Be the Boss of Your First Hour

The other day, while sitting quietly with my eight-year-old daughter, she said something unexpectedly wise: “Mom, isn’t it cool how everyone in the family is the boss of their first hour?” Intrigued, I asked her to explain. She said each of us has the first hour of the day to do what we love before responsibilities kick in, whether school for her or work for me. Her simple insight reminded me how powerful the first hour is in setting the tone for the rest of our day, especially as we step into a new year.

The start of the year offers a unique opportunity to reshape our routines and intentions. How we spend our first hour can influence not only the rest of our day but the entire year ahead. Our brains are most receptive in the morning, and making the most of this time can enhance productivity, foster mindfulness, and set a positive, intentional tone for the months to come.

How to Own Your First Hour in the New Year

  1. Avoid Distractions. Before reaching for your phone to read the news, email, or social media, take a moment to be grateful for another day of life. Reframe your list of demands as exciting challenges, and remind yourself what is most important for you to do today, whether personal or professional.
  2. Practice Mindfulness. Spend a few minutes in quiet reflection, prayer, or goal visualization. This will help you mentally prepare for the challenges of the day and maintain clarity on the bigger objectives you’re working toward this year.
  3. Nourish Yourself. Just as you wouldn’t expect a business to succeed without proper resources, don’t neglect your body and mind. Hydrate, stretch, and enjoy a nourishing breakfast to ensure you’re energized and ready to tackle your goals with focus and stamina.
  4. Plan Your Priorities. Reflect on your key business and personal goals for the year. Identify the top three objectives you want to achieve today that will move the needle toward your bigger yearly goals. Write them down and keep them top of mind throughout the day.
  5. Inspire Yourself. Surround yourself with motivation that reinforces your goals. Whether it’s reading an inspiring book, listening to a podcast, or reviewing your vision board, engaging with uplifting content in the morning helps ignite your passion and drive for success.

These early morning practices are critical in my life and as I lead Voom Creative. I seek the Lord’s wisdom, creativity, and guidance for our team and for the work we do for each client every day.

As my wise little girl reminded me, you are the boss of the first hour of your day—an hour that offers an opportunity for you to infuse this new year with clarity and purpose. Approaching your first moments intentionally each day can transform your mornings and your entire year.

With blessing,
Melissa McGath, Founder & CEO
Voom Creative

P.S. At Voom Creative, we specialize in helping businesses like yours create clear, actionable strategies that align with your long-term vision. Ready to take control of your success in the new year? Reach out today, and let’s start planning the path to elevate your brand and drive your business forward.

“It is of the LORD’s mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.
They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.” — Lamentations 3:22–23 (KJV)