Why a Morning Routine is Your Strategic Advantage
In a profession defined by unpredictable human needs, proactive preparation is your most potent tool. A solid morning routine isn’t about rigid adherence; it’s about building a foundation of control before the day’s demands inevitably begin.
Consider these key benefits:
- Reduces Stress & Anxiety: Start calm, stay calm.
- Boosts Focus & Productivity: Prime your brain for important work.
- Minimizes Surprises: Identify issues early, before they escalate.
- Empowers Your Team: When everyone is clear, efficiency follows.
- Protects Your Time: Handle quick tasks upfront, free up time later for families.
Quick, Intentional Habits: The “Pro” Morning Routine
Here are the key, repeatable elements that successful funeral professionals weave into their mornings. Remember, the goal is consistency, not perfection. Find what works for your specific role and team.
1. The “Daily Scan” (5-10 minutes)
Before diving into emails or responding to immediate requests, dedicate a few minutes to get a bird’s-eye view of the day ahead.
Quickly review:
- The Board/Schedule: What visitations, services, or arrangements are scheduled for today? What’s upcoming for tomorrow?
- Overnight Notifications: Scan for urgent calls, deaths, or messages that came in after hours. Prioritize only what requires immediate action.
- Your Team’s Daily Tasks (via Parting Pro’s Global Tasks View): This is where you quickly see all tasks due today, for yourself and your entire team. Filter to quickly identify critical deadlines, unassigned work, or potential bottlenecks.
- Personnel Schedules: Who’s in? Who’s out? Are there any coverage gaps for the day?
The Goal: Understand the landscape. This grounds you and mentally prepares you for what’s coming. Leveraging Parting Pro’s Global Tasks View to see all tasks due today helps you achieve a comprehensive, real-time understanding of your team’s workload and priorities.
2. Prioritize Your “Big 3” (5 minutes)
Once you have your overview, identify the 3 most important tasks you need to accomplish that day. These are tasks that, if completed, would make the day feel productive, regardless of other distractions.
Examples of your “Big 3”:
- Following up with a specific family.
- Finalizing a complex service detail.
- Tackling a key administrative task.
Action: Write them down. Keep it visible.
The Goal: Avoid the “tyranny of the urgent.” Defining personal priorities ensures progress on what truly matters.
3. “Clear the Decks” – Quick Wins (10-15 minutes)
After prioritizing, dedicate a short burst of time to knocking out quick, unavoidable tasks that can otherwise clutter your mind and inbox.
These “quick wins” include:
- Responding to “2-Minute Emails”: Read and reply now if it takes under two minutes.
- Processing Incoming Documents: File or distribute faxes and other documents that just arrived, preventing piles from forming.
- Making Quick Calls: Vendor confirmations or brief family updates.
The Goal: Reduce mental clutter and clear the path for more focused work later. These small victories build momentum.
4. Brief Team Huddle (5-10 minutes, if applicable)
If you have a team, a quick morning huddle can be invaluable.
Use this time to:
- Review Daily Schedule: Confirm who is handling what.
- Highlight Priorities: Share the “Big 3” for the team or individual roles.
- Address Potential Issues: Proactively identify and assign solutions for any upcoming challenges.
- Quick Check-in: A brief word of encouragement or acknowledgement fosters morale.
The Goal: Ensure everyone is aligned, informed, and ready to face the day together.
Putting It Into Practice: Your Pro Routine
The key to making this routine stick is consistency. Start small. Perhaps just implement the “Daily Scan” for a week. Once that feels natural, add “Prioritize Your Big 3.”
Tips for success:
- Be Realistic: Don’t try to cram an hour’s worth of tasks into 15 minutes.
- Find Your Time: Does 7 AM work best? Or right after you arrive?
- Protect Your Routine: Minimize interruptions. Let your team know you’re doing your “morning prep.”
By intentionally taking control of your first 30-60 minutes, you set a powerful precedent for the entire day. You’re not just reacting; you’re directing. This shift from overwhelm to control won’t just benefit your productivity – it will create a calmer, more effective environment for you, your team, and most importantly, the families you serve. Start your day like a pro, and experience the difference it makes.