How do you start your working day? Do you plunge straight into your email inbox? Do you make a plan? On my way in to work, I usually consider the following questions "If I get one thing done today, what should that be?" This helps me focus on the most important thing. Of course that may change once I've opened my emails!
Recently I read about John Brandon's 7 Minute Morning Routine. I've been finding it useful, albeit in adapted form, so I'd like to share it with you and hear what you think of it. You can find more details in Brandon's online article, "This 7-Minute Morning Routine Will change Your (Work) Life".
This routine gives you the right mindset to approach your day. Your day is likely to be filled with too many things to do, many of which haven't even appeared on your radar yet. Prepare for your day thus:
Focus on being present and preparing for your day. Let any distractions go. Tell yourself your intention for the next seven minutes is to get the right mindset and attitude for your working day.
Sit quietly and pay attention to your breathing. Focussing on your out-breath helps your relax and settle your thinking. Notice if distracting thoughts arise and gently return to focus on your breathing.
Write down the first few thoughts you have, or doodle. Think about your day and see what comes out of your pen. This will help you see what you think is important and what is stressing you.
Look over your notes and doodles. Think about what you wrote and why. Take 30 seconds to plan to act on one item.
Like any new habit, you need to try this a few times to see whether it's helpful. If you find it useful and want to make it part of your routine, this usually takes about a month of daily practice.
I found the first two minutes very useful. After that I tend to think rather than write, and only for 2 or 3 minutes, and then plan.
I challenge you to try this for a few days, and let me know how you find it!
For further information read http://www.inc.com/john-brandon/this-7-minute-morning-routine-will-change-your-work-life.html