Good Morning
How do you set yourself up for success as the day begins: What’s your secret weapon before the coffee kicks in?
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My secret weapon: desperation. I get up at 6:30 a.m. to take my older kid to the bus. I drop off my younger kid by 8:30 a.m. By the time they’re both out the door, I’m two hours into my day, with lots of love and parental joy but no work done and only forty-five minutes before I head to my first class. Sometimes I impress myself with how much I can pack into those minutes—prep for class and catch up on email while on the treadmill and eating! If I had another pair of hands, I’d also grade some papers.
—Rachel Trousdale, Framingham State University
Despite being well into my forties, my secret weapon before 9 a.m. is “Affirmation Song” by Snoop Dogg—even though he originally wrote it for the “tiny humans” who watch his YouTube series, “Doggyland.” I take two minutes and repeat lyrics like “Today is going to be an amazing day” and “I get better every single day.” At a time when so many of us feel helpless (and sometimes hopeless), these lyrics remind me that we have the power to promote positive change in our world.
—Susan Gilroy-King, Lackawanna College
I drink water and take a deep abdominal breath to signal to my body that it is time to start the day. I spend a few minutes journaling and write three intentions for the day. I sometimes imagine the day as if it has already unfolded well, which helps me approach it with clarity.
—Jennifer Kelly, University of Hawai’i
Before my first cup of coffee, I pull up the day’s schedule and ask two questions: What are my main objectives today, and how do I need to show up for each one? This two-minute check-in sharpens my focus, commitment, and clarity. It reminds me that how I show up matters.
—Joshua Morrison, University of Indianapolis
My secret for success in the early morning is to read and write before news, email, or conversation enter my mind and space. Snuggled in my cozy office chair with my beagle, Ivan, at my side, I breathe in new ideas by reading and breathe them out by writing.
—Elizabeth Benton, Montgomery College
For me, 9 a.m. is already late, not because I’m a classic early riser but because I’ve learned to appreciate what early mornings make possible. Movement, sunrise, and a clearer mind help me meet the day with sacred ease, steadiness, and intention. My not-so-secret secret weapon is starting the day on my own terms before the world starts making demands.
—Tamara Stevenson, Westminster University
My early morning approach is simple but energizing: ten minutes of Pilates exercises, ten minutes of barre, five minutes of yoga, and two cups of excellent coffee. This combination wakes up both my body and mind. It helps me feel strong, focused, and ready to take on the day. In just a short time, I create momentum and clarity before the noise of daily responsibilities begins.
—Lucia Osa-Melero, Duquesne University
I don’t need coffee. What motivates me every day when I wake up is knowing that every student has value, including those who have been underestimated and overlooked. Getting to make a difference in the lives of students who might otherwise be left behind gives me all the energy I need.
—Chelsea Slack, Southeastern Louisiana University
Illustration by Tyson Cole
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