Over the years I have had the privilege of spending time with incredibly successful people and have made it a habit of asking them all to share with me their morning routine. I have discovered every successful person I have spent time with all have some version of an intentional morning routine and all share with me it is one of the most important keys to their success. Their routine is the one thing that sets and anchors the day for success and productivity and ensures every day is a good and productive day.
In today’s fast-paced digital age, it’s easy to feel like you are always on the go. Successful real estate agents are also often chasing forward momentum, so much so that key routines and wellness practices can fall through the cracks. Breakfasts can be relegated to a quick bite and a Starbucks coffee in the car while on the way to your next appointment, and your morning routine can often feel rushed and hectic. This type of behavior may feel energetic and exciting for a while, but in the long run, successful real estate agents need to take care of themselves before they can take care of their clients. Here are four morning habits that will make you more productive and strategies that will set yourself up for success throughout the day:
1. Start Your Routine Early
Pressing the snooze button on your alarm might feel like what you need at the time, but the truth is, the earlier you start your day, the more productive and energized you will feel. So many ultra-successful agents get their days started before 6 am. If you wake up one hour earlier than usual each day it gives you 30 extra hours per month to use, that’s a significant amount of time to be used working on both your business and personal growth and development.
In fact, one of the things Coach Ken is famous for is starting each day before 5 am. Those who rise early and start the day off right can accomplish more and reach their goals faster.
2. Take Care of Yourself
These days, we’re conditioned to pick up our phones immediately after waking up. But that’s counterproductive. Truly successful business people know it’s critical to start the day with something for you. This could be anything, and it doesn’t have to take a long time. For example, you could start with a quick workout, 15-minute meditation, or even take time to find gratitude in life and write down some introspective thoughts in a journal. Whatever it is that helps you feel grounded, happy, and healthy, start the day. These activities might seem trivial, but they are essential at boosting your mood, creativity, and working on your personal wellness.
3. Make a List
Keeping organized is a key strategy for success, and that applies to your everyday tasks too. In addition to listing the basic things you need to get done in a day, you should also prioritize your contact list for the day. For example, separate your hot leads from the warm leads and follow up accordingly. List your goals for the day and then move to the next step: The "to do", "I am doing" and "I am done" lists are a great way to get things out of your head and onto paper, track and measure progress and helps clear your thoughts and mind.
4. Block Off Your Time
One of the most significant steps to starting your day with success is blocking off your time. I personally block my time off in 30-minute increments. This specific timeline may or may not work for you, but blocking off time, in general, should be something you do each day. Set mini-milestones for yourself and book time to accomplish it. By blocking off time throughout your day, you are setting expectations and holding yourself accountable, which are two things you need to succeed. If you are not taking control of your own time then someone or something else will. Jim Rohn said “Finish your day, week before it begins.”
I encourage you to create that anchor and foundation of a morning routine for yourself today and take care of yourself first in your day. If we are better for ourselves then we are able to be better for others.
Strength and courage,
Wade
