TECH, BUSINESS AND CAREER INSIGHTS

How to Create a Routine to Ensure Success

TSP • @myTSPnet

how_to_create_a_routine.png

While all people have their vision of what success looks like, almost all successful people employ some type of ritual to help further them on their path to success. We put together a recap of best practices from successful people below, and recommend making some of these small changes morning, day and night to help you reach your goals.

Read on to see some of the things you can do everyday to stay focused, on track and aiming for the stars. 

WHEN YOU WAKE UP
A big part of having a successful day is having a successful morning. Mornings can be rough for some of us night owls, but having a routine can help. If you are rolling out of bed with just enough time to get dressed and run out the door, you’re already setting yourself back for the day.

Research shows that people who wake up early are more optimistic and conscientious. Waking up early also gives you the ability to better anticipate potential issues you may face throughout the day and minimize them more efficiently.

We all heard it growing up, but breakfast really is the most important meal of the day! While you may want skip the calories or feel like you really don’t need breakfast, think again. According to research, eating breakfast can enhance your memory, information processing ability, reasoning skills, and creativity.

Whether you pour yourself a quick bowl of cereal or take the time to whip up a more hearty breakfast, filling your stomach with nutrients in the morning is vital for keeping energy and productivity up all day long.

DURING THE DAY
Sometimes it seems like everything you have to do is important. It can be difficult to decide what to approach first and what to do last, but learning the art of prioritization can increase productivity and reduce stress levels.

Part of prioritizing is knowing what activities will drive results. Remember: The Pareto Principle says that 80 percent of results come from only 20 percent of activities. Focus on the 20 percent of your tasks that will make the most impact, and worry about the rest later. 

It’s also important to know when to take a brain break. Sitting at a desk for hours can be draining, so set aside time to throughout the day to hit refresh. In fact, Oprah Winfrey sets aside twenty minutes in the morning and the evening to meditate and says the results have been awesome.

Whether your brain break is meditating for twenty minutes or taking quick walk around the block, having time away from your immediate tasks can help you reset your day and come back refreshed, revived and ready to work.

BEFORE YOU GO TO SLEEP
Successful people prepare for the upcoming day the night before. Writing a to-do list for the next day can help you wake up feeling more organized, prioritized, and with a clearer vision of things tasks that need to be accomplished.

The CEO of American Express, Kenneth Chenault, says that every night before he leaves work he writes down the three things he wants to accomplish tomorrow. Keeping your list short, sweet and focused is the key to actually getting things done. Having an overwhelming amount of tasks to check off in a short amount of time can be daunting and can lead you to prioritize incorrectly (or give up all together!).

Finally, if you’re one to use any type of electronic device before bed, think again. Science has proven that the blue light emitted by tech tools curb the production of melatonin, which controls your sleep/wake cycle (aka circadian rhythm).

Instead of grabbing your phone before bed or streaming Netflix late into the night, pick up a good old-fashioned book and read for about 30 minutes. Not only will you increase the likelihood of getting a better and longer sleep, but you’ll also boost overall brain power. If you’re one to struggle with ignoring late night texts or emails, try turning off your notifications so you are less tempted to pick up the phone.

A large portion of overall success is dependent upon day-to-day success. Whether you employ all our recommended keys to success or just one, try out our tips throughout the day and see if you find yourself reaching your goals quicker and more efficiently.

linkedin-profile-infographic