This is one of the hardest, but best things to do every morning if you want to be successful. If you already get up early, as in around 5 a.m. or 5:30 a.m., then don't worry; I'm not talking to you since you're already on top of the game! I'm speaking to those of you who get up around 8 a.m. or 9 a.m. like I used to. I worked a second shift job, so getting up any earlier was out of the question for me. Luckily, now that I work at home, I'm able to get up whenever I choose. If you have this option to get up early before your job each day, do it! I get more done in the early hours of the day and have less distractions. Each morning, the alarm goes off at 5 a.m., and I'm working out by 5:30 a.m. and eating breakfast by 7:00 a.m. or 7:30 a.m. This is especially a great tool if you want to get more done each day. It is reported that most successful people, even President Obama himself, get up at 4:30 a.m or 5 a.m.. each day. Now ladies, if the President himself can find the time, surely we all can!
2. Work out
Yes, along with getting up early, I'm asking you to get your booty moving in high gear too! I already made working out a habit, but didn't do it as early in the morning as I am now. If you're new to working out, I probably sound like a drill sergeant, but hear me out. Highly successful people have this number one habit in common. They get up early and work out to get their day started. This isn't only important for physical fitness, but also important for your mental focus, function and your metabolism. It is a great way to take time for yourself each day, before the day's agenda takes its toll on your energy levels. It is also a great way to motivate you and has been proven to increase mental function and concentration to everyone who does it. Start by working out for 30 minutes each morning, whether it be a walk around your neighborhood or local park, and then add 10 minutes of stretching, weights or a few yoga poses. Then, increase this time to 45 minutes or an hour if you can and add weight training or extra cardio. Be sure to stretch regularly after each session to enhance your flexibility too.
3. Eat Breakfast
We all know breakfast is important, but did you know that all successful people make sure not to skip this important meal? Oh, and if you're wondering, a massive bowl of sugary cereal is not considered breakfast here, girls, nor is a leftover piece of last night's pizza. I'm talking about a good, solid breakfast to get you energized and nourished for the day ahead. This is the best little gift you can give your brain and your metabolism. Don't eat too early if you've had a late dinner, but be sure to eat something at least a couple hours after you get up. Since I wake up at 5 a.m., I'm not in the mood to sit down and eat first thing. It actually helps me wake up to get up and move first thing, so I choose to work out first. Then, I refuel afterwards and I feel great all day long. In fact, I am much more capable of focusing on the tasks the rest of the day by fueling up first thing. Choose a protein rich breakfast such as eggs, a whole foods protein smoothie or shake, oatmeal with some nuts, seeds and Greek yogurt, or even Greek yogurt with some berries and nuts or seeds. Protein is important to jumpstart the neurotransmitters in the brain that enhance mental function. All successful people know how important mental function is in generating ideas, accomplishing tasks efficiently, and increasing motivation for the day ahead. Plus, not eating breakfast can make you cranky, so do everyone else a favor, dear, and eat before you start your day!
4. Enjoy Some Quiet Time
One reason getting up early is so great is because it gives you some quiet time each day. If you live in a crowded home like I do, you know that it can be hard to get some peace in the morning if the dogs are all over the house, people are making noise getting ready, or are just talking throughout the house. If you have kids, I know you understand what I mean. Getting up early, exercising and even eating breakfast alone are great ways to take some time for yourself each morning. When you do this, you're allowing your brain to just focus on you, your day ahead, things you would like to do during the day, things you would like to get accomplished, or even how you can help others throughout the day. If it helps, write in a journal each morning for 5 or 10 minutes. It makes you a more peaceful, productive person, and a happier person to be around with others. My favorite way to do this is to get up before everyone else and enjoy a quiet morning workout, breakfast and even a little writing time to myself. Whatever you can squeeze in, start adding some morning quiet time to your routine. You'll become addicted quite quickly, I'm sure, and it may be the extra incentive you need to set that alarm clock early!
5. Be Organized
One other thing that highly successful people have in common is that they are very organized when it comes to their morning routine. This means having your clothes prepared for the day ahead, your lunches or other meals gathered up if you work away from home, keeping all your work bags together, and even keeping your room organized. Don't leave your bed unmade, clothes all over the floor and your bathroom a train wreck. Every time you do, these visual cues send teeny tiny signs of stress to your brain, and can make you feel chaotic, even if you're not. Be organized, and you'll feel more together, more on top of your game and ready for the day ahead. Coming from a slob turned neat freak, I'm here to tell you- it works!
6. Leave Yesterday behind
One really important thing you must do every morning is not to get up regretting yesterday's choices, decisions, losses, etc. If you didn't get a promotion at work you were hoping for, are having a tiff with a friend, or your boss said something that upset you, you must leave it in the past. If you were in the wrong, be sure you apologize, but otherwise you need to leave what is behind you alone and focus on today. Every successful person approaches the new day ahead with a new attitude, positive outlook and with a plan, not a regret. You cannot change what is past, but having the right outlook on the day ahead will give you the ability to make today better
7. Be Confident
One really simple thing I have found that works very well is to give yourself a pep talk each morning. Okay, I don't really talk to myself out loud each day, but if you want to, go for it! I do give myself a mental pep talk each morning though, telling myself that I have everything it takes to get through this day, accomplish what is needed, and be open to new ideas and possibilities that can enhance my life, or other lives around me. Be prepared for any situation by giving yourself a confidence boost each morning. This gets you motivated and makes you more confident to the world around you. It can even help to dress in an outfit that makes you feel great, wear your favorite hairstyle, eat a healthy breakfast, etc. Doing anything that makes you feel more confident is a great way to start the day. I also like reading an inspirational passage or quote each morning, which gives me something positive to focus on first thing.
Each of us have this precious time between the hours we get up and the hours we start our work to be more positive, more productive and more successful. If all this isn't enough, I've found each of these things will make you happier too!
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