Mornings are undoubtedly a very important part of your day. Whether you are a morning person or not, it sets the tone for how you will deal with the day ahead.
If you are an entrepreneur with an already jam-packed schedule, then you’re often rushed in the morning. You get up and get going. No real thought is given to the way you spend your first few minutes of the day.
If you are guilty of this, then you are missing out on a great opportunity to stack the deck in your favor.
For you to go into the world, guns a blazing, you need to be in the right frame of mind. The trick is that you need to actively put yourself in the zone.
Having a great start does not mean that there won’t be some issues along the way, but it will help you cope with those issues a bit better.
1. Plan your day
Grab a cup of coffee, sit down, relax, and review your schedule. Visualize important meetings. Prioritize what is important and what needs your specific attention. Doing this means you control your schedule and not the other way around.
There are plenty of awesome apps that can help you. Check out Fantastical and Wunderlist to help you cut through the clutter.
2. Get your body moving
Even 15 minutes of exercise early in the morning will help energize you for the day. It does not have to be intense either. Go for a run, or if you have some more time grab weights. You will come out of training breathing easier, pumped up and ready to take on any challenge.
3. Read or listen to motivational content
We live in a world full of negativity. It is your responsibility to make sure you rise above it, stay focused on your goal, and persevere in your cause. Reading or listening to motivational material will keep you from being drawn in to a downward spiral.
If the whole “motivational” thing does not work for you, then use this time to sharpen your skills or learn a new one. Download business podcasts, and listen to them on the way to work. Get great insights on marketing, strategy, and entrepreneurship in the convenience of your car.
4. Make your bed
Sounds strange? Maybe it will carry more weight when you hear it from a colonel.
This tiny little tweak in your morning routine actually carries significant psychological benefits. You will leave the house feeling like you have already accomplished something. One task is already done. Even if you end up having a bad day, at least you come home to a bed that is made, which is always nice.
5. Journal
Being an entrepreneur is hard. There is no disputing that. Often it feels like the challenges outweigh the rewards.
Take five minutes in the morning and keep a journal of the things you are grateful for, no matter how small. Write it down, and keep it in front of you. We are often unable to see how far we have come when we do not make time to reflect. If you find it hard to create this habit of daily journaling, then go digital. The 5 Min Journal app will remind you everyday to take a time out and reflect.