Most of us, no matter what age or background we come from, are incredibly distracted from the start every morning, and therefore stumble through our work day with diminished intention and lots of unnecessary frustration.
We forget that how we choose to spend our morning hours can be used to predict the kind of days we’re going to have to have at work.
If we want to get better at our jobs, we might as well start the day right.
Here are four simple things that can make you into a better morning person. Perform these rituals and watch how they improve your day, your job, and your life.
I know the effects personally because I have been doing these rituals for decades and they work.
Make time to collect yourself:
In the morning make time to collect yourself–time to review and rethink. Most our days are filled with distractions and complications, and most likely they come one after the other. When we make the time to collect ourselves in the morning, we have clarity for the rest of the day, because when we bring a more relaxed presence into our morning hours, it makes everything that happens from there much more manageable. When we take time for ourselves, we are able to forge better solutions, find healthier ways to cope, and get a general sense of how to lead in ways that are much calmer and more intentional.
Exercise your mind and body:
Exercise is the single most powerful tool you have to optimize your brain function. It is the simplest and fastest way to change your day, not only because it strengthens your body, but because it also strengthens your mind. It’s a self-initiated activity that imposes a necessary level of mental and physical effort to fuel growth, which makes your day easier to tolerate and gives you the energy you need to be more productive. And it almost instantaneously instills a positive sense of self-control into your subconscious, even when the circumstances at work might be chaotic.
Read something inspirational:
For me, mornings rituals are very important, so for the past 30 years, every morning between the hours of 4 and 6 a.m. I read a book. A book gives me the inspiration I need to learn something new and the motivation to give my best for the day. But you don’t have to read a book a day–that’s an enormous commitment. Just choose some literature that stretches your mind, grows your knowledge, and gives you the insight and wisdom you didn’t have the day before. Plus, f you read something inspirational, it will start your day off on a positive note and help you be more productive and effective throughout the day.
Prioritize your goals every morning:
We are goal oriented, and we like to make progress and get results. So it’s extremely important that every morning, before your day starts, you actually think and prioritize your goals: what will you spend your day on and what you will want to accomplish today at work.
Create a gratitude ritual:
When it comes to having an attitude of gratitude, I personally know the effects of having that mindset. For the past 27 years, I have started my morning with being grateful. I name a few things that I truly appreciate and am thankful for. This small ritual expressing thankfulness gives me a sense of peace, and I have found that no matter what the day brings, I am calmer and feel like I can handle anything that happens during my day. The more you count your blessings, the more blessings there will be to count, and the happier you will be.
So, what about you? What helps you start the day off right so you can have a better working day?
N A T I O N A L B E S T S E L L E R
The Leadership Gap: What Gets Between You and Your Greatness
After decades of coaching powerful executives around the world, Lolly Daskal has observed that leaders rise to their positions relying on a specific set of values and traits. But in time, every executive reaches a point when their performance suffers and failure persists. Very few understand why or how to prevent it.
Additional Reading you might enjoy:
- 12 Successful Leadership Principles That Never Grow Old
- A Leadership Manifesto: A Guide To Greatness
- How to Succeed as A New Leader
- 12 of The Most Common Lies Leaders Tell Themselves
- 4 Proven Reasons Why Intuitive Leaders Make Great Leaders
- The One Quality Every Leader Needs To Succeed
- The Deception Trap of Leadership
Photo Credit: Getty Images
Of Lolly’s many awards and accolades, Lolly was designated a Top-50 Leadership and Management Expert by Inc. magazine. Huffington Post honored Lolly with the title of The Most Inspiring Woman in the World. Her writing has appeared in HBR, Inc.com, Fast Company (Ask The Expert), Huffington Post, and Psychology Today, and others. Her newest book, The Leadership Gap: What Gets Between You and Your Greatness has become a national bestseller.