What The Most Successful People Do Before Breakfast

BY LAURA VANDERKAM | 06-12-2012 | 8:00 AM

This article is written by a member of our expert contributor community.

Mornings are a great time for getting things done. You’re less likely to be interrupted than you are later in the day. Your supply of willpower is fresh after a good night’s sleep. That makes it possible to turn personal priorities like exercise or strategic thinking into reality.

But if you’ve got big goals--and a chaotic a.m. schedule--how can you make over your mornings to make these goals happen?

Because I write about time management frequently, I’ve gotten to see hundreds of calendars and schedules over the years. From studying people’s morning habits, I’ve learned that getting the most out of this time is a five-part process. Follow these steps, though, and you’re on your way to building morning habits that stick.

1. Track Your Time

Part of spending your time better is knowing how you’re spending it now. If you’ve ever tried to lose weight, you know that nutritionists tell you to keep a food journal because it keeps you from eating mindlessly. It’s the same with time. Write down what you’re doing as often as you can. Use my spreadsheet, a Word document, or a pad and pen.

While you measuring your mornings, try tracking your whole week. The reason? The solution to morning dilemmas often lies at other times of the day. You may be too tired because you’re staying up late. But if you look at how you’re spending your nights, you’ll notice that you’re not doing anything urgent. The Daily Show can be recorded and watched earlier--possibly while you’re on the treadmill at 6:30 a.m.

As for the mornings themselves, you can be organized but still not be spending them well. Question your assumptions. You may believe that “a man who wants to keep his job gets into the office before his boss” because that’s what your father did, but your boss may be disappointed that he doesn’t get the place to himself for an hour first! If you decide that something is a top priority, do it, but understand that we have to do few things in life.

2. Picture the Perfect Morning

After you know how you’re spending your time, ask yourself what a great morning would look like. For me, it would start with a run, followed by a hearty family breakfast. After getting people out the door, I’d focus on long-term projects like my books. Here are some other ideas for morning enrichment:

For personal growth:

• Read through a religious text: Sacred texts can teach us about human nature and history, even if they’re not from a religion you subscribe to. If they are, pray or meditate and get to know your beliefs in a deeper way.
• Train for something big: Aiming to complete a half-marathon, a triathlon, or a long bike ride will keep you inspired as you take your fitness to the next level.
• Do art projects with your kids:. Mornings don’t have to be a death march out the door. Enjoy your time with your little ones at a time of day when you all have more patience.

For professional growth:

• Strategize: In an age of constant connectivity, people complain of having no time to think. Use your mornings to picture what you want your career and organization to look like in the future.
• Read articles in professional journals: Benefit from other people’s research and strategic thinking, and gain new insights into your field.
• Take an online class: If a job or career change is in your future, a self-paced class can keep your skills sharp.

3. Think Through the Logistics

How could this vision mesh with the life you have? Don’t assume you have to add it on top of the hours you already spend getting ready or that you’ll have to get to work earlier. If you fill the morning hours with important activities you’ll crowd out things that are more time intensive than they need to be. Map out a morning schedule. What time would you have to get up and what time do you need to go to bed to get enough sleep? As for the mornings themselves, what would make your ritual easier? Do you need to set your easel next to your bed? Can you find a more cheerful alarm clock or one you can’t turn off so easily?

It’s easy to believe our own excuses, particularly if they’re good ones. Come up with a plan and assemble what you need, but whatever you do, don’t label this vision as impossible

4. Build the Habit

This is the most important step. Turning a desire into a ritual requires willpower. Use these fives steps to optimize your routine:

• Start slowly: Go to bed and wake up fifteen minutes earlier for a few days until this new schedule seems doable.
• Monitor your energy: Building a new habit takes effort, so take care of yourself while you’re trying. Eat right, eat enough, and surround yourself with supportive people who want to see you succeed.
• Choose one new habit at a time to introduce: If you want to run, pray, and write in a journal, choose one of these and make it a habit before adding another.
• Chart your progress: Habits take weeks to establish, so keep track of how you’re doing for at least thirty days. Once skipping a session feels like you forgot something--like forgetting to brush your teeth--you can take your ritual up a notch.
• Feel free to use bribery: Eventually habits produce their own motivation, but until then, external motivations like promising yourself concert tickets can keep you moving forward. And keep in mind that your morning rituals shouldn’t be of the self-flagellation variety. Choose things you enjoy: your before-breakfast ritual has the potential to become your favorite part of the day.

5. Tune Up as Necessary

Life changes. Sometimes we have to regroup, but the goal is to replace any rituals that no longer work with new ones that make you feel like every day is full of possibility.

That is ultimately the amazing thing about mornings--they always feel like a new chance to do things right. A win scored then creates a cascade of success. The hopeful hours before most people eat breakfast are too precious to be blown on semiconscious activities. You can do a lot with those hours. Whenever I’m tempted to say I don’t have time for something, I remind myself that if I wanted to get up early, I could. These hours are available to all of us if we choose to use them.

