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 5/28/2007 |
Starting the day on an upswing
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A reader put in a search request for “day starter,” and it got me thinking. How best can we start each day on a positive note – on an upswing, if you will, to increase the chance that our day will end up being positive?
The first thing that came to mind was the master stroke of Og Mandino, in his book “The Greatest Salesman in the World.” Og, who died a few years ago, wrote a simple, easy-to-read book that is difficult for many people to totally put into practice – because, like most masterful approaches to life, it requires a complete commitment. If you are willing to commit to changing your life, give Og’s little book a try. Better yet, buy the audio program of the book as well – there is nothing like listening to Og’s voice as he talks about the secrets of success.
But second, I thought about some techniques we all can use to make our day start off well.
Here are some techniques to make each day start well, and continue upward from there. Mind you, I don’t always use them – I’m a bit allergic to morning.
1. Exercise. For many people, pushing themselves physically in the morning is a great way to start the day. It gets your blood flowing efficiently, gets some increased oxygen in your body, and challenges your abilities.
2. Singing. Some people sing in the shower – but others sing in the car on the way to work. It’s better than swearing at the other drivers. I dare you to try it on the bus or the train. Singing helps you get air into your body, but it also helps you start thinking positively. It sounds dopey – until you try it once or twice. Whistling is also good, for those of you who whistle better than you sing.
3. Audio programs in the car. I’ve listened to a lot of books in the interval between work and home – business books, biographies, current novels, and old classics. Each one of those audiobooks has made my viewpoint more positive for the day – and each day, I’m more interested in driving to work, knowing I can listen to the next chapter. Plus, they give you new ideas, new options, and new viewpoints. You can even download the books and put them on your mp3 player.
4. Breakfast with the family. I know – nobody much does this anymore. We’re all too rushed. But if you can take the time to do it, it allows you to reconnect with your kids and your spouse. Plus, you usually get a better breakfast in the process.
5. Avoid negative radio. Hey – there are a lot of negative programs out there, and many of them are during drive time on talk radio stations. Find something more positive to listen to.
6. Refrain from swearing at other drivers. Yes – I know that person cut in front of you, and I probably would have called him something nasty myself, but all you’re doing is making your own mood worse. He can’t hear you – or at least you’d better hope he can’t hear you.
7. Look around you. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve driven to work, locked in some sort of tunnel vision. I’m lost in thought, looking at the traffic, and getting mentally ready for work – and all around me, the world is changing. It’s Spring, or it’s Fall, or it’s Summer, or it’s Winter – things change around you on the way to work. One day you’re driving down the road, and you look around you for some reason: “Hey! Where did that building come from? I’m sure it wasn’t there yesterday.” Hey – it was there yesterday, and they’ve been building it for months – but you didn’t notice it, because you didn’t look around.
Looking around gives you a new perception on life – because your environment changes – and any change, no matter how small, prods your mind into thinking about stuff. Thinking is positive.
8. Find a list of positive quotations, and then read one each day. I personally subscribe to a number of “thought for the day” mailing lists. My favorite one is run by Dan Galvin in Texas. His thoughts-for-the-day beat me to the office, and so it’s always there, waiting for me.
9. Dedicate an hour each morning to your personal growth. Sure, that means you’re going to have to get up earlier, probably – but you’re worth it. You can always go to bed earlier – now that’s a thought. During this hour, study something that’s good for you. Read inside (or outside) of your field of business. Read an occasional novel, particularly classics such as “David Copperfield” or “Great Expectations,” (two of my personal favorites). At one point, I read the “Horatio Hornblower” series – it was exciting.
Can you start each day on the upswing? Of course you can. All it takes is a small bit of effort.
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