5 Ways Motivated People Start Each Day

Some people are naturally "up-an-at-'em" types, while others need a little push to reveal the version of their best self. One thing's for sure, if you don't start the day on the right foot, the rest of it may never fall into step.

A high level of morning motivation is one of the keys to being an overall successful person, no matter the field they're in. Are you seeking a little more rev in your motor once that alarm clock sounds? If so, you're already motivated! But a few extra mindful steps each morning can take your desire to succeed to new heights. Follow these easy-to-do yet impactful actions to make the most of your morning and the 24 hours to follow.

Be an Early Bird

The saying that the early bird catches the worm makes sense. The last bird to rise from the nest won't find anything left to eat. Same goes for people. While most aren't seeking to delight in a juicy earthworm, sleeping in is not the way to grab life by the horns. Rising early ensures getting the most out of the day and doing so before others have a chance to steal your thunder (or your worm for that matter).

As per Forbes, Richard Branson has been quoted as saying that, "he gets up at 5 am every day, no matter where he is because it gives him a head start on the rest of the world."

Aside from getting that running start, the wee hours provide for "me" time that gets quickly swamped as the hours pass. As Inc. puts it, "Successful people know that time is a precious commodity. And while theirs is easily eaten up by phone calls, meetings, and sudden crises once they've gotten to the office, the morning hours are under their control."

Just be sure to hit the sack at a reasonable time so you wake refreshed and rearing to start the next day off on a positive note.

Grab the Latest Headlines

Motivation to learn about the world around us is just as important as zeroing in on our field of work. Skim the paper or flip on the morning news at the top of the day to find out what's going on so you can be on top of the latest trends and breaking stories. By doing this early, you won't be tempted to surf the web mid-day to read up on news bites and you'll have the knowledge to keep up with relevant conversations with co-workers and clients.

According to Inc., the most successful people read the latest headlines before breakfast. Makes sense, as these highly motivated people need to be well-rounded and well-versed in a range of topics. With the information you gather, you can apply what may be useful to your line of work. With this kind of motivation, it may just be you making headlines soon!

Give Yourself a Moment to Breathe

Motivation without a little meditation can lead to a rushed and possibly stressful day. As eager as you may be to get your day in gear, take a while to breathe deeply, clear your mind, and prepare yourself both mentally and physically for the day ahead. Wake up a bit earlier so you have time to reflect and strategize for the most successful day possible.

You can sit peacefully, watch a meditation video, put on soothing music, or sit outside as the sun rises. It doesn't really matter how you find your "Zen," just give yourself the room to do so. With a clear and conscious mind, you can better tackle the day with energy and intelligence. You will be able to motivate those around you as well thanks to your clarity and mental sharpness.

You may want to take this time to practice your spirituality, religion, or gratitude as well. Motivation comes from within, so find it deep in your soul and allow it to pave your path to achievement.

Eat Something Energizing

Motivation may come from the mind, but without the proper fuel, it may never make it very far. Start your day off with something nourishing and balanced, whether you sit down to the table or take some food on the go.

Try to get some protein to keep you feeling full from eggs, peanut butter, yogurt, or even a smoothie or shake. No matter what you eat, make sure you go for something healthy. Greasy breakfast sandwiches or a powdered donut from the conference room may sound tasty, but they will drag you down, no matter what kind of motivation you thought you may have had.

As per Time, Amazon founder, Jeff Bezos has said that he avoids morning meetings so he can have a leisurely breakfast with his wife and four children. Spending quality time with loved ones is a motivator in itself.

Get Moving

Pump up your body and mind with exercise first thing. You'll get your blood flowing, heart beating, and you won't have to stress over whether or not you'll be able to squeeze in that workout sometime later in the day.

As per Time, Bill Gates exercises first thing in the morning while watching instructional videos from the Teaching Company. Body and mind are taken care of in one shot! And at the top of what's sure to be a motivation-filled day to come.

And time management expert, Laura Vanderkam was quoted by Inc. as asserting, "A pre-breakfast workout helps reduce stress later in the day, counteracts the effects of high-fat diet, and improves sleep." All important factors in keeping the motivation momentum moving.

Are you motivated to try these tips tomorrow? See how they make a difference in the outcome of your entire day!

Related Articles Around the Web
PayPath
Follow Us on

Where to Donate to Support Afghanistan and Haiti

Afghan women

NBC

Over the past month, both Haiti and Afghanistan have been pummeled by tragic disasters that left devastation in their wake.

In Haiti, a 7.2 magnitude earthquake erupted, leading over to 2,189 deaths and counting. A few hours later, in Afghanistan, Kabul fell to the Taliban just after U.S. troops had pulled out after 20 years of war.

In many ways, these disasters are both chillingly connected to US interference. The United States invaded Haiti in 1915, ostensibly promising to restore order after a presidential assassination but really intending to preserve the route to the Panama Canal and to defend US creditors, among other reasons.

But the US forces soon realized that they were not able to control the country alone, and so formed an army of Haitian enlistees, powered by US air power and intended to quell Haitian insurrection against US controls. Then, in 1934, the US pulled out on its own, disappointed with how slow progress was going. Haiti's institutions were never really able to rebuild themselves, leaving them immensely vulnerable to natural disasters.

