Mornings are busy and they can be pretty chaotic. Whether you have kids, pets, or even just yourself to get ready and out the door, you know this first hand. The good news is that it doesn’t have to be that way, no matter how busy you think you are first thing in the day. 

The first few hours in the morning can make a difference in setting the tone for the entire rest of the day. So how do you want to feel?

Do you want that to be rushed, frantic, frustrated, and feel like you’re constantly running and trying to catch up? 

Or do you want it to be calm, collected, productive, and with a feeling that you’re in the zone and control? 

It’s up to you and it starts by embracing these two simple concepts. 

Get Up Early 

I get it - it’s so tempting to hit that snooze button and catch a few more minutes of sleep, isn’t it? 

It’s even harder to think of setting the alarm earlier so that you have plenty of time for everything you want and need to get done - without the hustle. 

I get it. If you’re not a morning person, moving up the alarm by even 15 minutes to carve out a little extra time can be tough. Trust me though, after the first few mornings it’s not nearly as hard as you think and something you’ll quickly get used to.

Getting up early enough and avoiding the snooze button at all costs is one of the biggest keys to an unrushed morning. 

Why? The problem with cutting time too short, or worse hitting the snooze button a few times is it gets you behind from the very start. You’re already hustling to make it out the door in time and any little problem or hiccup along the way turns into a huge problem. Not being able to find the car keys is suddenly a major crisis because it could cause you (and maybe your kids) to be late.

Remember, your morning sets the tone for you and everyone around you - as well as the rest of your day. If you start it chasing down time and things, that’s likely how you’ll spend the rest of your time. As well as if you’re anything like me - a bit more irritable and snappy to boot!

Getting up early enough on the other hand puts you ahead of the game. You’re in control. You can take care of everything that needs doing calmly and still has time for the important things you want to work on - and the unexpected curves life can throw you. In short, getting up early enough sets you up for an amazing, productive day.

Restructure Your Routine

Ok - so now that you’ve woken up - what is your game plan for the morning?  Where are you spending your time? 

Look for things you can streamline and tweak to find more time for the things you want to do. For example, if you want an extra 20 minutes in the morning to get your workout done - look at what you could take care of ahead of time, eliminate, or delegate to make that time. If you spend a lot of time getting breakfast for everyone, get in the habit of getting some of the prep done the night before, or even better - delegate everyone to manage their breakfast (if they can).  Have you or your partner got the coffee ready the night before, so all you have to do in the morning is push a button? Teach the kids to make their breakfast and take the dirty dishes to the sink, rinse them, and put them in the dishwasher. Make sure clothes are set out the night before (including yours), that book bags, purses, briefcases, and car keys have a designated spot, and that there where they need to be before you turn in for the night.

Small changes like this to your morning (and PM) routine can make a big difference. I challenge you to look for areas you can tweak that could save you at least 20 minutes in the morning. 

No day looks exactly like the day before - by starting each day with some consistent decisions, actions, and routines - you can increase the chances of your day going the way you want it to! Start now!

Looking to get some control and consistency throughout your entire day - then check out the Time Takeover Micro-Course, so you can manage your time, and fit in what you HAVE to do AND what you WANT to do without the stress and guilt.  6 modules, 8 minutes each spell out the specific steps you need to begin NOW to make a difference today. CLICK HERE to take back your day!