Introduction
Mornings can be tough. For many of us, the sound of the alarm clock is met with a groan and a desperate reach for the snooze button. We often start our days feeling rushed, stressed, and unprepared for the challenges ahead. But what if there was a way to transform our mornings from a dreaded chore into a positive, energizing experience?
In his book "Getting COMFY," Jordan Gross presents a thoughtful and practical approach to revamping your morning routine. Through years of research, personal experimentation, and conversations with others, Gross has developed a five-point strategy for starting each day on the right foot. His method, cleverly acronymed as COMFY, offers a roadmap to mornings that leave you feeling calm, focused, and ready to take on whatever lies ahead.
This book isn't just about waking up earlier or forcing yourself into a rigid routine. Instead, it's about finding what works best for you and creating a morning practice that sets you up for success. Gross shares personal anecdotes, practical tips, and relatable advice that can help anyone, from night owls to early birds, make the most of their mornings.
Let's dive into the key ideas of "Getting COMFY" and explore how you can transform your mornings and, by extension, your entire day.
The Importance of a Morning Routine
Before delving into the specifics of the COMFY method, it's crucial to understand why a morning routine matters in the first place. Gross emphasizes that we spend more time with ourselves than with anyone else. From the moment we wake up to the time we go to sleep, we are our own constant companions. This means that improving our lives starts with improving ourselves, and one of the most effective ways to do that is by establishing a positive morning routine.
A well-crafted morning routine sets the tone for the entire day. It can help reduce stress, increase productivity, and contribute to overall well-being. However, creating an effective morning routine isn't always easy. It requires openness to new ideas, a willingness to listen to advice, and a bit of trial and error.
Gross admits that he's not a morning routine expert, but through his own experiences and research, he's developed the COMFY method. This five-part approach helps him reach his potential each day, and he notices a significant difference when he skips it. On days without his COMFY routine, he feels tired, sluggish, and like he's missed an opportunity – certainly not the ideal way to start a day.
The No Snooze Challenge
One of the biggest hurdles to establishing a morning routine is actually getting out of bed when the alarm goes off. To combat this, Gross introduces the No Snooze Challenge. This simple game provides an incentive to wake up immediately when your alarm sounds.
Here's how it works:
- Choose an activity you love, such as watching TV or going to the gym.
- For every minute you sleep in past your alarm, limit yourself to one less minute of that enjoyable activity.
This challenge creates a tangible consequence for hitting the snooze button, making it easier to resist the temptation of extra sleep.
To increase your chances of success with the No Snooze Challenge, Gross recommends ensuring a good night's sleep by "going to bed smiling." This means ending your day with something enjoyable, whether it's watching a favorite TV show, writing in a journal, or having a pleasant phone conversation with a loved one. By creating positive associations with bedtime, you're more likely to wake up feeling refreshed and ready to start your day.
The COMFY Method
Now that we understand the importance of a morning routine and have a strategy for actually getting out of bed, let's explore the COMFY method in detail. Each letter in COMFY represents a key component of an effective morning routine:
C - Calm
The first step in the COMFY method is finding a calming activity to start your day. This is crucial because many of us wake up to the jarring sound of an alarm clock, which can trigger a stress response and set a negative tone for the day.
Meditation is one of the most effective ways to cultivate calmness in the morning. Gross recommends starting with just five minutes of quiet mindfulness. Here's a simple way to begin:
- Find a comfortable place to sit.
- Close your eyes.
- Focus on your breathing or repeat a short phrase or mantra.
For those who need a bit more guidance, apps like Headspace can provide structured meditation sessions.
If sitting still is challenging first thing in the morning, consider incorporating gentle yoga or stretching into your calming routine. Even basic stretches like touching your toes or gently tilting your head from side to side can help loosen your body and quiet your mind.
The environment you choose for your calming activity can also make a big difference. If possible, find a tranquil setting like a balcony or nearby park. If you're limited to indoor spaces, consider using white noise or playing peaceful nature videos to create a serene atmosphere.
Remember, there's no one-size-fits-all approach to finding calm. Be open to experimenting with different methods until you discover what works best for you.
O - Openness
The second step in the COMFY method focuses on openness – to yourself, to others, and to the world around you. After a night of sleep, we're often closed off, and taking time to reestablish connections is crucial for a well-rounded morning routine.
