Do you struggle getting through your morning to-do list? Omer is not a morning person, so he has created his morning routine to be able to be productive even when waking up early is difficult.
Hello, my name is Omer. I recently graduated with an MSc in Building Information Management, and I would like to share my top tips for having a productive morning.
Before we get started, let’s define productivity. Everyone has a different definition of productivity. But for this blog, we will define it as promptly getting through as many tasks on your to-do list as possible and maintaining that pace for an extended period.
Now that we have a common understanding of productivity, let's continue.
Tip 1: Prepare the night before
I believe that preparation is crucial. I tend to get everything ready the night before so that in the morning, I can start my day smoothly.
I am not a morning person, and it takes me a while to fully wake up. So, I prefer to make a to-do list the night before so that I don't waste time figuring things out in the morning.
I read that you have a limited number of good decisions in a day. And as the day goes on, the quality of your decisions deteriorates due to decision fatigue.
Many people make the mistake of using some of these limited good decisions in the morning, making choices that could have been made the night before. So why not outsmart this and make important decisions the night before, allowing you to start the morning without wasting those precious limited decisions.
Tip 2: Cross off completed tasks on your list
I'm the kind of person who likes to make a list by writing it down on paper. I like being able to visually see all the different things I have to do. When I complete a task, I cross it off.
It's incredibly satisfying for me, at the end of the day, to see a list with a bunch of crossed-off tasks. This gives me a sense of accomplishment and creates a positive feedback loop. I highly recommend this method for staying organised and productive.
Tip 3: Take regular breaks
It’s important to take breaks to keep you going strong and not burnt out but I find it hard to just stop what I’m doing and go on a break.
But I've found a way to make it work for me. Instead of taking scheduled breaks, I reward myself by taking short breaks to make a cup of hot chocolate or tea in the kitchen, or to have a light snack. Breaking it down into these small actions helps me stay motivated and focused.
Tip 4: Divide tasks into small bits
I find that tackling a large task all at once is not the best approach. I prefer to break the problem down into smaller parts and tackle them one by one.
After finishing a part, I take a short break to reward myself. After the break, I feel refreshed and ready to tackle the next part with a clear mind.
It's like playing Tetris – arranging different blocks in various ways, and seeing where they best fit or in this case which tasks is the best to tackle first.
I hope you found the way I like to start my day helpful or insightful. And I hope reading this blog inspires you to maybe start implementing your own productive morning routine. Give it a try and enjoy!