Other people's experiences can help us learn more about ourselves, especially in business. Of course, what works for one may not work for another, however, there is value in hearing about how successful people spend their time. That's why we're taking a look at morning routines.
We operate much like a battery-- the amount of energy we exert is limited. That means we only have a certain amount of willpower and self-control each day until we burn out. The takeaway? If you can be productive in the morning chances are you'll get more done. The longer you put off your hardest tasks, the more you'll feel fatigued.
Prepare the night before. We love a to-do list, but when creating reminders in the morning things can easily fall through the cracks. Before packing up for the day, create a list for the following day and map out your three priorities. The next day, when you get into the office, you don’t need to spend time brainstorming what's important or remember what you were working on the day before. A practice of creating your to-do list at night will help you feel on task and ready to take on the day. You can jump right in, and it puts your day ahead into perspective.
Most of us check our email first thing, but this may not be the best routine to get into. That’s because reading through emails has the opportunity to be a stressful experience and turn your mind on how to fix other people’s problems, rather than focusing on your own tasks. We understand that e-mail is a necessary part of your job, but it does also take away from the *primary* purpose, which you lay out the night before. Get started on your hardest task while your focus is hot and then carve out time a little later to check-in on things. Put your own oxygen mask on first.
"For the past 33 years, I have looked in the mirror every morning and asked myself: If today were the last day of my life, would I want to do what I am about to do today? And whenever the answer has been no for too many days in a row, I know I need to change something."
Anna Wintour, Editor-in-Chief of Vogue begins her day with a 5:45 am tennis match for 1 hour.
The former UK Prime Minister starts her day at 5 am and listens to 'Farming Today' on BBC Radio.
Ben Franklin set a three-hour time block for his morning routine. Each day he would wake up and ask himself "What shall I do today?"
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