How the First Few Minutes of Your Day Can Set You Upfor Success

​You know about that morning-routine thing: Everyone adores that waking up early and sticking to a routine can help you to get more done. But if you get out of bed at 5 am or 3 pm, it is the first 20 minutes of your day that may set you up for success.

The mind generates electrical patterns, often known as waves. Researchers have discovered a correlation between the frequency of brain waves and the body's state. When you first awake, your brain works at around 10.5 waves per second. The variety from eight to 13 Hz, or cycles per second, is the alpha phase. It has been called the gateway into the subconscious thoughts.

Have you ever gone into a semi-daydreaming state while commuting? A couple of minutes pass, but you do not remember what occurred. It is likely your brain entered the alpha state.

Without getting too deep into the science of brain activity, it's safe to state your subconscious mind is the busiest right when you wake up. You can train your brain to use this subconscious action to believe positively and accomplish more throughout your day. This quick checklist outlines six simple things you can do in order to take advantage of these initial few minutes.

​1. Do not click the snooze button.

​Don't ever click your alarm's snooze button. This tells your brain it is OK to procrastinate by putting your day.

​2. Do make your mattress.

​Your room will look cleaner and feel more organized -- either of which trains your brain to want to have things done, right away. It is a small triumph, but you can build on it as your day persists.

​3. Visualize your life.

​This is most likely the best thing you can do in the alpha state. Visualize your life. What will it be in five years, when you've achieved your goal of building your business? How about your own relationships? Concentrate on how they'll look in the future and what you really want to make them real. Tap into your subconscious thoughts to ask exactly what you would like and make your brain drive your own actions.

4. ​Watch a motivational video.

When you're up, not a tough day can get you down. If you are truly motivated, you know you'll reach your milestones -- no matter what. Big achievements are never simple. During the last year, I've found inspiration from quick-hit videos that help me refocus once I begin to burn between work and my studies. Once you complete your visualization exercise, see a movie that reinforces the link between goal and action steps.

5. Keep a Journal 

During the last year, I intentionally developed several habits to become more mindful. Maintaining a journal rankings near the top of the list concerning influence in my life. You can use a journal to write down some of your affirmations, spread positive thinking and plan daily by means of these "morning pages." Clear your mind of any thoughts that may interrupt your attention.