Being open to others can lead to unexpected and enriching experiences. Gross shares a personal anecdote about striking up a conversation with his Uber driver, who turned out to be Ronnie Rice, a Chicago music legend. By showing genuine interest and asking questions, Gross not only learned fascinating stories about the 1970s rock scene but also made a meaningful connection.
You can practice openness in your morning routine by:
- Sending a text to check in with an old friend
- Reaching out to a potential business partner
- Writing a thank-you note to someone who has impacted your life
The key is to be genuine, enthusiastic, and memorable in your interactions.
Openness isn't just about external connections, though. It's equally important to be open with yourself. Gross recommends taking time each morning for introspection, preferably through journaling. Put away your devices and write down your thoughts, feelings, goals, and fears. This practice can help you gain clarity on your needs and desires.
You can also turn this introspective time into a practical exercise by writing a to-do list for the day and challenging yourself to accomplish each task.
By incorporating openness into your morning routine, you'll nurture valuable relationships with both yourself and others, setting a positive tone for the day ahead.
M - Movement
The third component of the COMFY method is movement. While the calming activities from the first step are a good start, adding more physical activity to your morning can have significant benefits for both your body and mind.
As a certified personal trainer, Gross recommends either going for a short run or doing some weightlifting. These exercises not only improve your physical health but also boost brain activity. To make the most of this mental clarity, consider listening to a stimulating podcast or allowing your mind to wander creatively while you work out.
The benefits of morning movement extend beyond physical fitness. Often, the sense of accomplishment from completing a workout is the true reward. Gross shares a story from his friend Jake, who played Division 1 soccer at Harvard University. Jake recalls the morning of his first practice, where Marine drill sergeants put the team through an incredibly demanding workout. Despite being pushed to his physical limits, Jake finished the session feeling like he could accomplish anything – a confidence boost that lasted throughout the day.
Incorporating movement into your morning routine can be particularly helpful on challenging days. Gross describes a morning when he woke up to the news that he had been rejected from his dream job at Google. Rather than wallowing in disappointment, he stuck to his COMFY routine and hit the gym with extra intensity. As he pushed through his workout, he found his disappointment transforming into optimism about future opportunities.
It's important to note that you don't need to complete an extreme workout to reap the benefits of morning movement. Whether it's a light jog, a yoga session, or an upbeat dance class, any form of physical activity can stimulate your mind and prepare your body for the day ahead. The key is to find a type of movement that you enjoy and that fits into your schedule.
F - Funny
The fourth step in the COMFY method might surprise you – it's all about incorporating humor into your morning routine. Starting your day with a smile can help you maintain a positive outlook, even in the face of serious responsibilities and challenges.
Gross discovered the power of humor while volunteering as a care partner for Alzheimer's patients. In what could be a stressful environment, he learned that looking for moments of levity could make any situation more manageable. For instance, one patient always mistook Gross for Clark Gable and would ask for his autograph, bringing a moment of joy to even the most difficult days.
Laughter helps us shake off anxiety and live in the moment, which is exactly the mindset needed to start the day right. Here are some strategies Gross suggests for incorporating humor into your morning routine:
Create your own Positive News Network: Instead of starting your day with potentially negative headlines from traditional news sources, curate a list of websites that offer a more positive view of the world. Gross recommends sites like The Onion (for satirical news) or Faith in Humanity (for heartwarming stories).
Find a "funny buddy": Designate someone with whom you can regularly share amusing or uplifting messages each morning. This idea was inspired by Kelly, Gross's local laundry service delivery person, who would include a positive message with each drop-off or pick-up.
Collect and share funny content: Get in the habit of collecting entertaining bits throughout the day to share with others. This could be short jokes, funny animal videos, or amusing memes.
By making humor a part of your morning routine, you're more likely to approach the day with a positive, lighthearted attitude. This can help you navigate challenges more easily and find joy in unexpected places.
Y - You (Your Passion)
The final step of the COMFY method focuses on you and your passions. This is about identifying what truly motivates you and making time each morning to pursue it.
Gross believes that finding your passion requires a balance of "feeling young" and "thinking old." Feeling young means connecting with the things that make you feel excited and enthusiastic, just like you did as a child looking forward to something big. Thinking old involves letting go of youthful concerns like "being cool" or "fitting in," allowing you to pursue your interests without self-consciousness or social pressure.
