I’m always on the lookout for productivity hacks, little things that can improve the way I work. I’ve tried a few of them that you can read here, here, and here. I try to mix and match or switch them up depending on what works for me. I read about productivity tactics and looks for ways to improve and develop my work strategies.

Some of the challenges I face, aside from the threat of low productivity, is having low energy, and procrastination. I also have a hard time switching between tasks or staying focused sometimes. My biggest hurdle is procrastination. In the midst of a huge report that is due at the end of the week, I suddenly have the urge to revisit my adult colouring books or have the overwhelming desire to re-organize my scrum board. I also have a funny story about cooking a full-on beef stew and making a production out of it, just to avoid starting a project – that is a story for another time.

So, what have I learned during my readings? A lot and not much at the same time. I have read a lot of hack that I wouldn’t dream of applying at work. Hacks like wake up at 5 in the morning would NOT work well for me. But there are some pretty good gems out there. I’ll write about some of the things that worked well for me in this 3-part series.

Morning Hacks
They say that how you start your day sets the tone for the rest of it. So, if the first thing you do is go on Instagram to post a #wokeuplikethis selfie, then…

What makes sense is to start your day with a purpose. I don’t mean that you should send yourself off into a panic thinking of your looming (and formidable) to – do list. I mean that you should take some time for introspection or examining/observing your own thoughts and emotions. You can do this while making coffee or going for a run, if that’s your thing. I usually do this while making myself a cup of coffee. I think about my small wins from the previous day and pep myself up for the day’s tasks.

I also make it a point to make my bed. I saw a YouTube video about this. You can watch it here. It’s called “Change the World by Making your Bed” by Admiral William McRaven. The part which resonates most with me is this: “If you make your bed every morning, you will have accomplished the first task of the day. It will give you a small sense of pride. And it will encourage you to do another task. By the end of the day, that one task will reinforce the fact that the little things in life matter…and if you can’t do the little things right, you’ll never do the big things right.”

How about you, how do you start your day? We’d love to hear about your morning productivity hacks. Share them with us in the comments. Stay humble and hustle hard!

Written by Jaie O. The Help