Do you check email first thing in the morning?

Do you start your day off checking email? This could be a mistake impacting not only your productivity, but also your mood for the day. Instead of checking email first thing in the morning make it the second thing you do. Take the first 30 minutes of every day and dedicate it to working on something productive and enjoyable. For example, take the first 30 minutes to work on a long- term project that you have been ignoring, an idea that you need to develop, or writing that book that you can’t seem to get started on.  This serves two purposes. First you begin dedicating time to those things that are important but not urgent. Second, it impacts the emotional part of your brain by helping you to feel as if you’ve accomplished something.  You will have more energy, improve your mood, and find yourself accomplishing more throughout your day.  It’s a small change that can make a big difference.