Do you ever think and wish there were more hours in a day so that you could get more done?
Seems like the day just begun and it’s already over.
You ever have those days?
I have, and still do on occasion, although it’s gotten much better.
What I’ve come to realize is that the way I start my day sets the tone for the rest of the day.
Getting Started
The first 30 minutes of my day dictates how productive I will be that day.
So, what do those first 30 minutes look like? I’m glad you asked… Let’s dive in!
Before we get into the 5 ways to massively increase your daily productivity, it’s important to note that getting an early morning start is a must.
These 5 steps are most effective when they are done first thing in the morning.
Set your alarm clock to wake up 30 minutes earlier than you’re currently waking up to get your day started.
If your claim is that you’re not a morning person, I suggest changing your claim.
The more you tell yourself you’re not a morning person the more you’ll continue to believe and support that statement.
Change Your Belief
Instead of focusing on not being a morning person, focus on the idea that you’re a productive person.
Someone who’s willing and ready to do all they can to be feel and look their best – and not just for your benefit either, but for others too such as family and friends.
When you feel and look your best; productive and healthy, everyone around you benefits.
So, forget not being a morning person and focus on being a productive person.
Let’s take a look now at each of the 5 steps.
1. Writing
(Time to complete: 5 minutes)
Start off your day by writing in a journal. If you don’t have a journal, create one.
It doesn’t have to be anything fancy either. Just something or somewhere you can write in daily.
There are two things you’ll be writing in this journal when you first wake up.
First, write down one thing you’re grateful for that day. I realize there may be many things but choose just one and write it down.
Begin the day by being gracious and giving thanks.
Second, write down one important thing you are committed to getting done that day.
Whatever is most important to you. It could be spending more time with your kids that evening, buying someone flowers, calling a friend you’ve been meaning to call, start reading a book, going for a run, registering for a race.
Whatever is most important to you that day that above all else, you are committed to getting done.
2. Exercise
(Time to complete: 10 minutes)
After writing down what you’re grateful for and your top priority for the day, next up is exercise.
A quick 10 minute exercise routine will increase your energy, metabolism, and have you on a natural high ready to take on the day.
Here’s a quick 10 minute workout you can complete right at home with no equipment necessary that’ll give you the benefits of cardio, weight training, and stretching all in one.
Perform each exercise (10 total) listed below once for one minute each.
3. Meditate
(Time to complete: 5 minutes)
Number three is meditation, although I should call it breathing because that’s exactly what you’ll be doing for 5 minutes.
Focusing on your breathing.
Get in a comfortable position, it can be lying or sitting up, and for 5 minutes, sit calmly and quietly doing nothing but focusing on your breathing.
Breath in for six seconds, hold for two seconds, and then fully exhale for another six seconds. Repeat this breathing pattern for a total of 5 minutes.
4. Drink Water
(Time to complete: 3 minutes)
After you’re done with meditating for 5 minutes, head on over to the kitchen.
Drink 12 ounces of water to begin hydrating your body.
By starting your day drinking water, there’s a higher probability that you will continue to drink more water and hydrate your body for the remainder of the day.
Remembering to drink water throughout the day was always been a challenge for me. This step has definitely helped me increase my water intake.
5. Eat Breakfast
(Time to complete: 5 minutes)
In order to be productive, healthy, and at your best, it’s important for you to begin your day by fueling your body.
May it a point to have breakfast every morning.
It doesn’t have to be a fully cooked breakfast either.
Grab a handful of almond and a protein bar or a quick protein shake. All options that you can grab and have on the go.
Point here is you don’t have to and more often than not, we skip breakfast because we simply feel we don’t have time to eat it.
These 5 steps have significantly helped me improve not only my productivity, but my overall sense of accomplishment and fulfillment.
It feels great starting the day off knowing I’ve already accomplished 5 things that all contribute to me feeling my absolute best so that I can be my best at whatever it is I’m doing that day.
Small Steps – Big Results
These 5 steps may seem small (they are) and insignificant (they are not) but when practiced daily, day after day after day – they begin to pay off in a big way.
More productivity, health, confidence, energy, success, and opportunity.
Less stress, injury, illness, anxiety, and depression.
All of this is available to you right now.
There isn’t a penny to pay for any of it.
All that’s required is your time and commitment to these 5 steps that take less than 30 minutes a day to complete.
I say you’re worth it and owe it to yourself to feel and look your absolute best.
I suggest not waiting another day to get started.
The best time to start was yesterday, the next best time is right now.
Cheers!
Mike
Featured Image Credit: Isa Seminega
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