Let’s face it – mornings are hard for lots of people. For those who do it every day of the week and completely despise it, I will speak quietly.
But please, hear me out.
A growing topic in Business Insider involves a scientific philosophy that has entrepreneurs and business people following this ritual. It is those whom have found their successful peak that embrace this philosophy: Devoting their first hours of the day in top-priority projects – these not necessarily meaning business-related activities
In all essence, our motivational drive dampers just as poor as self-control becomes later in the evening. However, early mornings offer a higher vision and a tougher threshold to ‘do’, which enables your mind to take on any challenging task.
Laura Vanderkam, a time management expert and author of “What the Most Succesful People Do Before Breakfast”, wrote:
“If it has to happen, then it has to happen first”
From research conducted, I’ve sorted out some things successful people do in the early rise. Though they may not do all of these things every morning, each has been proven to be an effective way to start the day.
They Rise Early
Those who are successful know how precious time is. As a business man or woman, a lot of their time is taken up with meetings, phone calls and/or events, thus the early wake up call is a top priority to squeeze out as much time as they can to do with as they please.
According to Business Insider, Apple CEO Tim Cook wakes up at 3:45 a.m. and gets a head start on email. Michelle Obama is working out by 4:30 a.m. and Xerox CEO Ursula Burns rises at 5:15 a.m. to email and work out.
They Enjoy Breakfast
Successful people do not forget about their breakfast as it’s found to be the most important meal of the day. It’s super important you find the time to spend a few minutes enjoying that first meal.
Every morning, Branson eats a fruit salad and muesli, a granola-like dish most popular in Germany and Switzerland. Al Roker makes a protein smoothie that consists of protein powder, fibre powder, eight ounces of almond milk, frozen berries, ginger, and a little agave nectar!
They Spend Quality Time with Family
As mentioned previously, time is precious to those who are successful and sometimes they don’t have all the time in the world to spend with their loved ones. Many successful people use the mornings to invest in family time or connect with their spouse.
In the morning, I help my daughter and son get dressed, make the bed, and occasionally work on arts and crafts projects together. I call this time “the most precious time I have in a day.”
They Plan & Strategize
One dominant skill that differentiates highly successful people between average performers is strategic planning. Successful people spend more time thinking about their goals and ideas from a 100,000-foot view to get that ‘Big Picture’.
According to Business Insider, Steve Jobs started each day by looking in the mirror and asking, ”If today were the last day of my life, would I want to do what I am about to do with my day?” If he answered “no” too often, that was a sign that something needed to change. His morning ritual speaks to the importance of having a strategy and making each day matter.
They Practice Gratitude
Gratitude is simplified as the “quality of being thankful”. It is sworn by many successful people that expressing gratitude has changed their life and ultimately made them more successful. Expressing gratitude is a wonderful way to gain a higher perspective before heading to the office. Each morning, take a moment to write a list of people, places, and opportunities that you’re thankful for. Trust me, it will change your outlook.
There are successful people like Oprah Winfrey who takes the time to appreciate the birds chirping and the sun rising.
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All of these things that successful people do can be done when you want them to be. And what better time to start than this week?
Once again, Frank has provided me with “food for thought.” That which differentiates successful individuals & over achievers, from other business people, has often been a question in my mind & it is encouraging for me to realize that my morning routine is such, that I am providing myself with the best opportunity to maximize my time & to begin my day, in the most positive & productive frame of mind possible.
My gratitude takes the form of daily readings & a personal prayer time, at 5:30 a.m., which puts things into perspective for me, enables me to focus on an “attitude of gratitude” & allows me to truly appreciate all of the gifts & blessings which have been bestowed upon me. This time also provides me with the strength & courage to surrender my will & my life to the care of God, each day. For me, this translates into an enthusiasm, energy & motivation, to work hard on an ethical basis, which is reflected in my performance, my demeanor, my behaviour & a feeling of true joy, peace & serenity.
Breakfast is also important !!