So how would you like to use your mornings? This important question requires careful thinking. But once you decide, small rituals can accomplish great things. When you make over your mornings, you can make over your life. That is what the most successful people know.

Excerpted from What the Most Successful People Do Before Breakfast by Laura Vanderkam by arrangement with Portfolio Penguin, a member of Penguin Group (USA), Inc., Copyright © 2012 by Laura Vanderkam. Follow her on Twitter.

The Secret Weapon to a Sharper Mind and Better Business

How Exercise Changed My Life

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I’m not just a columnist; I’m also a career and life coach. I have a radio show, and I am a regular contributor to CNBC. To make my schedule even more hectic, I also interview celebrities and authors for Borders books.
I work a lot. I have very little free time, and I have less and less time for myself. So, last month, when I heard I had to interview some doctor about some book—it felt like just another job, another interview, just something I had to prepare for. But interviewing Dr. John Ratey for Borders changed my life. I didn’t see it coming. I wasn’t looking for it to change my life. It just happened. Dr. Ratey had just released his new book called Spark: The Revolutionary New Science of Exercise and the Brain. In the book, Dr. Ratey discusses a high school in Naperville, Ill., where they approach physical education a little differently. The students don’t simply play dodgeball and soccer. They wear heart monitors and are graded on the amount of time they are able to keep their heart rate in the optimal aerobic range for their body type. After PE, the kids attend classes like normal.

"Motivation can come from the least likely places."

As a result of their targeted physical education, the standardized test scores of the entire student body have jumped. In math, the school placed sixth in the world. On the science section, Naperville shocked everyone when they outscored every other school—in the world.
The statistics blew me away. And Dr. Ratey’s explanation of how exercise impacts your brain is amazing. Dr. Ratey has proven that when you exercise, it changes the physical structure of your brain! It increases your speed of processing, your memory. In a nutshell, science has proven that exercise primes your brain for success and makes you smarter.
But that’s not the truly amazing part. I mean let’s get serious. What about me? Not to sound crass, but I’m running a media company, not taking math and science exams (thank goodness). How can I use this secret weapon in my everyday life?
Dr. Ratey informed me that if you want to think clearer, beat stress, put the damper on your depression and boost your confidence, you only have to do one thing: exercise. He turned my entire world inside out. I had always thought of exercise as something I had to or was supposed to do. I did it simply to keep my butt smaller than it’s genetically predisposed to be. My source of motivation was vanity.
Dr. Ratey’s research gave me new motivation to go for a run. Now, for the first time, I am able to see exercise for what it truly is—a way of getting what I want, a way of priming my brain for success, a secret weapon. Now, when I’m stuck and can’t figure something out, I go for a jog, clear my head, come back and—bam—I figure it out! Dr. Ratey’s science at work! If I have an important meeting and I want my thinking to be at its sharpest, I make sure to exercise beforehand.
I know you’re busy. You’re stressed-out. There just isn’t time. I felt exactly the same way. I was just talking to a guy about his book, but, suddenly, I was handed a secret weapon. And consequently, my mind is sharper, I feel motivated and less stressed, and I have more energy. As a result, I’m healthier and so is my business.
Mel Robbins is a nationally syndicated radio talk show host, CNBC contributor, spokesperson for Microsoft and serial entrepreneur. 

USANA Health Sciences Works With Dr. Oz and HealthCorps to Fight Childhood Obesity

NEW YORK, Feb. 23, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Nutritional company USANA Health Sciences today announced they are teaming up with Dr. Mehmet Oz and Lisa Oz' nonprofit organization, HealthCorps, to help empower young people to live healthier lives. USANA has committed to further HealthCorps' goals of combating childhood obesity and educating children about nutrition and fitness.

"One of the reasons we chose to donate to HealthCorps is because we share such similar values," said Dave Wentz, USANA's chief executive officer. "Our common mission is to create a healthier world for future generations, while helping people make better decisions today. It's impressive to see how HealthCorps is impacting people's lives."

USANA will be lending a helping hand to an organization committed to dealing with one of the most pressing health issues in the United States.

"Consider that approximately 12.5 million American children and adolescents, ages 2 to 19 years, are obese," Dr. Oz said. "In New York State alone, obesity among children and adolescents has tripled over the last three decades. This is among the many issues that HealthCorps is committed to address, and with USANA's generosity, we are able to do much more with our programs."

The two organizations will kick off their collaboration this afternoon at a "Teen Battle Chef" cooking competition at Columbia University. High school students from the tri-state area will each prepare a healthy dish to present to a panel of judges that includes celebrity chef Rocco DiSpirito, Dr. Oz, Lisa Oz, Dave Wentz, and USANA Founder Dr. Myron Wentz. Each teen will receive Circulon® cookware and tickets to the Health and Happiness Summit, a wellness event hosted by Dr. Oz on Feb. 25 at Radio City Music Hall.