Once you've identified your passion, the key is to build it into your morning routine. Set aside some time each day to work on or engage with what truly drives you. Gross shares the example of his neighbor, Jim Fagan, an attorney whose true passion is running. Every morning, Jim dedicates two pre-dawn hours to jogging, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to his passion.
For Gross himself, his guiding interest is "adding value to others." This means always trying to provide for the people he encounters without expecting anything in return. By reminding himself of this goal each morning, he's able to prioritize projects that align with this passion, such as launching MomdelS, a company that sells traditional Jewish cookies to raise money for Multiple Sclerosis research.
Incorporating your passion into your morning routine can provide a sense of purpose and motivation that carries you through the rest of the day. It's a reminder of what truly matters to you and can help you stay focused on your long-term goals and values.
Putting It All Together
Now that we've explored each component of the COMFY method, let's look at how to integrate them into a cohesive morning routine:
- Start with a calming activity like meditation or gentle stretching to center yourself.
- Practice openness by reaching out to someone or journaling about your thoughts and feelings.
- Get your body moving with some form of exercise, whether it's a run, weightlifting, or yoga.
- Incorporate some humor into your morning by reading funny content or sharing a joke with a friend.
- Dedicate time to pursuing your passion or working towards a goal that truly excites you.
Remember, the exact order and duration of each component can be adjusted to fit your personal preferences and schedule. The key is to find a routine that works for you and leaves you feeling energized and prepared for the day ahead.
Overcoming Challenges
While the COMFY method provides a solid framework for creating a positive morning routine, it's important to acknowledge that implementing these changes can be challenging. Here are some common obstacles you might face and strategies to overcome them:
Lack of time: If you're struggling to fit all the COMFY components into your morning, try waking up 15-30 minutes earlier. Alternatively, you could combine some elements, like doing a funny meditation or exercising while listening to a podcast related to your passion.
Inconsistency: It's normal to have days where you can't stick to your routine perfectly. Instead of getting discouraged, focus on doing what you can. Even incorporating one or two elements of COMFY is better than nothing.
Distractions: Modern life is full of distractions, especially from our devices. Gross suggests trying the "lose your phone" challenge. Make a list of all you want to accomplish in the morning, then put your phone somewhere out of reach until you've completed everything on the list.
Lack of motivation: On days when you're struggling to get started, remind yourself of why you're doing this. Reflect on how much better you feel when you complete your morning routine and use that as motivation to push through.
Changing circumstances: Life changes, such as a new job or a move, can disrupt your routine. Be flexible and willing to adjust your COMFY routine as needed to fit your new circumstances.
The Long-Term Benefits
Consistently following the COMFY method can lead to significant improvements in various aspects of your life:
Increased productivity: By starting your day with intention and purpose, you're likely to be more focused and efficient throughout the day.
Better stress management: The combination of calming activities and exercise can help reduce stress and anxiety.
Improved relationships: Regularly practicing openness can lead to stronger connections with others and a deeper understanding of yourself.
Enhanced mood: Starting the day with humor and pursuing your passions can contribute to a more positive outlook overall.
Greater sense of purpose: By consistently dedicating time to what matters most to you, you're more likely to feel fulfilled and motivated in your daily life.
Improved physical health: Regular morning exercise can lead to better overall fitness and health.
Increased resilience: As you become accustomed to tackling challenges first thing in the morning, you may find yourself better equipped to handle difficulties throughout the day.
Conclusion
"Getting COMFY" offers a fresh perspective on morning routines, emphasizing the importance of starting each day with intention and positivity. By following the COMFY method – Calm, Openness, Movement, Funny, and You (your passion) – you can transform your mornings from a dreaded chore into an energizing and fulfilling experience.
Remember, the goal isn't to create a perfect, rigid routine that you follow without fail. Instead, it's about developing a flexible framework that helps you start each day in a way that aligns with your values and sets you up for success. Be patient with yourself as you experiment with different aspects of the COMFY method, and don't be afraid to adjust your routine as needed.
Mornings have the power to set the tone for your entire day. By investing time and effort into creating a positive morning routine, you're not just improving your mornings – you're enhancing your entire life. So why not give the COMFY method a try? You might just find that those early hours become the best part of your day.
As you embark on this journey to transform your mornings, remember Gross's core message: you owe it to yourself to start each day in a way that makes you feel your best. With the COMFY method as your guide, you have the tools to make every morning an opportunity for growth, joy, and success. Here's to brighter mornings and better days ahead!