Being a successful modular home factory owner, a sales rep or a new home builder involves traits that anyone can emulate but few even try.
The self-professed “morning people” reported feeling
happier and healthier than night owls. Researchers hypothesize that one of the
reasons could be because society caters to a morning person’s schedule.
It’s certainly true that the working world does. Working
“9-to-5” is more than an expression, but a standard shift for many
Americans. It also stands to reason that those who like rising with the sun are
also the most productive employees in the office.
Do you want to be more like them? Then take note of the
tasks these high-functioning, productive, and more awake employees have
completed before lunch:
1. They make a
work to-do list the day before. Many swear by having a written to-do
list, but not everyone agrees on when you need to compose it. The opportune
time to plan a day’s tasks is the night before. Some people like to do the
to-do schedule in the morning, but then they might have already lost office
time writing it out. It helps to do that to-do schedule the night before. It
also will help you sleep better.
2. They get a
full night’s rest. Speaking of sleeping better … lack of sleep affects
your concentration level, and therefore, your productivity. Whatever your gold
standard is for a “good night’s rest,” strive to meet it every work
night. Most health experts advise getting a minimum eight hours of shut-eye
each night.
3. They avoid
hitting snooze. Petitioning for nine more minutes, then nine more, then
another nine is a slippery slope that leads to falling back asleep and falling
behind on your morning prep. Ultimately it also leads to lateness.
4. They exercise.
Schedule your exercise class for the a.m. instead of after work. Exercise
improves mood and energy levels.
5. They eat
breakfast. Food provides the fuel you’ll need to concentrate, and breakfast
is particularly important since it recharges you after you’ve fasted all night.
Try munching on something light and healthy in the morning, and avoid processed
carbs that could zap your energy. Skip the McDonald’s “Two for $3 Egg
McMuffins.
6. They start
their workday on time. If you’re a sales rep on a road trip, make sure that
your first appointment is as early as you can schedule it. Waiting until 10:00
AM or worse, 1:00 PM to get started zaps all that early morning energy.
7. They tackle
the big projects first. You can dive right into work upon arriving in the
office, since you made your to-do list the night before. Start with the hardest
tasks. Don’t jump into meaningless projects when you’re at your mental peak for
the day.
8. They avoid
morning meetings. If you have any say on meeting times, schedule them
in the afternoon. You should use your prime skills during the prime time of the
day. An employer who schedules morning meetings could rob his or her employees
of their peak performance, and ultimately cost the company. The exception to
this is if your meeting is the most important task of the day. Sometimes you
have to schedule a crucial meeting, or a client meeting, in which case you’d
want to plan for a time when employees are at their peak.
9. They allot
time for following up on messages. Discern between mindless email/voicemail
checking and conducting important business. Checking your inbox every couple of
minutes takes time away from important tasks. Instead, set a schedule to check
and respond to email in increments. Consider doing so at the top of each hour,
to ensure that clients and colleagues receive prompt responses from you.
10. They take a
mid-morning break. Get up and stretch your legs. Or stay seated and indulge
in a little Internet surfing. It’s actually good to zone out on
Facebook and Twitter or send a personal text message or two. You should take
10-minute breaks occasionally. Companies that ban any kind of Facebook [use],
texting, or personal calls can find it will be detrimental. Those practices
increase employee satisfaction. Just be sure not to abuse the privilege. The best
employees will respect their employer’s time, and the worst-performing
employees will find a way to waste time even if the company forbids personal
Internet use.