"Teen Battle Chef is one of HealthCorps' many educational programs," Lisa Oz said. "The purpose is to teach kids about healthy eating in a fun way, and we are fortunate to have USANA's support."
Erica Irvin, vice president of Students for Food Policy and Obesity Prevention at Columbia University, said the campus was honored to host the event.

"Organizations like HealthCorps are doing work that have long-term ripple effect," she said. "Kids benefiting from HealthCorps programs today may teach other kids about health, be a strong example to their peers and even go on to affect public policy and change in the future. That's what this is about."

To learn more about USANA Health Sciences, please visit: http://www.usana.com

To learn more about HealthCorps, please visit: http://healthcorps.net/

About USANA: USANA Health Sciences develops and manufactures high-quality nutritionals, personal care, energy and weight management products that are sold directly to Preferred Customers and Associates throughout the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong, Japan, Taiwan, China, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, the Philippines, Mexico, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom and Thailand. Learn more at our website (www.usana.com), read our blog (www.whatsupusana.com), like us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/usanahealthsciences), or follow us on Twitter (@usanainc).

About HealthCorps: HealthCorps® a 501(c)(3) co-founded by renowned heart surgeon and two-time Emmy® Award-winning talk show host Dr. Mehmet Oz and his wife Lisa, is building a movement to fight the childhood obesity crisis by helping Americans discover what they are really hungry for and why. HealthCorps Coordinators carry out unique in-school and community programming targeting high-need populations. Using peer mentoring to deliver a progressive curriculum in nutrition, fitness and mental strength, HealthCorps Coordinators give teens purpose, help develop human character and inspire an interest in health and culinary arts careers. HealthCorps also serves as a unique research laboratory - exploring the complex, underlying causes of the obesity crisis and discovering and communicating solutions. HealthCorps is bringing many initiatives together to address the "Whole Child" and activate the student's mind, body and spirit. As a result, HealthCorps is transforming the educational paradigm one school at a time. The program network spans 54 schools in 13 states. For more information, please visit www.healthcorps.org and follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/healthcorps and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/HealthCorps.

Media Contact: Ashley Collins
Executive Director of Marketing, PR, and Social Media
USANA Health Sciences, Inc.
(801) 954-7280media@us.usana.com

SOURCE USANA Health Sciences
© 2012 PR Newswire

Procastinators Unite...Tomorrow!

     When I was young I was, at times, a handful.  My granny would say, "Brandon (that's what I go by back home), go get me a switch!"  I would too.  I would go get the smallest, flimsiest switch I could find off the tree (this was common practice in the South I was raised in).  I would bring it back to her with a grin.  She would then proceed to the nearest tree and brake off a much larger one and let me have it!  I thank God for her.  She instilled discipline in me that made me the person I am today.  I think more kids need discipline these days, maybe not switches like I received.  However, it (discipline) is definitely lacking in today's society.

     

     The discipline I want to touch on today is a whole different type of discipline.  It's called Self-Discipline.  Self-discipline will make you or break you.  Let's talk about getting fit.  Have you ever decided, "Hey, I'm going to get in shape."  You tell yourself you are going to get up early every morning before work and go running or go to the gym.  You have every intention of doing it, and you do...for 2 or 3 days.  This is the problem with most New Year's Resolutions.  You go strong for a few days then run out of steam.  It's because after the first day or two you begin to reason against yourself.  "Man, I'm tired.  I worked too hard yesterday or I didn't get enough sleep last night.  I'll just work out double hard tomorrow."  Does this sound familiar?  Then tomorrow comes and you find another reason to not go. Then the day after and the day after that, etc. This is a total lack of self-discipline.  I'm guilty-I admit.  Everyone is.  However, if you can master self-discipline, the world is yours.

     It truly is the key that unlocks all the other doors.  It is a quality I am constantly working on in myself.  It is consistent daily action in my business that requires the self-discipline needed to get the results I desire.  So, what is it for you?  Where in your life do you need more self-discipline?  Here are some tips to help build self-discipline:

1. Don't over do it. It you are too ambitious right out of the gate you are more likely to give up on whatever you are trying to accomplish.  I've seen more flops because of this one thing.
2. Become a list-maker.  People who make lists and live by the lists are more productive.  It is easier to discipline yourself to stay productive when you have lists that you prioritize and work through instead of trying to accomplish things from memory.
3. Set goals and read them often.  It is a proven fact that those who set goals and read them every morning and every night are more likely to stay on task and achieve those end results they are after.
4. Have a partner.  Having a friend there along the way is a great way to stay disciplined.  I call them "accountability partners".  These are people who have similar goals that hold each other accountable at completing goals or tasks.  These work really well when trying to get fit.
5. Self affirmation.  There are times in everyone's lives when the voice of doubt and defeat try to creep in.  It is at this time that you have to dig deep within yourself and focus on the prize.  Building yourself up is a technique that all the greats use themselves.  Sometimes you have to remind yourself that you are not giving up!  You are in control of your thoughts and your actions!  You are the man! or ma'am!

