For those who understand that time is money, the early hours of the morning aren’t for sleeping in. Getting a jump start on your day before most office workers have even had their first cup of coffee gives you the competitive edge you need to conquer any challenge that might come your way.

Whether you’re getting ready to take on the world or help a single client come up with a creative solution to their problem, following these tips can make it easier than ever to accomplish your goals long before the rest of the business world is out of bed:

“For those who understand that

time is money, the early hours of the

morning aren’t for sleeping in.”

Get your blood pumping

There are few ways to get your brain working at maximum capacity like a high-intensity workout first thing in the morning. Instead of making a pot of coffee or reading the paper, heading down to the fitness center or yoga studio in your luxury condo can help get your blood pumping, keep those fitness goals on track, and the boost of endorphins that accompanies a great workout can often be a catalyst for creative thought.

Shower

While it’s only natural that you’d rinse off after your workout anyway, hopping in the shower may actually help you tackle the day’s problems with a renewed sense of vigor. So-called “shower thoughts” — the ideas that come to us when we’re doing mundane activities, like showering or driving to a familiar location — can provide an unexpected font of creativity that you’d otherwise miss out on.

The time you spend in the shower is also a great time to practice some gratitude, giving you some time for mindful meditation on all the people who make your success possible while sending good thoughts into the world for them. When you take time to acknowledge all the people who have helped you get to where you are today, it’s easier to make it through those long hours with a smile on your face.

Eat a healthy meal

When you hear people say that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, they’re not kidding. Fueling up for the day means more than grabbing a quick coffee and heading out the door; the right foods can set you up for a productive day, even if it starts long before the sun is even up. Not only can a healthy breakfast jump start your metabolism following your overnight fast, it can keep you full well into the afternoon, making it easy to focus on the task at hand instead of your growling stomach.

Starting your day with a mixture of protein, complex carbohydrates, and some fiber, like sprouted avocado toast and a piece of fruit, can keep you full and focused whether you’re dealing with back-to-back client meetings or strategizing with your team.

Create a plan for the day

It’s often difficult for entrepreneurs to know where the day will take them, but putting a solid, if somewhat malleable, plan in place can help prioritize your most important activities. Giving yourself a timetable for the day can make you more effective at executing your tasks and provide you a good excuse as to why you can’t push that meeting back another 15 minutes or spend a little extra time talking to your neighbor.

When you prioritize the right things — especially when you put said priorities in writing — it’s easier to get work both expeditiously and effectively.

“Following these tips can make it

easier than ever to accomplish your goals

long before the rest of the business

world is out of bed.”

Meditate

Taking a few minutes to clear your mind during the day may save you from a major dip in productivity later. The results of a 2014 study published in JAMA Internal Medicine suggest that meditation can improve productivity, reduce psychological stress, and even minimize physical pain, all of which might otherwise distract you from the essential tasks you’re trying to complete. Giving yourself just five or ten minutes in the morning when you allow your mind to rest and recharge can make all the difference in how much you accomplish during the rest of the day and how happy you are, as well.

If you’re not into trying to achieve nirvana through meditation, this can also be a great time to meditate on all the things you’re grateful for in this world. There’s no time like the present to remind yourself of how thankful you are for the incredible privilege and support that has helped you get to this point both personally and professionally.

What are your favorite things to do before 7am?

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