Productive Morning Routine

Posted by Darrell Milam on

Productive Morning Routine

What's up, Stonedvet Army?

Most of us forget about working 127 hours a DAY while we were in the military, especially during deployment. We feel that working our 40, and sometimes 50 or 60 hours a week, are long. (which it is, but in comparison...) 

Happy Veterans Day by the way ;o)

However, with all of the distractions we have in our world, such as entertainment (social media, YouTube, Netflix, etc.), poor habits, and shit time management skills, most people only churn out quality work for a small portion of each day. 

(Seriously, think about it. You can be honest, don't worry; I won't tell your boss... How many quality hours do you give your work each day?)

Because if you're honest with yourself... you will probably realize that like most everyone in the world, it's nowhere near the 40, 50, or 60 hours a week you're clocking in.

I'm not hating, just being honest! 

But the question I ask is, are you happy with where you are currently?

Are you happy with your productivity level?
Are you satisfied with your position and salary?
Are you living your life to the fullest?

And if you're honest with yourself, you're probably saying something like,

"I am about, or a little above average."
"No, and HELL NO!"
and
"NO!"

And if you're not saying those things, comment below with your morning routine, I'd love to know what you use!

If you're not to that, I would say, "Why not?"

Typically, it's because most people, without realizing it, walk through life without a plan. "Life happens to them at random, and by default." as one of my incredible mentor's Dr. David Snyder, would say. He would also say, "Anything that is outside your awareness is outside of your control. However, just because it is outside of your awareness does not mean it's not controlling you."

This week I'm sharing five simple steps you can add to your morning routine to make full use of your time.

Try using these whether you're in your going into the office, or staying at home. 

These tips will help you to maintain your productivity all day.

1) Exercise: Squeeze in Just 7 Minutes

Seriously, unlike what the military showed us... you don't even need 10 minutes, just 7 minutes of your morning. 

Why? 

It's short enough not to have an enormous impact on your morning and long enough to shake off any residual fatigue from your night's rest. 

If you need a resource, there's an app called 7-Minute-Workout you can try. In only 7 minutes, you can work all your major muscle groups with 12 exercises.

Now that you know it's not a PT session, try getting out of bed and doing a quick exercise each morning.

2) Start Your Day Out Green ;)

WHAT?!? 

People always say that breakfast is the most important meal of the day.

However, our go-to breakfast foods aren't necessarily healthy. 

Even though bagels, cereals, egg sandwiches, and yogurt aren't so bad. You'll be surprised by the benefits for your metabolism you'll get from going for a green smoothie.

After a joint, and a bottle of water, I like a smoothie.

Here's a quick and easy recipe I like:

Blend an apple, banana, orange, some spinach, half a cucumber, any juice or coconut water, some ice, and a sprinkle of flaxseed. 

Try it! It's easy, it's cheap, and it's energizing.

3) Pick 3 Wins: Get Your Day Started On a Winning Note

Decide on three things you'd like to finish in the next 12 hours. Three things that if they were complete, your day would be a success. 

Sure, not every day will be an epic win, but having a strategy in place will keep you moving things forward.

4) Schedule Time: Block Your Calendar To Win

People make a common mistake, especially in the office, is not using a to-do list for projects. Studies have found that people who have mastered the art of to-do lists have less stress and are more likely to get things done and on time.

You could even use a to-do list to break a project down into easier-to-swallow chunks if a task seems massive. 

This one easy-to-implement method will hold you accountable and keep you focused on the tasks you need to get done. 

Too often, distractions consume our whole morning, so now you don't have to let an email wreck you from your plan for the entire day.

5) Mid-Day Power Up: Use Your Lunch Break Wisely

Take 15 minutes from your lunch break to refocus on your day. It's like doing professional meditation. Step away from your computer; better yet, turn it off. Sit in the conference room, break room, your car, or wherever you can have peace and quiet. Spend 15 minutes and know what's coming up for the remainder of the day.

Grab the to-do list you created this morning and check where you are. 

Are you behind schedule? 
Ahead of schedule? 

Take time to re-sync with the cadence of your day for you to be the most productive.

Use the tips for the next 5 - 7 days and let me know what you notice!

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