As women, we often find ourselves juggling multiple roles and responsibilities, from taking care of our families and homes to pursuing our careers and passions. With so much on our plates, it can be challenging to find time for personal development and growth. However, there is a magical hour that can help us make progress towards our goals and become the best versions of ourselves – enter the Golden Hour.

What is the Golden Hour? The golden hour refers to the first hour of the day after waking up. During this time, our minds are fresh, and our bodies are rested, making it an ideal time for personal development activities. The golden hour is an opportunity to invest in ourselves, whether it’s through learning new skills, practicing self-care, or setting intentions for the day ahead.

Personal Development Activities for the Golden Hour:

1. Meditation and mindfulness practices – taking a few minutes to center yourself and focus on your breath can help reduce stress and improve your overall well-being.
2. Reading or listening to motivational content – whether it’s a book, podcast, or inspirational quotes, exposing yourself to positive and uplifting messages can help you stay motivated and inspired throughout the day.
3. Journaling – writing down your thoughts, goals, and intentions can help you clarify your vision and stay accountable to yourself.
4. Exercise or stretching – getting your body moving in the morning can boost your energy levels and improve your mood.
5. Planning your day – taking a few minutes to plan out your schedule and priorities can help you stay organized and focused throughout the day.

Why is the Golden Hour Important for Women’s Personal Development? The golden hour is a time when we can focus on ourselves and our goals without distractions or interruptions. It’s a time to prioritize our needs and invest in our personal growth. For women, who often put the needs of others before their own, the golden hour is an opportunity to prioritize self-care and development. By starting the day with personal development activities, we set the tone for a positive and productive day ahead.

How does it work?  The first step is setting your alarm.  Since the Golden Hour is for you, if you need to be sure to go to bed an hour earlier, and set that alarm to wake you before the rest of the house gets moving.  Then, upon waking, dedicate yourself to doing three of the five things on the list above.  Each will be allotted twenty minutes.

Implementing my version of the morning hour has changed the relationship I have with mornings.  It has also made it possible for me to implement a morning practice that easy to keep up with.  My typical morning starts with either a walk or tai chi, meditation, and journaling/day planning.  If I have a light day or require a little more encouragement  (we all have those days) I’ll tune into a podcast or audio book.  I feel so accomplished and inspired to take on the day after I’ve taken that time for myself.

The golden hour is a simple yet powerful concept that can help women make progress towards their personal goals. By taking advantage of this magical hour, we can invest in ourselves and become the best versions of ourselves. With the added bonus of building trust, by making ourselves number one our priority list.

So next time you wake up, try dedicating the first hour of your day to personal development activities and see how it can positively impact the rest of your day.