Making the most of each day's limited time relies heavily on having the right rituals built into each day. Beginning with a morning jump-start and ending with evening preparations for the next day can really fuel your success.
When
the goal is getting out the door, it is important to stay focused, but it's
easy to get distracted. First, eliminate
any unnecessary actions from your mornings. Can you declutter
the night before so there are fewer distractions? Can unloading the dishwasher
wait until after work? Can you absorb the morning's news on your commute to the
office instead of on TV? For some, these actions are necessary to properly
start the day and can put those individuals in the right mindset; however, for
most others, they are simply distractions that lead to tardiness in getting out
the door. Determine in which of those groups you fall and respond
appropriately.
Second, streamline your processes for getting ready
each day. Choose a
hairstyle that is easy to maintain. Choose a breakfast that is easy to prepare
and can be replicated each morning. Choose wrinkle-free clothing. Look at each
element of your morning routine, and determine what can be simplified. Doing
more without thinking makes the whole process better. Doing more without
thinking makes the whole process better. Proceed through a routine each morning so you take out the
thinking, go into autopilot and ensure what's important gets completed each
day. Plus, if you live with others, knowing beforehand who gets in the shower
first can be hugely helpful. While streamlining, break each element of your
morning routine into a “zone” so supplies for each action are grouped
together and located in the area where they will be needed, like tools
for getting dressed, tools for shaving or applying make-up, tools for
preparing coffee or tools for making breakfast.
Third,
use hacks to boost your energy at the beginning of each day. Get up and moving
soon after you awake to open your lungs for more oxygen, which helps our brains
and bodies function properly; I use the 7 Minute Workout app, but use what
works for you. Start your day by drinking a tall glass of water with a squeeze
of fresh lemon juice, which boosts energy, promotes good digestion, encourages immune
system functioning, detoxifies the liver and kicks off each day hydrated. Then,
use music to motivate your desired behaviors.
To get a solid jump-start,
enter each day with only 3-5 “must do” items for that day. Then, use your
personality style to get all of them accomplished. If you are a morning person
and at your peak energy first-thing, follow the philosophy of “swallow the
frog” and do the most difficult and vital task first. Still, if you
build momentum as the day rolls along, kickstart your productivity with a
simple task first, following the philosophy that “activity breeds activity”.
Finally, end
each day with the next in mind. Check the next day’s
schedule to plan what you’ll need for all activities. Verify the weather
forecast and lay out your clothes as well as any accessories you’ll
be wearing. Think through what you will do for breakfast so you aren’t
scrambling for something to eat. Go ahead and prepare the next day’s lunch;
likewise, if you often forget to grab your pre-made lunch from the fridge,
leave yourself a “remember lunch” note on the door or by your keys. Have a
set place near that for any items you’ll need to grab as you’re headed
out the door, like your keys, work files and purse / wallet / backpack.
Make sure you have gas in your vehicle. Finally, finish your evening with
a tablespoon of unsweetened almond butter, which will ensure you don’t awake groggy
from low blood sugar.
Do you have habits that keep you organized for success? How do you create a morning foundation on which your daily results can be built? What works best for your specific needs?
