5 Tips to Starting a Productive Day

If you are one of those entrepreneurs who struggle with getting through your day productively, then you are not alone.

There have been many days I have intended to work on something important and by 5:30 when it’s time to grab some dinner; I still have yet to accomplish what I set out to do at 8am.

Does this sound familiar?

It’s because we have too many controlling forces in our lives that dictate our day.  If you feel like you have “gotten nothing done” by the end of your day, YOU are not in control of your day, no matter how much you THINK you are.

Some ways people start the day

• Reading or watching the news
• Checking their iPhone or BlackBerry for email
• Having a cigarette

AND THIS IS BEFORE ANYTHING ELSE!!!

For instance, if the first thing you do in the morning is turn on the news or fire up your phone to check on email, what you are doing is letting others control your life.  Think about it, the events you watch or email you read, sets your mind in a reactive state.

I’m VERY guilty of this and it wasn’t until this past weekend sitting in a private coaching program with Eben Pagan did I realize it.   I thought by avoiding the news for the past five years or so was already great!! But it’s the other controlling factor (specifically my BlackBerry) that was setting up my day.

Here's Why

As soon as I awoke, the BlackBerry would be on so I could check “quick” emails and jump on Facebook and Twitter to see what I missed in the last 12 hours, comment and update my status.  Does that sound like someone YOU know?

Then, it’s downstairs for a cup-o-jo, say hi to my wife who was already up for a half hour getting lunches ready and right back upstairs to puddle around on the internet while I “woke up” and waited for the kids to get up.  I’d go back downstairs to spend a few minutes with my son and daughter until they left for school and then right back up to the office to start my day.

I thought, this was a pretty cool balance and I was still in control.

That’s total BS.  The work had already consumed my mind the minute I checked my BlackBerry.  I hadn't even had breakfast before I was replying to email.  I was never fully present even for those 20 minutes in the morning with my kids because the BB was still in reach and when it dinged, I ran.  What, in those twenty minutes is so damn important that can’t wait?

Does this resonate with you?

Here’s how I took back my day:

1. Ignore the BlackBerry when I awake – sure it’s hard for us serial entrepreneurs, but the first thing I do now is go downstairs to be with my wife and spend time with the kids.  My phone is nowhere in sight.
2. Instead of coffee immediately, I drink half a litre of water to get my body hydrated from the night before.  I then do not need caffeine for a false stimulus.
3. When they leave, I take a 20 minute walk in the fresh air listening to whatever jazzes me that morning, usually self-motivation stuff.
4. When I return, I eat a full breakfast.
5. I then take some time for me, at least 20 or 30 minutes of self-improvement, study, reading whatever…

Now keep in mind, this is already TWO HOURS into my day and I have yet to turn on the computer, or check email.  I have chosen to build MYSELF before anything else.

When I finally do fire up the computers, I focus on HIGH VALUE projects first.  The only way to be successful is to master yourself and “the highest leverage you can get in business, is yourself” (Eben Pagen)

Using this new found start to my day, I am in full control and I have NOT started my day under stress or under the urgency of anyone.

I hope this helps you control more of YOUR day & I would LOVE to hear your thoughts.  Post below and tell me what you do to start the day or if this has helped you in any way.

Special shouts to Dave Peniuk, Julie Broad and Eben Pagan for these great insights.