These 7 Simple Steps made me 100x More Productive in the Morning!

Having productivity issues as well?

Today I woke up, spent the first 30 minutes in bed checking social media, mails and answering messages. Next, I had breakfast, went to work, and for some reason I really couldn’t focus well. I was just reading news, and being “reactive” all day. I watched some YouTube videos, I worked but focussing was extremely hard…

Why is that? Why is it that some days my productivity goes through the roof, and other days I’m a total mess?

According to a bunch of self-help books I read, it can be caused by a few things, but luckily there are some tips & tricks that can fix these issues.

In this article, I’ll share with you my personal experiences and the exact productivity hacks that I use.

1. Before going to sleep, make a short to do list for the next day

When you have a clear plan of what you need to accomplish the next day, you can wake up with a sense of purpose, instead of feeling "aimless".

It's like having a treasure map to guide you through the jungle on the hunt for a golden treasure. With a clear idea of your destination and the route you need to take, you can focus on moving forward, instead of worrying about getting lost or taking the wrong turn.

Similarly, with a to-do list in hand, you can focus on completing your tasks and making progress towards your goals, instead of having to deal with indecision or distractions.

In short, making a to-do list before going to sleep is a simple but effective way to boost your productivity and stay on track towards achieving your goals.

2. Wake up early, you now have a purpose for getting up.

Alright, you have a to-do list, you now have a sense of purpose. You might put your alarm clock earlier, and after waking up, you now know what to do. This will help you get out of bed easier.

Also, when you wake up early, you have more time to focus on your goals and get things done, rather than feeling rushed or overwhelmed.

P.S. Do NOT turn on your phone yet!!!

Turning on your phone immediately after waking up is the worst thing you can do.

Unless you're totally in love and can't wait to read that message from your special one, of if you're expecting some good (or bad) news that can't wait, then I really don't see any reason why you would let that terrible thing steal your morning away from you.

Instead of scrolling through social media or checking email, you can use that time for activities that energize and motivate you, such as exercise, meditation, or journaling!

Seriously, waking up early and avoiding your phone can help you set a positive tone for the day ahead and establish a sense of control over your time and priorities.

3. Drink a glass of water immediately, hydration is important.

It might sound like a stupid, small thing, I know.

But, hydration is crucial for so many of our body's functions, from regulating digestion to even boosting our brain power.

When you're properly hydrated, you'll have more energy, better focus and concentration, and (according to some research) even clearer skin - hard to prove this but my skin looks good, if I say it myself ;)

Plus, drinking water first thing in the morning can help kickstart your metabolism and aid in weight loss efforts, should this be your goal.

So tomorrow morning, just drink a glass of water. No excuses.

4. Check your day's to do list. Do your most important task first

By focusing your energy and attention on your most critical task, you'll be able to make significant progress and set a positive tone for the rest of the day.

Prioritize. Don't get distracted by less critical tasks. Additionally, tackling your most important task first thing in the morning can motivate and energize you, as you'll be able to approach the rest of your day with a sense of accomplishment and momentum.

5. Do 10 min (or longer) of stretching / meditation / yoga / exercise. Getting your blood flowing is important.

The title said it all. Taking just 10 minutes to stretch, meditate, do yoga, or exercise in the morning can do wonders for your health and productivity throughout the day.

Just do it, it's a few minutes. Your mind and body will thank you for it, and you'll be better equipped to handle whatever challenges the day may bring.

6. Have a big, good, healthy breakfast (protein, not sugar).

Eating a breakfast that's high in protein can help keep you feeling full and satisfied for longer, reducing the temptation to snack on unhealthy foods throughout the day. Additionally, a healthy breakfast can prevent concentration "crashes" or dips in energy.

Examples of what to eat: eggs, Greek yogurt, whole grain toast, fresh fruits, vegetables, avocado's salmon, almond butter, nuts, oatmeal,..

7. Last but most important: Keep your phone TURNED OFF!

I've already mentioned in the beginning of this list, but I just need to repeat it again:

Phones (and social media) are productivity killers!

All those messages, notifications, pop-ups, sounds… are all distractions, distractions that are keeping you from doing your work, from fulfilling your tasks and from achieving your goals.

If in a few years I'd ask you: "why didn't you achieve your goals?", what are you going to say? "ah… I was busy checking Instagram stories"?

…… OK then.

Phones are a HUGE distraction, especially in the morning. As soon as you'll turn it on, you'll get messages, pop-ups, social media… and boom! Byebye focus, byebye "productive morning".

So; keep them turned off until you have finished your morning routines.

CONSISTENCY

Keep doing this for a few weeks, EVERY DAY!

It will quickly become a habit. A habit to success and eventually a habit to happiness.

You will start feeling more energetic, happier, healthier, more productive… and more importantly: you will get closer and closer to your goals!