Feel like you have to squeeze in a million chores in just one day? Whether it’s a busy work day or your day off, getting started before 12pm is a MUST, and here’s how successful people do it:
Wake up 10 minutes before you normally do
It will give you extra time to adjust to doing whatever you like. These 10 minutes may give you a chance to do something you didn’t do yesterday.
When you wake up, get out of bed
Yes, it’s comfortable and warm under the covers, but your day starts when you do. Before you know it ‘5 more minutes’ becomes 15 minutes, and then you’re already late!
Don’t check your phone first thing
Avoid grabbing your phone to check missed messages. Give yourself time to wake up first. All your emails will still be in your inbox later.
Don’t eat on the run
Give yourself time to sit down, eat, and actually enjoy your breakfast. Speed eating can lead to indigestion and reflux. Talk about a bad way to start the day!
Take time for yourself
Enjoy some alone time. You can read, listen to music, meditate or pray. Whatever it is, enjoy this alone time and relax because the day is likely to be busy.
Get your blood flowing
Wake up your body. Go to the gym, go for a run, do some yoga, stretch, dance, even something as simple as walking up the stairs instead of taking the elevator. Anything that will help you shake off that sluggish, sleepy feeling.
Be flexible with your to-do list
Whether you like to make a to-do list the night before or the morning of, organize what needs to get done today. If it isn’t a priority, leave it for later on. This is the time to be proactive and take care of what needs your attention the most.
Get the most important things out of the way
Do them between 9-10 AM. That will get the ball rolling for the other tasks that lie ahead.
Slow and steady wins the race
Working at a steady pace is crucial when it comes to avoiding a burn out. Work at a pace that will not make you feel rushed or stressed.
Don’t feel guilty for taking multiple breaks
Take time to assess what you’ve done, make note of necessary follow-ups, and take mental breaks if you feel stuck.
Make adjustments to your to-do list
Look at what’s left on your list and see if anything needs to be changed. Then, after lunch, you can get started as soon as possible and won’t have to waste time figuring out what to do.
Enjoy your lunch!
There are still a few tasks ahead of you. Now that you have gotten the hardest things out of the way first, you can sit back and enjoy a good lunch to get yourself ready for the rest of the day.
