That first alarm. For some of us, it’s a gentle nudge. For others, it’s the opening salvo in a daily war against the snooze button. But how we answer that call, how we step out of bed, often sets the stage for the kind of man we’ll be for the next sixteen hours. And for many of us, that first flicker of consciousness comes with a dose of something we often don’t want to admit: a low, simmering growl of morning anger.

Maybe you’re the “Grumpy Bear” type, waking up with a heavy sigh and a silent curse at the sheer audacity of the sun. Every small inconvenience – the coffee taking too long, a misplaced sock, the morning news – feels like a personal affront. Then there’s the “Brooding Philosopher,” who wakes up already replaying yesterday’s slights or worrying about tomorrow’s impossible tasks, stewing in a quiet frustration that saps energy before the day even begins. And let’s not forget the “Short-Fused Sprinter,” who, once awake, feels a sudden urgency, quickly becoming irritable with anything or anyone that slows them down.

We’ve all been there. That feeling of being slightly off, easily annoyed, or carrying a vague sense of irritation into our first interactions. And here’s the thing: that initial mood, that morning growl, is incredibly contagious. It spills over onto our partners, our kids, our colleagues, and even the unfortunate barista. We project it onto traffic, unexpected emails, and every minor hiccup. Before we know it, that small, internal spark of irritation has become a full-blown blaze of frustration that can ruin our entire day, and frankly, make us pretty unpleasant to be around.

But what if we could actually adjust our attitude before we set out for the day? What if we could recognize that morning growl, acknowledge it, and then choose a different path? This isn’t about slapping on a fake smile or pretending everything’s perfect. It’s about a conscious act of self-management that pays dividends all day long.

Here’s the wisdom: Our mornings are the foundation of our day. Just as you wouldn’t build a house on shaky ground, why would you build your day on a shaky mood? Taking just a few minutes, even before your feet hit the floor, can be transformative:

• Acknowledge the Growl, Then Release It: Notice that initial irritability without judgment. “Okay, I’m feeling a bit grumpy.” Then, consciously take a deep breath and visualize releasing it. It’s a choice, not an obligation.

• Set a Positive Intention: What kind of man do you want to be today? Patient? Productive? Present? Choose one word or phrase and carry it with you.

• Find a Small Anchor of Gratitude: Even if it’s just the warmth of your coffee cup, the quiet of the morning, or the fact that you woke up. Acknowledging one small good thing can shift your perspective dramatically.

• Prime Your Mind: Listen to something uplifting, read a few lines from an inspiring book, or simply sit in silence for a moment. Control the input before the world floods in.

This isn’t just about personal well-being; it’s about leadership – in our homes, our workplaces, and our communities. When we master our morning mood, we lead by example. We become the steady presence, the calm voice, and the positive force that others want to be around. We cut off anger at the pass, preventing it from escalating and impacting our relationships or our decision-making.

So, the next time that alarm sings its morning song, take a beat. Recognize the potential for that familiar growl. Then, with intention, choose to set a different tone. The day ahead will thank you for it, and more importantly, so will the man in the mirror. It’s a small shift with monumental power. And sometimes, just recognizing we’re not alone in that morning struggle is the first step towards finding peace.