I’m sorry to inform you, but summer is over.
Now its time to start getting back into the groove. If you’re like most people, you’ve been struggling the last couple of weeks trying to transition.
Here are some habits that will help keep your life running a little more smoothly –
Get off to a fresh start
Clean the kitchen every night. Not only does it make your mornings go smoother, it also puts you in a better mood. A much better way to start your day.
I know this sounds crazy, but it makes your life so much easier.
Imagine getting up to a clean kitchen in the morning.
Imagine having the counters cleaned and ready for you to start making dinner.
Imagine not having to spend hours scrubbing down built up gunk.
This is seriously one of the best habits you can get into to.
The magic list
Why do I call this magic? Because it truly works. This one tip is so effective it can change your entire life. But most people won’t take the time “to-do” it.
Yep, the “to-do list”.
At the end of your business day or before bed, think about what you need to accomplish the next day. It’s best to do it while things are still on your mind. What did you not get done? What are the next steps you need to take? Always put down at least 3 things related to your business or big goals. They can be as simple as a phone call you need to make.
Put both business and personal things you need to do on the list. You still have to dust the living room, do a load of laundry, order a birthday gift, take Johnny to soccer, and so on…
Make sure your dinner plan is on there. Take something out of the freezer for dinner. It will keep you out of the drive-thru! You’ll be eating healthier, losing weight, and saving money.
The list will keep you organized and on track. Your day will have focus. Now your attention is on getting the list done, not how you feel, or figuring out what should you do today. It’s right there ready for you to start working at it. Within a day or two you will notice an immediate difference in how productive you are.
I know a lot of you use apps and such, but the most effective list is one that is handwritten. There’s a different sort of wiring in your brain that responds when you actually take the time to write something down. Remember in school it was easier to learn something if your read it, wrote it, spoke it, and heard it? The same principles apply here. You’re telling your subconscious that this is what you expect to get done today- so get to it! You’ll be amazed at how much more you’ll get done.
Now there’s just one more thing – and this is actually fun when you start doing it- As you finish each task, cross it off the list.
Not just a check mark – cross it off! It’s a little psychological trick, almost like rewarding yourself for a job well done. Hey, as you cross it off, tell yourself – “good job!” You like it when someone else tells you that you’ve done a good job. But somehow we’re wired to beat up on ourselves faster than giving
ourselves any credit. This is an easy way for you to acknowledge your daily accomplishments and start to feel better about yourself.
This may all seem so primitive and simple. But let me tell you, it works. Just these couple little things can make a big difference in how productive you are everyday.
I’ve also put together a 2 week challenge to help you get back into the groove quickly. Make sure you sign up for it!