Each morning is filled with the unknown. It could be your best day yet or, perhaps, the worst. You do have a fair amount of say in which way the day actually goes. That is, provided you are proactive in your approach.
Really successful people don’t achieve their goals by accident. They work hard to make the most of each day. They set routines that will help them do more with less and gain exponential results. They have rituals and practices that allow them to extract every ounce of benefit from their time, be it at the beginning of the day or even the end.
Here is how truly successful people get a day started on the right track every morning.
1. They
review their long-term objectives.
As the great Yogi Berra pointed out, "If you don’t know where you are going, you’ll end up someplace else." Really successful people are mindful of where they are heading and constantly monitor their direction to find the shortest path to greatness. Each morning, they review their goals and make sure the day's activities are purposeful. Figure out your preferred future, and make your actions count toward it.
2. They assess potential opportunities.
The world changes fast, and the ideas of yesterday may not be the most fruitful ideas for today. Really successful people examine each day from within the perspective of the past and with a fresh eye on the future. Each morning, they pay attention to what's happening in the world and think about how they can capitalize. Dedicate 15 minutes each day to learning about the world around you, and speculate on how you can take advantage.
3. They prioritize what's important.
It’s easy to get lost in the muck as the day goes on. Seemingly simple tasks can take you down a rabbit hole if you aren't clear on the order of the day. Really successful people establish a clear picture of what needs their attention. Each morning, they determine what is critical for them to handle and what can be successfully delegated to others. Make a list of those critical items that you must do now, and find ways to move everything else aside.
4. They consider those who will be affected.
Isolation and narcissism are the clear enemies of greatness. Really successful people value the people around them and are proactively empathetic in their approach. Each morning, they think about their team, their clients, and those whom their actions will impact in any way. They examine how to make their actions have the highest and most positive impact on the world around them. Make a list of those you impact with your decisions. Get creative in finding ways to make their day successful as well.
5. They explore the possibilities.
Not every event is as it seems. Sometimes the most frustrating failure can actually be the beginning of the greatest success--but only if you recognize the difference. Really successful people make very few assumptions about events. They consider each occurrence on its own merit and then determine the many branches of possibility. Each morning, they review the days leading up and game out the various probabilities ahead. Spend a little time getting out of your patterns to consider what happens if you think a different way.
6. They energize those around them.
Productivity and creativity thrive on communal energy, just as frustration, anger, and cynicism can take down a whole company in moments. Really successful people feast on positive momentum. Each morning, they take personal responsibility for setting the tone around them. They clear their mind and find their inner excitement to attack the day with fervor, setting an example for those in their presence. Spend five minutes thinking of what energizes you so you can share that infectious buzz with those who will help you succeed.
7. They find the joy in the day.
No one wants to have a mediocre day. Really successful people know that there will be ups and downs, yet are able to be almost prophetic about the best things to come. Each morning, they reflect on the fun they will have doing and achieving and overcoming. Think about the joys you get from the work you do, the people around you, and the impact you make. Take charge of the day with purpose in your heart and a smile on your face.