Apparently, morning people are successful people and those who stick to a daily ritual are likely to have a booming business. But the truth is most of us just get through the day as best we can.
Ah, successful people. Don’t you just hate them? With their thriving businesses, and their boundless productivity. And the advice! The unachievable, guilt inducing advice that’s pumped out across the interwebs. Of course, we all desperately suck it up in the hope that we, mere mortals, can match their level of success.
Yes, I’ve read a fair few “89 things successful people do before breakfast” or “7 secrets from smug, successful, know-it-alls” type posts. But being a mildly successful person myself (hey, I’m no Richard Branson, but I’m doing okay), I thought I’d share some of my own tips.
If you’re ever said to yourself, “If only I meditated on my private island everyday. I could get more email options”, this post if for you.
TIP 1: Get up an hour later
Conventional advice tells us that early risers are the gods of the business world. But I’ve tried it and it sucks. Give me an hour longer lie in any day. As a parent, I’d take 60 minutes of extra zzzs over pretty much anything.
Sleep makes me happy, and a happy me gets more done than tired, irritable me.
TIP 2: Eat Food
Eating food is good. It boosts your productivity and memory, and stops your tummy rumbling during Skype calls. A hearty breakfast is a great way to start the day, followed by a healthy lunch and a wholesome supper. (And crisps. Lots of crisps)
TIP 3: Drink fluids
Drink water and coffee regularly throughout the day to stay alive and alert. Often pains of hunger and feelings of total business desperation are just the early signs of dehydration. A hydrated brain is a clever brain.
TIP 4: Make a ‘to do’ list
While there are plenty of ‘to do’ apps out there, for me nothing beats pen and paper. I suggest including a few easy wins at the top of your list (“Go to the toilet”, “Turn on computer”, “Find open”, etc) so you can quickly tick them off and feel like you’re winning.
TIP 5: Eat a frog
Mark Twain apparently said:
“East a live frog first thing in the morning and nothing worse will happen to you the rest of the day”
While I’m sure amphibians offer an excellent source of protein, I’m guessing this is one of those metaphor thingies. So I recommend starting each day by doing the most hideous task first. Get it out of the way and you’ll feel all warm and fuzzy inside.
