As an entrepreneur, your time is a precious commodity. It can be hard to stop work at night and even harder to get going again in the morning. Plenty of people say “I’m not a morning person,” but the truth is, mornings really can be for everyone. What is more, mornings can quickly become one of the best parts of our daily routine, if you know how to get your day off to the best possible start. So how do successful entrepreneurs start their morning? Let me explain:

Plan Your Morning

Your morning routine can start the night before. Many people find that writing a to-do list for the next day, gives them peace of mind and a good idea of what’s ahead of them. If you know that the next day you have two meetings scheduled plus you need to find time to write several emails and make a list of phone calls, plan accordingly. That way, when you start work the next morning, you won’t be rushing to organize your day.

Wake Up Early

Okay, so it’s not always easy, and the temptation is always to press snooze (possibly more than once) but if you get into the habit of rising early every day, you will be making the most of those precious hours where there are less demands, giving you a chance to be far more productive.

Do Something for Yourself

Running a business can mean that your own downtime often gets forgotten. Make it a habit, then, to give an hour of your day to yourself each morning. Go for a run, play tennis, take a long shower, whatever helps you to become invigorated for the day ahead. Exercising in the morning is great, it gives you energy for the rest of the day and as your willpower is strongest when waking, you are more likely to stick to your routine. Let’s face it, who wants to go for a run after a long day of work?

Eat a Good Breakfast

Not to sound like your mother here, but it really is important. Food fuels your brain. Eating a good, hearty breakfast will keep you going and ensure maximum productivity for the morning.

Catch Up On the News

Take some time to read the newspaper or browse online and don’t just read the news that pertains to your area of business; take a wider look at the world. What’s your favorite sports team up to? What’s happening in the world of politics? It’s always good to have your finger on the pulse, and well worth making time in your morning routine to catch up.

Connect With Your Family

Whether it’s sitting around the breakfast table, talking with your kids before they go to school, or annoying your siblings on social media, fun family interaction gives you a great boost and is a fantastic way to start your day.

All of the above is not a guarantee that you will never have a bad morning, but these few simple steps can, for the most part, ensure that the majority of your mornings get off to the best possible start, leaving you ready to cope with whatever the coming day will bring.