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If you tend to rush around in the morning - attempting to pick out your power outfit, eat breakfast, make lunch, pack your gym bag, and answer e-mails sent while you were sleeping, all before you step out the door - it’s no wonder you're frustrated by the time you reach the office. If you want to feel confident and perform well at work, it's time you had a streamlined morning routine.
- Figure out exactly how much time you have in the morning. What time do you really rise out of bed (not what time does your alarm clock go off), and when do you have to leave home to arrive at work on time? Be realistic.
- Inventory everything that has to happen by the time you head out the door. Eat breakfast, shower, iron, walk the dog, etc. If you normally read the paper before work, include that in your list.
- Next go through Morgenstern's four Ds: delete, delay, diminish, and delegate.
Delete: Eliminate the things you really don't need to do. There's little chance your boss will take "I was wrapped up in Sports Center" as an acceptable excuse for being tardy. And never check your e-mail or Blackberry. "It distracts your energy, puts you in a bad mood, and trains people that you're available at all hours," Morgenstern says. "And then you become trapped by it."
Delay: Or, more accurately, do something at a different time. Identify the things you could do in advance. Most of these are simple - picking out your clothes, making your lunch, packing your gym bag and briefcase (leave them by the door so you don't forget them) - but all of these little tasks add up.
Diminish: Create shortcuts where you can. If you enjoy long showers, consider saving those for nights and cutting your morning bathing to a quickie.
Delegate: Seek help from others for the things others could do. Could your daughter walk the dog? Or maybe you can convince your girlfriend to make you a portion of whatever she has for breakfast.
- You now have less to do in the morning. For 2 or 3 days, time yourself to see exactly how long it takes to do everything you have to do. Then you'll know, for example, that you don't have time to cook and eat a big breakfast, and you can be sure to have grab-and-go choices on hand. (Adopted From http://www.menshealth.com)
If you tend to rush around in the morning - attempting to pick out your power outfit, eat breakfast, make lunch, pack your gym bag, and answer e-mails sent while you were sleeping, all before you step out the door - it’s no wonder you're frustrated by the time you reach the office. If you want to feel confident and perform well at work, it's time you had a streamlined morning routine.
