self-talk and visualization techniques to improve focus, productivity, and self-esteem.

Abstract

The article introduces a simple yet effective morning routine that involves using the time spent brushing teeth to engage in positive affirmations and visualization. It recommends reflecting on the previous day's successes, appreciating one's physical abilities, envisioning successful navigation of the day's challenges, planning to quickly complete small tasks, embracing positive feedback, and challenging unrealistic worries. This practice is designed to foster a positive mindset and increase productivity, helping individuals to start their day on a constructive note.

Opinions

The author believes that the internal dialogue many people have can be overly critical and anxiety-inducing, which can negatively impact one's day despite objective successes.
Positive self-reflection during toothbrushing is presented as a method to counteract negative self-talk and improve self-image.
The article encourages readers to acknowledge and celebrate their body's capabilities, especially in circumstances like pregnancy where the body undergoes significant changes.
Visualizing success in upcoming challenges is suggested as a way to reduce anxiety and increase confidence in one's ability to handle difficult situations.
The author emphasizes the importance of starting the day with a sense of productivity by quickly completing small tasks.
The article advises readers to fully accept and internalize positive feedback instead of dismissing it, to boost self-esteem and motivation.
It also suggests challenging irrational worries by assessing their likelihood and considering the worst-case scenario, which is often less dire than imagined.

Toothbrush talks for increased focus and productivity (and less toothpaste on your shirt)

This is another technique that doesn’t cost a lot in time but will have a profound impact on your day. We all have those little voices in our heads that are overly self-critical, worry-warts, or of some other irrational type, but few of us take a few minutes to actively change that even though the critical/anxious voices make us feel less than at our best (even if we are doing well objectively).

Here’s a chance to change that.

I challenge you to spend the time that you are brushing your teach (2 minutes as dentists recommend) looking in the mirror and appreciating yourself and/or picturing yourself being successful in the tasks ahead on your agenda. You might:

Look at yourself and think of some of the things that went really well yesterday and give yourself some praise.

Think of the ways in which your physical body (if self image is the way you get yourself down) performs things for you — like walking miles each day just to get tasks done or growing another human if you happen to be pregnant and worrying over the changing shape of your body (it’s a human AND their bedroom in there, give yourself some love for being able to do that!)

Picture one of the challenges you anticipate in the upcoming day and yourself navigating it in the best possible way. Envision that success and it will make the challenge feel more do-able.

Think of 3 small things you can quickly do to get them off your to-do list. This will lighten your load and help you start the day with productivity.

Remember recent positive feedback and don’t allow yourself to shrug it off — soak it up and feel proud of yourself for a job well done.

Challenge a worry — is it really likely to happen or is your imagination blowing it out of proportion? What is the worst thing that could really happen and is that really the end of the world?

Try this technique daily and it will help you become more positive and productive (and keep that toothpaste where it belongs, in your mouth!).