The moment we wake, what we think, consume (read, eat, drink) can pretty much own, control [and consume us] and our day. No different than how I talk about the foundation, firsts and beginnings of things; negatively speaking-were human so, we can get sidetracked no matter how positive, intentional and well we wake and begin. That’s why it’s better to begin intentionally thinking and consuming that which we want to color our day. That way, if (and when) we get off track from any perils or unwanted distractions of the day, (like I explain about foundations and firsts), all that started well has a better chance of ending well, so (whether it be with people) or your self, at the start of every morning, intentionally begin well. At some point in the day, that “well” will rise to meet you in return back to that (be it with people or yourself).
I remember reading some nutrition book a while ago that said gave this logical reason why physiologically, our bodies respond well to eating at a certain moment in time right after sleep at night-a true meaning to “breaking” our “fast.” I remember it said something about making sure we eat something withing the first 45 mins of waking up because it sends a message to our bodies (to do something…I forget-that’s not what this blog post is about). But the point is, what we do in the mornings (when we first wake up and break our fast is crucial in taking control of our bodies, minds–and day).
Regardless if we are morning persons or not, nature (the sun, birds chirping, the sounds of the hustle and bustle in the morning) all dictate that it’s “morning.”
Whether we like it or not, mornings are a kind of nudge reminding us that (regarding yesterday) “that too DID pass and today is a chance to start anew.”
I’ll say it again: Mornings are crucial for dictating how the rest of our day (or how we) will go. So be intentional about your morning.
Most of us wish to have a productive day and the truth is, we can-but it is us and only us that are in control of making sure that is so (out out of control when we don’t make the conscious decision to take control of making that productive day so).
How can we oversee that.
Here are 5 quick tips:
1) TAKE ACTION. STOP REACTING.
Decide what is important to and for you, first. Don’t wake up answering Tweets, emails, checking FB other stimuli that elicits or summon or response or reply from you just yet. Get you together first-your things to do and things to answer to (for you).
2) SELECT WHAT IS GOING TO MATTER THIS VERY DAY-NOT TOMORROW OR WHAT HAPPENED YESTERDAY
Experts say that we need to make peace with the fact that everything cannot get done in one day. Make a conscious effort to pull out at least 3 goals to accomplish today that at the end of the day, will make you personally feel you got something done.
For me, (you should see my desk) I would take a pic of it but I’m too embarrassed to. I keep little sticky and notepads all around my work area and I jot things down that I need to do. As I get done with certain things I jot down, I immediately draw a line through the goal, or task. That is a great feeling. I promise you.
3) DECIDE ON WHAT YOUR “MAGIC HOURS” ARE FOR THOSE 3 THINGS
Not everybody’s best productive time is mornings for every task. Some tasks (like for me as a writer) is that 3-4 a.m. moment in time). Somehow my mind has told me that the entire world is asleep-and some part of me believes it, because I feel like I can steal away with time and take my mind to work in peace without the pressure of the hustle and bustle (and birds chirping and sun rising-catapulting me into my other/2nd set of tasks that I usually do during hustle and bustle moments in the day).
Bottom line. All your tasks and goals won’t get the best of you in the morning. You have to decide what tasks get the best out of you at what particular times of the day (or night, or middle of the night) and proceed.
4) ONCE YOU HAVE A PRODUCTIVE ROUTINE THE RITUAL BEGINS. RESPECT IT-RELIGIOUSLY
Once you decide what tasks, and what time those tasks get the best performance out of you. Remember: wherever you did your best and whatever props or drink or food you brought along: repeat that. Once it becomes a ritual, your conscious mind won’t interrupt you.
“Habits emerge from the gradual learning of associations between an action and outcome, and the contexts that have been associated with them. Once the habit is formed, various elements from the context can serve as a cue to activate the behavior, independent of intention and absent of a particular goal… Very often, the conscious mind never gets engaged.” (Charles Duhigg “The Power of Habit: Why We Do What We Do in Life and Business”)
5) BE “CREATIVE” & SELFISH WHEN THINGS GO AWRY AND WE PROCRASTINATE
Obviously, things happen that thwart us into something else that makes us procrastinate. The key to “positive” procrastination is to go to another part of your to-do list versus other distracting activities like FB, Twitter, and online activities. If you get sidetracked and your tasks and goals are thwarted, move on to something else on your to do list and hierarchy of things to do. That way you wont look up and find that you wasted long minutes (or hours) of time that was yours online or elsewhere that wont help you draw lines through your tasks and goals.
Experts say that if we start or tasks focusing on the hard part first, and work our way down, this step in positive procrastination can really work well. So, when listing your 3 or more goals for the day, make #1 that one that’s “hardest” or “scariest” then work your way down and around.
“The key to productivity…is to make more commitments — but to be methodical about it. At the top of your to-do list, put a couple of daunting, if not impossible, tasks that are vaguely important-sounding (but really aren’t) and seem to have deadlines (but really don’t). Then, farther down the list, include some doable tasks that really matter. “Doing these tasks becomes a way of not doing the things higher up on the list,” Dr. John Perry (“The Art of Procrastination”).
