The Golden Hour Habit
Let's be real: marriage is one of the most powerful—and financially risky—moves you'll ever make. (Just ask Jeff Bezos, who paid a whopping $38 billion in his divorce to try again with someone new. If that's not proof of love's power, what is?)
But keeping that connection scintillating requires more than just hoping for the best. It takes intentionality.
This week we're talking about the "Golden Hour." No, not just the beautiful light for photos, but the focused time you dedicate every morning to fortify your mind, your emotions, and ultimately, your relationship. It’s about doing the internal "weightlifting" to ensure you bring your best self into your marriage.
4 Steps to Your Power-Up Routine
The best marriages—and the most successful people—don't coast. They have a routine that reinforces their core identity and goals.
Find Your Center: Start with stillness. Whether it's prayer, meditation, or just silent appreciation for the sounds of the morning, this moment of reflection is linked to improved mental health and self-esteem. Give yourself time to breathe before the day demands your attention.
Affirm Who You Are: Review statements about who you are and who you are becoming (e.g., "I am a gentle partner," "I am an elite listener"). These aren't just feel-good phrases; consistent self-affirmation is scientifically proven to drive long-term personal growth. You’re building the identity you want to have.
Review Your Goals: Look at your personal daily, weekly, and yearly objectives. While affirmations are a dimmer switch (continuous improvement), goals are a light switch (did it happen or not?). Checking these concrete targets gives you a sense of purpose and direction, making you a more reliable and motivated partner.
Move Your Body: A few minutes of exercise—whether a walk or high-intensity training—not only benefits your health but seals in the mental work you just completed.
Action Tip:
The Golden Hour is personal, but its effects should be shared. You and your spouse need to know what you are both working toward.
Action Tip: Once a week, commit to a 5-minute check-in where you each share one affirmation you're focusing on and one personal goal you crushed or are struggling with. This keeps you deeply connected to each other's identity and intentionality—our first two cornerstones.
By dedicating just a few minutes each morning to being intentional about you, you naturally build the insight and intimacy needed for a truly scintillating, lasting marriage.
Tune into Episodes 103 (and 104 releases Friday) of Marriage IQ to learn more!
If you have missed other Marriage IQ Weekly Tip emails, here is a link to catch up on them!
