Learn to appreciate the familiar sounds around you. If you live in the country, it may be birds singing. In the city, the traffic sounds signal that people just like you are starting the day and beginning to accomplish their own list of goals. If you find your surrounding sounds annoying, try putting on some favorite upbeat music.
Exercise.
While listening to that music, why not energize and empower yourself for the day by dancing or performing a few basic movements, on or off the exercise equipment? Even five minutes here will make you feel so good that you’ll want to do more later in the day.
Eat something.
If thoughts of the usual breakfast items make your stomach do flip-flops, have something else. There’s no law that prevents your enjoying a bowl of low-fat ice cream (dairy) and a peanut butter sandwich (protein source) if that’s your preference. The main point is to eat something to get your energy started.
Take a short break.
You may want to watch the news or weather channel, check your e-mail or read something inspirational while you have breakfast. Be careful, though. A “little break” in front of the TV or PC can turn into a lengthy distraction that robs you of the desired feeling of accomplishment. You may need to set a timer for five or ten minutes so you won’t get sidetracked by something unproductive.
Try to quit smoking.
It may seem a strange place to include this message, but it's amazing how much time is wasted in centering tasks around smoking: “As soon as I finish this cigarette, I’ll make the bed.” “After this cigarette, I’ll get dressed.” Not only is it an unhealthy addiction, but it’s a great robber of a big chunk of your productive time each day.