Something similar happened in Afghanistan, where the US sent troops and supported an insurgent Afghan army – only to pull out, abandoning the country they left in ruins, with many Afghans supporting the Taliban.

In both cases, defense contractors benefited by far the most from the conflict, making billions in profits while civilians faced fallout and devastation. While the conflicts and circumstances are extremely different and while the US is obviously not solely to blame for either crisis, it's hard not to see the US-based roots of these disasters.

Today, in Haiti and Afghanistan, civilians are facing unimaginable tragedy.

Here are charities offering support in Afghanistan:

1. The International Rescue Committee is looking to raise $10 million to deliver aid directly to Afghanistan

2. CARE is matching donations for an Afghanistan relief fund. They are providing food, shelter, and water to families in need; a donation of $89.50 covers 1 family's emergency needs for a month.

3. Women for Women International is matching donations up to 500,000 for Afghan women, who will be facing unimaginable horrors under Taliban control.


4. AfghanAid offers support for people living in remote regions of Afghanistan.

5. VitalVoices supports female leaders and changemakers and survivors of gender-based violence around the world.

Here are charities offering support in Haiti:

1. Partners in Health has been working with Haiti for a long time, and they work with the Department of Health rather than around them, which is extremely important in a charity.

2. Health Equity International helps run Saint Boniface Hospital, a hospital in Haiti close to the earthquake's epicenter.

3. SOIL is an organization based Haiti, "a local organization with a track record of supporting after natural disasters." They are distributing hygiene kits and provisions on the ground to hospitals and to victims of the earthquake.

4. Hope for Haiti has been working in emergency response in Haiti for three decades, and their team is comprised of people who live and work in Haiti. They focus on supporting children and people in need across Haiti.

Related Articles Around the Web
charity

How the Beyoncé and Jay Z Controversy Shows Gen Z's Money Priorities

via Tiffany & Co.

When the new Tiffany's campaign was unveiled, reactions were mixed.

Tiffany's, the iconic jewelry brand which does not (despite what some might be misled to believe) in fact serve breakfast, featured Jay Z, Beyoncé, and a rare Basquiat painting in their recent campaign.

Keep reading Show less
cleo

How to Save Money on a Road Trip

Stacker

Stacker.com

Road trips can be a lot of fun — but they can also drain your wallet quickly if you aren't careful.

From high gas costs and park admission fares to lodging and the price of eating out every night, the expenses can add up quickly. But at the same time, it's very possible to do road trips cheaply and efficiently. Without the headache of worrying about how much money you're leaking, you can enjoy the open road a whole lot more. Here's how to save money on a road trip.

1. Prepare Your Budget, Route, and Packing List in Advance

If you want to save money on a road trip, be sure you're ready to go. Try to count up all your expenses before you hit the road and create a budget. It's also a good idea to plan your route in advance so you don't end up taking unnecessary, gas-guzzling detours. And finally, be sure to pack in advance so you don't find yourself having to buy tons of things you forgot along the way.

2. Book Cheap Accommodations — Or Try Camping

All those motel rooms can add up surprisingly quick, but camping is often cheap or free, and it's a great way to get intimate with the place you're visiting. You can check the Bureau of Land Management's website for free campsites. Freecampsite.com also provides great information on If you don't have a tent or don't want to camp every night, try booking cheap Airbnbs or booking hotels in advance, making sure to compare prices.

Camping camping road tripConde Nast Traveler

If you're planning on sleeping in your car, a few tips: WalMart allows all-night parking, as do many 24-hour gyms. (Buying a membership to Planet Fitness or something like it also gives you a great place to stop, shower, and recharge while on the road).

3. Bring Food From Home

Don't go on a road trip expecting to subsist on fast food alone. You'll wind up feeling like shit, and it'll drain your pocketbook stunningly quickly. Instead, be sure to bring food from home. Consider buying a gas stove and a coffee pot for easy on-the-go meals, and make sure you bring substantial snacks to satiate midday or late night cravings so you can avoid getting those late night Mickey D's expeditions.

Try bringing your own cooler, filling it with easy stuff for breakfast and lunch — some bread and peanut butter and jelly will go a long way. Bring your own utensils, plates, and napkins, and avoid buying bottled water by packing some big water jugs and a reusable water bottle. Alternatively, try staying at hotels or Airbnbs with kitchens so you can cook there.

4. Avoid Tolls

Apps like Google Maps and Waze point out toll locations, so be sure to avoid those to save those pennies. (If it takes you too far off route, you might have to bite the bullet and drive across that expensive bridge).

You can also save on parking fees by using sites like Parkopedia.

Road Trip Road TripThe Orange Backpack


5. Save on Gas

Gas can get pricy incredibly fast, so be sure that you're stopping at cheap gas stations. Free apps like GasBuddy help you find the most affordable gas prices in the area. Also, try going the speed limit on the highways — anything faster will burn through your tank. Be sure that you don't wait till you arrive at touristy locations or big cities to fill up.

6. Get a National Park Pass

All those parks can get really expensive really fast. If you're planning on visiting three or more parks, it's a great idea to get an America the Beautiful National Parks Pass. For $80 you can get into every National Park for one year.

From Your Site Articles
road trip