“Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out.” —Robert Collier
In my pursuit of intentional and fulfilling days, I have learned that how I end my nights is just as crucial as how I start my mornings.
My mornings tend to be my most productive hours of the day so it’s important for me that I make the most of them. Most of my writing is accomplished in the morning, as well as video filming.
Being at my best makes me more efficient—and hopefully more helpful to you. :)
That’s why I’ve developed an intentional practice over the years that I call “Before Bed Prep.”
I don’t recall anyone ever teaching it to me. It occurred naturally in my life around the time I started this blog and began rising early in the morning to write. In order to not waste any time, I’d prepare some items ahead of time to make my morning run smoother.
“Before Bed Prep” is essentially a series of intentional steps taken each night to ensure the next day begins on the best possible note.
As I’ve heard different mentors (and people that I look up to) mention doing the same thing, I’ve begun to recognize that the routine isn’t just about saving time in the morning; it’s about embracing purposeful living, every day, from beginning to end.
Here are the seven steps I take every evening for my Before Bed Prep routine:
1. Set Out My Gym Gear
The first place I go every morning is to the gym. So, part of my Prep involves laying out my gym clothes and shoes. They’re set out right near my bed. Putting them on and getting ready for the gym is the first thing I do.
2. Pick My Outfit for the Day
I wear pretty much the same thing every day, so this isn’t a difficult step for me. But choosing my clothes for the next day and setting them out still makes it easy for me to grab them.
3. Create My Morning To-Do List
Almost every morning, before waking up, I know exactly what I intend to accomplish that day. I typically do this every afternoon before leaving work and apply my 3-Item To Do List criteria for the following day.
My afternoons can vary based on how efficient I was each morning, but rarely do I sit down for work at the beginning of the day without knowing my three goals.
4. Pack My Work Bag
Before I go to bed, I compile or even pack my workbag for the next day. If I did any work during the evening, I collect it and pack it away. In addition to keeping my mornings efficient, it helps me not forget anything.
5. Plan Breakfast
As I’ve mentioned elsewhere, I eat the same breakfast every day. So planning my breakfast doesn’t require a ton of effort—although I still do it. Even before eating the same thing every day, this was a helpful step in my Before Bed Prep.
6. 10-Minute Evening Tidy
One of the greatest benefits minimalism brought into our lives was the ability to quickly reset rooms and tidy up in the evening. Tidying the kitchen, living room, bedroom, and bathroom every evening before going to bed is something we’ve practiced in the Becker Home for years.
A calm and tidied home, without yesterday’s messes all around, is one of the best ways to keep your mind focused on the opportunities of today rather than cleaning up yesterday.
7. Set Out Meditation Supplies
I’ve written about my Three Essential Habits for Living Well. They are exercise, eat healthy, and solitude. You’ll see that exercise and eating well already appear on this list. My final step every evening before bed is to set out my supplies for solitude and meditation (my Bible). Seeing it out each morning is a helpful visual reminder.
While these seven steps form my Before Bed Prep, there’s no doubt yours will be different.
Here are some other ideas that might be helpful to consider for your unique lifestyle:
- Checking your calendar
- Packing your lunch
- Prepping your kid’s supplies for the school-day
- Gathering necessary pet items
- Preparing your coffeemaker
- Setting out your actual breakfast food
- Laying out items you need for your morning self-care ritual
Regardless of what you choose or don’t choose, it is true that a calming, focused, and productive morning begins the night before. It can even help motivate you to get the day started if mornings aren’t your thing.
Consider incorporating Before Bed Prep into your nightly routine, even as an experiment, and observe how it eases your transition into each day, fostering a more intentional life.
Carl says
Excellent article Joshua. Many of these things I’ve also cemented in my diary/calendar as my evening & morning routine intentionally since 2020 when I made more space for what’s important.
Vanessa M says
Great article Joshua. I’ve been doing my own version of Before Bed Prep for some time now. It’s the best way to give yourself a positive jump start for the day ahead.
John says
I have not been very consistent with this lately. Certainly I will take the lion’s share of the blame. But what if your partner/spouse does not embrace these ideals and goals? Being organized and a minimalist is definitely not in their nature. And when I try to implement some of these strategies I feel like I’m fighting an uphill battle. Like the tidying up of the house before bed. I tongue-in-cheek have nicknamed her hurricane which she takes in stride but not too fond of. Each day when I send her off to work I spend part of my morning putting the house back together. I feel much like Sisyphus.
Carl says
John, I have the same struggle with my wife; I just keep on doing what I’ve learnt to do over the past few years. It may or may not rub off and that’s ok! Don’t give up doing what helps you move forward well :)
Anita says
I do most of this already. I’m not a morning person at all so this is very helpful. I didn’t use to make my bed everyday before I started taking your classes. Now it’s a must. Feels so good to climb in to an untangled bed. The kitchen counters are reset every night. I’m not so good about the kitchen table since I’ve been eating my breakfast at my desk. Two habits to easily change.
Kate says
Great advice, especially for those of us who are not “morning people.” I definitely see the wisdom of small, do-able steps. It really is easier, IMHO, to declutter by category rather than by room. BTW, where do you discard old charge cords and outdated technology?
It’s the larger, more daunting projects are so easy to put off forever. Our disaster area, a.k.a. the garage, really needs our attention, especially when it is warm enough to work in there. I know what our priorities are with the stuff that’s there, but still can’t figure out how to get it done. What do you do with furniture that is perfectly useable, no one wants, and the thrift shop won’t take it because it’s not pristine?
Jean McCallum says
How about donating to Habitat for Humanity home store? Their stuff is usable but not perfect. Or have a yard sale when the weather is better. Sometimes young couples just starting out would be thrilled to have your furniture. Maybe ask around. Someone will want it.
Debbie Johnson says
Thank you Joshua.
Some I already do. These are wonderful suggestions :)
Vinma says
I agree with prepping before bed. One thing I always do without fail is to tidy up my room. I don’t like things scattered around on my bed, floor or closet. My bed is always made, my clothes always folded and floors clean. To me it is therapeutic to see my room or my space tidy as it is in a way cleansing my mind as well of all the clutter.
Denis says
A definitely agree with everything that was written above. I found a lot of more inspiration. Last years I worked on productive mornings, so this year will be about setting up the evening routine. Grat and very helpful article. Thank you. Denis
Clean Panda says
We have some unwritten rules for the bedroom. No phones obviously. Only 1 book on the stand. Soft lighting. Expressive art on the wall. A bed that is always made. No clothes on the ground or hanging around, but in the closet or washing bin. These habits create so much quiet en peace. Love your article on bedtime minimalism.
Pat says
I love this article, Joshua. Such helpful advice. Every night before a work day for thirty years, my husband did what we came to refer to as “shrine.” He had three shrines: one- he laid out on the kitchen counter everything he needed for breakfast except refrigerated items; two- he laid out his clothes and shoes; and three- he put his brief case, badges, and keys together in a spot near the door. Worked like a charm. Our children gave him untold, good natured grief over his shrines. Guess who shrines now! It works.