6 Things You Should Do at the Start of Each Day

The first few hours of your day can have a significant effect on your level of productivity- so maybe you won't be wearing sequins to breakfast, however it's crucial that your morning routine...sets you up for success.

ME-time.
It may be difficult for those of us with children or for whom getting up with more than 45 minutes to spare is a challenge. But starting your day with some quiet mind settling time to yourself can make a world of difference. Breathe! Slow down before you launch into any projects and make it a routine.

Arrive on time.
Whether you work from home or travel to an office. Arrive in a timely fashion which will help you feel more in control of your day.  Some items from your to-do list the previous day may be on the agenda for this morning yet each day is a fresh one, so why it wasn't accomplished doesn't matter, hit the ground running now.

Prioritize your day.
Now, ideally your first task during the "first hour" of the day is to assess priorities and to focus on what you absolutely need to accomplish. Set your task list before you check email so you don't get caught up in what other people want or need from you.  This one may be difficult but it's crucial for a successful day. Do not check your email first thing in the morning wait until you've gotten yourself focused. Once you dig into email prioritize those as well by responding to urgent emails first and then do the same with voice-mails and calls.

Acknowledge your team.
In other words be present, physically and mentally. If you're a boss with a staff or managing a team at work, you'll need to communicate effectively with them. So be fully present and take the time to connect with your team and this will allow you to set the tone for the day. (Works wonders with children too.)

Organize Your Space
Is your desk clear? Are your tools on hand? A clear and neat workspace sets a tone for the rest of the day. Hopefully, you were able to accomplish this the day before so you can have a clean slate in the morning however; it doesn't always work that way. Take the time to set your space a right.

RESET!
Plan a mid-morning or afternoon break. You'll need to check what you've accomplished thus far and take a deep breath so you can finish as strong as you started