How to Set Yourself Up For a Successful Day

1. Get an early start.  This extra time will help you avoid rushing, and therefore starting your day off feeling stressed.  Most markets and businesses open by 9 A.M.  Whether you work from home or commute to an office, the more time you’ve had to digest the day’s news and obstacles ahead, the greater advantage you’ll have over your competition.
   
2. Exercise.  Other than the obvious health benefits, movement increases brain function and decreases stress levels.  Apple CEO, Tim Cook, is in the gym by 5 A.M. every morning.  If you can, go outside for a walk, or a jog on the treadmill. This will jump-start your metabolism and have you raring to go.
3. Eat a healthy breakfast.  Carbohydrates can slow you down. Fruits, proteins and grains help provide a consistent stream of energy. Try freshly squeezed fruit juice with an omelette or natural yoghurt, you will feel refreshed and ready for the day ahead.   
4. Practice 15 minutes of positive visualization.  Spend roughly 15 minutes reflecting on everything you’re grateful for: in yourself, among your family and friends and in your career.  After that, visualize everything you want from life as if you had it today.  This will get you motivated and in a successful state of mind. If you can, spend time in the morning having breakfast with your family; it is vital to appreciate a happy family life and remember that you are working for your family as well as yourself.
5. Put first things first.  Successful people recognize that their brains work best at certain times of the day, and they account for this when planning their day.  Our minds operate at peak performance in the morning hours when we’re well rested.  These peak performance hours should be 100% dedicated to working on the tasks that require the most effort. Save the easy tasks for the end of the day.
6. Connect with the right people.  Successful people associate with people who are positive and focused.  These people’s moods will begin to be reflected in yours.
7. Stay informed.  Whether you prefer the Radio or the Newspaper, spend a few minutes each morning learning about what is going on in the world.  This will give you interesting topics of conversation to start with your colleages/clients/customers. You will feel educated, and it may change your perspective or inspire your actions for the day.