The way you begin a day affects your level of success. People who “wake up on the wrong side of the bed” are often unmotivated individuals. As Plato once said, “the beginning is the most important part of the work.” This is why most effective CEOs stick to a “start-up” routine for maximum efficiency.
There is no fast and hard rule so it is important to discover a method that works best for you. We’ll look at some inspirational ways that CEOs start their days, which will enhance your existing practices.
First to Arrive Mindset
Some CEOs take pride in being the first to arrive at the workplace. This gives them a clarity of mind to plan through the day without facing any distractions. Sheldon Yellen, the CEO of Belfor Property Restoration, goes the extra mile by also being the last to leave.
Yellen shares that hard work motivates employees to do the same. However, he also understands the importance of a sustainable routine that avoids burnout. Having meaningful days off and celebrating victories with employees can help take the toll off.
Get the Energy Pumping with Exercise
Exercise gets the heart pumping and the mind thinking. Physical activity releases dopamine (feel-good hormone) and has been scientifically linked to improved cognitive performance in decision-making. Clique Brand’s CEO, Katherine Powers, believes in starting the day with a good workout.
Powers shares, “I really figured out how much more productive I could be after exercising. I let go of thinking about exercise as something to just lose weight or tone up, and let it be more about finding time to concentrate and work hard on something. Exercise wakes me up and gets my juices flowing. I get my best ideas working out or on the drive back from the gym to the house.”
Scientific research has also shown that exercise at the workplace could improve work performance and positive mood outcomes. The allocation of a fitness area at the office might raise overall productivity levels.
Slay the Hardest Task First
Procrastination is usually relative to the difficulty of a task. Successful CEOs have the habit of jumping straight down to the hardest chore before anything else. Once your mind succeeds in the greatest challenge, everything else becomes a breeze.
The concept is similar to running with weight-bearing sandbags tied to the feet. Once you get them off, you’ll be sprinting effortlessly. Maria Hatzistefanis, founder and CEO of skincare company Rodial, believes in knocking out the most difficult task early while you still have the energy.
Applying the CliftonStrengths (StrengthsFinder)
The CliftonStrengths (StrengthsFinder) is an online assessment that can help leaders optimise their productivity through strengths engagement. By identifying your core talents, you’re able to focus on practices that support your natural drive for excellence.
Leaders may also apply the CliftonStrengths (StrengthsFinder) method to employees, which taps on their inner potential. This results in a highly engaged workplace where each day is invested in positivity and advancement.
StrengthsAsia has helped many individual and corporate clients all throughout the region in identifying and maximizing their talents, in driving engagement and increasing motivation in their work and life.
If you want to learn more about the 34 talent themes or discover how you can apply your talent themes in the areas of your work and your life, feel free to reach out to us here.
A devotee at the altar of language and a celebrant of expression. Laurenzo has written for various SMEs, MNCs, startups and international brands over the last three years. He specializes in topics of psychology, lifestyle, employee management, and digital trends.