Start today!  You know what you want to accomplish.  You know what you need to do in order to accomplish it.  Now, get started.  

To Your Success

Attitude Makes All the Difference!

     Hello everyone!  It is my pleasure today to enlighten you by introducing you all to an authority on personal development, Mr. Zig Ziglar.  He is truly impactful and this week I want you all to see this short video on attitude and see how this one thing makes all the difference.  Enjoy!

Stay F.O.C.U.S.(ed)

Have you ever began to pursue something worthwhile and because it real quickly did not give you the results you had hoped for, you gave up? Instead of persisting, instead of staying F.O.C.U.S.(ed) you through in the towel. Well, don't be too hard on yourself. As a matter of fact, this happens to 99% of people that walk this planet. Napoleon Hill has been quoted saying: Before success comes into any man's life, he is sure to meet with much temporary defeat, and, perhaps, some failure. When defeat overtakes a man, the easiest and most logical thing to do is to QUIT. That is what the majority of men do. Failure is a trickster with a keen sense of irony and cunning. Most successful men and women in the history books claim that "their success came just one step beyond the point at which defeat had overtaken them." This is why you must stay F.O.C.U.S. (ed). F.O.C.U.S.=Follow On Course Until Successful. In order to achieve any type of success this act is absolutely paramount. You can't let the discouraging voice of others cause you to stumble. Trust me, you will be met by many who tell you that "It can't be done" or "Why are you doing that?!" and let's not forget, "That will never work!" What would have happened if Steve Jobs would have let the words of others discourage him? I probably wouldn't be typing on this IPAD right now, and the lives of billions would not have been touched by his brilliance. I, personally, am always striving to reach the pinnacle, the apex, the top. I will make it and I will bring others with me! In my business, I am often told that what I'm doing does not work. However, I know that it does because it has and continues to week after week after week. So I urge you, don't give up. Keep pushing forward. When you are met with temporary defeat, press through. Keep your eye on the prize, because it's coming. Don't be a ninety-nine percenter. You can achieve whatever success you want to reach! Don't give in. Don't quit. Stay F.O.C.U.S(ed)!

Stinkin' Thinkin'

     Have you ever known someone who is always in the negative?  You know the type...Nancy Negative or Billy Bad Mood!  You actually have to prepare yourself mentally if you know that you are going to be around them at anytime today?  Yeah, well unfortunately, we all have at least one of those people in our life.  These people have what I call "stinkin' thinkin'" (not coined by me) Some of us have friends like this, some of us even have family like this.  Worse than that, some of us may even be in a relationship with people like this!  (BTW, I would not wish that on anyone).  DANGER DANGER DANGER!!! Do not hang around these people!  These are the types of people that rob you of your productivity, rob you of your ambitions, and prevent you from living the life of your dreams...dream-stealers.
     I've known many of these types throughout my life.  These people are the first to tell you the gloom and doom about anything that you may find to propel yourself forward into the direction you want to go.  They tell you all the reasons you should NOT be doing this thing (whatever it is).  They'll tell you it's stupid, they'll tell you it will never work, they'll tell you nobody will like it, etc. What do you think would have happened if Christopher Columbus' friends told him, "Oh, come on Chris! Sailing? Dude that's stupid! You're wasting your time!"  Or what if Thomas Edison was told, "Tommy, we have candles, what are you doing?  You've tried and tried and it hasn't happened!  It's just not going to work.  Give up!"
     The world is full of people with huge, gigantic, awesome ideas but somewhere a long the way they allowed doubt to creep in because of something someone told them.  Some Nancy Negative planted a tiny seed of  uncertainty, because that's what she does, right?  This negative remark or bad advice caused this person to give up on their dream and most likely altered the course of their life.  My advice to you is DO NOT LISTEN! Don't hang around these people!  And most definitely, don't adopt their attitude!  Unfortunately, it rubs off after a little while.  You've heard this saying,  "Misery loves company?" This is why it is so important to get away...fast.
     I encourage you, find positive people to hang out with.  Find friends that won't bring you down.  Find friends who will push you to be better, friends who applaud your ideas and accomplishments.  They're out there.  You will love what happens when you surround yourself with these people.  Here is a great quote, "Success loves company!"  Ever heard that one?  Probably not, it's mine.  But its true!  Successful people attract successful people.  Begin looking for those who don't have this stinkin' thinkin'.  I promise, your life will turn around and you will find more success than you ever imagined!