We read about what will make us more productive in life and at work. We know what to do but sometimes we can’t get ourselves going.

Know the true value of time; snatch, seize, and enjoy every moment of it. No idleness, no laziness, no procrastination: never put off till tomorrow what you can do today. Philip Stanhope, 4th Earl of Chesterfield

Here are 6 different and I hope unique ways to experiment with to get you powered up each morning.

1. Make your calendar reminders more specific so they grab your attention. Example: Instead of “Morning routine,” list the specific things which you know make you more productive, more focused, organized or have a positive attitude. What works for you? This is useful for getting into a new habit, reminding yourself of one if you’re feeling as if you’re falling off track, or after sickness, vacation, or any break.
2. Give yourself a deadline. Remember SMART goals? They work for many people, because they are specific and set a deadline. I’ve been trying to get back to riding my exercise bike, so my goal [finally] became: by the time the U.S. Thanksgiving month begins, I’ll be biking three times a week at 6:30 a.m.
3. Get yourself a motivational or accountability partner. Short term or permanently. For example, if for trouble getting out of bed, ask your spouse or one of your kids to get you going. Or if you need support starting a new morning routines, work with a coach. That task you’re procrastinating on …. How about working at the time your kids are doing their homework. Or ask Suzie to call you each day and check in on how you’re doing!
4. Are you a numbers person? Use your interest in numbers as your momentum or motivation. For example, use Excel or an app to keep track of how you’re doing with the healthy habits you find important, i.e., breakfast, water, protein, walking, meditation. If you feel you spend too much time on your devices, then use a paper notepad or an index card to track. Or choose a favorite number and meditate, journal or walk for that number of minutes. If it’s short enough, do it twice a day.
5. What’s your purpose? Some people get their motivation or momentum from tying a routine to a bigger, meaningful goal. For example, by meditating every day, which you know makes you calmer, you can be the kind of parent you dream of being. Or by walking each day, your mind is clearer at work, so you’re more productive and therefore lead your team more effectively.
6. Write down what happens if you consistently do not follow through on your morning routine. If you don’t feel like doing it, and this has lasted more than a week, answer this … and write it out because it will make a greater impression in black and white, staring back at you: How will I feel about myself in another week if this continues? What happens if do not do this for a month, when I know how good it has been for me in the past? And what about in a year? How will you feel about not following through on commitments to yourself?

Guest Author
Sue West

Productivity & ADHD Coach
Certified Organizer Coach®
Certified Professional Organizer®
In Chronic Disorganization

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Website & Blog: www.CoachSueWest.com
Phone: 603.554.1948
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Think you may have ADHD or similar symptoms? Try Sue’s coaching services or self-paced, ADHD workbook to focus and get started on managing your distractibility or follow through, before they manage you.