Having a productive day means starting it off successfully in the morning.
We know; some of you might not be morning people. Thankfully, there are some fun ways to make your morning better and easier, while also boosting your productivity to the next level. We sourced some ideas from the best entrepreneurs, and hopefully their successful morning routines will rub off on you.
Thank others
The key to waking up happy is trying to make other people happy. Broadcasting Happiness author Michelle Gielan suggested sending one or two quick “thank you” emails in the morning as a way of making this happen.
“That activates people in your network in a meaningful way that strengthens bonds,” she said.
This isn’t only a productive use of time. It’s a good practice generally. So consider bringing some coffee and breakfast into the office, or just saying a few quick words of kindness.
Meditate
Plenty of successful entrepreneurs, including Oprah Winfrey, have touted the massive benefits of meditation. It’s a great way to clear your head so you can tackle everything and anything during the workday. And it does everything from making you happier to boosting your health.
Don’t have enough time to go “omm”? Consider a pseudo-meditation by scheduling some “me” time without cell phones Twitter, or even LTH. Instead of taking a crowded subway, take some extra time walking to work to get some much-needed headspace.
Get your sweat on
Twitter’s CEO Jack Dorsey goes for a 6-mile jog in the morning, while Apple’s CEO Tim Cook will wake up at 5 AM to get a workout going.
You don’t have to go to this extreme, but you should really consider some sort of a workout in the morning. As you probably know, it’s great for you. But what you might not know is that excreting yourself will leave you feeling more energized and awake. And if you’re working out in the morning, you’re more likely to actually do it. Exercising before work means you’ll avoid putting off the workout because you have projects pilling up.
Get that worm
Is a key to success waking up fifteen minutes before work and stumbling in while out of breath? The answer is a resounding “no!”
The most successful people take their mornings a step further by waking up very early. But First Lady Michelle Obama found even greater success when she realized that she needed to see herself as someone worth making time for.
“If I had to get up to take care of my kids, I’d get up and do that,” she said. “But when it comes to yourself, then suddenly, ‘Oh, I can’t get up at 4:30.’ So I had to change that.”
Even if your work doesn’t start early, take the time and generate the willpower to stay away from the snooze button. Finding the time to take care of yourself in the morning is well worth the investment.
Inspiration
Getting inspired will wake you up instantly more than a whole pot of coffee ever will – and inspiration can come from anywhere. From putting things into perspective, traveling, or taking the time to read something you wouldn’t have before.
Try out a new hobby, read a biography of someone you admire – get in touch with what makes you feel. Inspiration can come from anywhere – and many consider it like a lightning strike. But who’s to say you can’t nudge inspiration by trying something new and thinking differently? Often the very best ideas are born when we step outside our comfort zone.
How do you wake up to a more successful day? Share your tips, and check out some new ones from the LTH Tribe!
