Motivation needs energy before it can empower you to achieve
your targets, and how much energy you start the day with depends
very much on how you start your day.
If you've ever overslept, skipped breakfast, been late for work
and made a mess of everything you've touched all day, you won't
need much convincing that things started to go wrong before your
feet had even touched the floor, and left you trying
unsuccessfully to put things right all day.
On the other hand, when you're confident and full of energy, the
chances are you've felt good from the moment you got out of bed.
A good start to the day can help you make good use of
opportunities, deal effectively with difficulties, feel full of
zest and energy, and get more fun from everything you do -- and
making a good start isn't not down to chance.
So how can you make sure you start the day the way you want to?
Here are some tips to help you take -- and keep -- control.
1) Get up half an hour earlier. Forget any negative associations
getting up early might have ever had for you. This time, it's
about making sure you start the day by making time for YOU.
You can't cram the other tips into an already overcrowded
schedule, so if you want your day to go the way you want it to,
it's worthwhile to take an extra 30 minutes to prepare for it.
Besides, these techniques are going to be enjoyable -- this is
YOUR time, so luxuriate in it!
2) Stand in front of an open window and do some breathing
exercises. Start with your feet flat on the floor and your arms
by your sides, then rise SLOWLY on to your toes. As you do,
breathe in as deeply as you can and bring your arms slowly
upwards till your hands meet above your head, then slowly,
gently and without strain, reach as far upwards as you can.
Staying in that position, hold your breath for a count of 5,
then slowly breathe out as you return to your previous position.
It's a good idea to start by doing this 5 times, though if you
want to you can gradually start doing more.
If you find you need some extra energy or inspiration through
the day, you might want to look for a chance to repeat this
exercise, even if the only place that you can find's the rest
room! Learning to control your breathing's an important part of
relaxation, stress control, clear thinking and vitality, and you
just can't take too many opportunities to practice it.
3) Have a light but nourishing breakfast. Too many calories will
make you sluggish - but too few, or none at all, can adversely
affect your mental energy. Experiment until you find what's
right for you - fruit juice, toast and marmalade are a good
place to start.
As you enjoy your breakfast, think of something exhilarating
that you plan to do today (and if you haven't anything
exhilarating lined up yet, this is a good moment to start making
plans!).
4) Spend a few minutes feeling grateful for some of the good
things in your life.
What are the things that make you feel the happiest? What are
the things, and who are the people, that you really love? What
do you most like to do? Where do you most like to be? Think of
some things that make you feel on top of the world, and feel
deep gratitude.
No matter what your situation, there's something or someone in
your life you can be grateful for. Even if things are so bad
that the only thing you have to hold to is a dream, be thankful
for that. Many people live empty lives for lack of a dream worth
getting out of bed for, so treasure yours.
What really makes your heart sing? Focus on it.
5) Spend a few minutes thinking about the main ambition that you
have. It doesn't matter if that's how you earn your living right
now. Focus on the things you want to do. Dwell lovingly on every
detail of your goal, and how great you're going to feel when you
achieve it. Even if what you're doing at the moment's just the
day-job that' lets you pay the bills for now, see whatever you
have to do today as step towards achieving your ambition.
6) Plan at least one step that you can take today towards your
main ambition. Even if your schedule's already crammed full with
the things you really have to do today, you'll do them all much
faster, better and with a lighter heart for knowing that at
least some time will be devoted to your dearest dream. Besides,
the only way you'll ever get there will be by taking steps in
that direction, so right now's as good a time and place as any
to begin!
When you start to practice these techniques, you'll probably
find yourself developing individual variations on them. That's
fine - the important thing's to find what works for you, and
helps you start your day with all the feelings of energy,
motivation, confidence, vitality, self-worth and empowerment
which will help you make the most of every opportunity that
comes your way.
About the author:
Aislinn O'Connor is a motivational writer and personal
development consultant. You can check out her books, audio
self-development tools and much more self-help information at
http://www.Acc
ess-Your-Peak-Performance-Zone.com">http://www.access-your-peak-performance-zone.com">http://www.Acc
ess-Your-Peak-Performance-Zone.com.
