4 strategies successful people use to start their day

Want to start your day like a boss?

A new survey by Robert Half Management Resources highlights the morning routines of people at different levels in the company.

Most executives (50%) start their days by checking email. Meanwhile, just over one-third (39%) of entry-level employees kick off their days with email.

Regardless of employment level, the survey also found that many employees like to organize their days before they do anything else.

Business Insider asked Robert Half Management Resources Executive Director Tim Hird for some advice on how aspiring leaders can start their days off strong. Here’s what he recommends:

Develop a routine. Your routine can be whatever works best for your situation. Perhaps you need a quick bite to eat or you would rather create a to-do list to prepare for a busy day.

Manage your email; don’t let it manage you. You don’t need to immediately check your email when you wake up, but you should make sure to prioritize what types of messages you check when you open your email for the first time. Hird suggests avoiding “busy” emails that can wait until later. Check high-priority items and move on.

Check in with your team and other colleagues. Inter-personal communication can give your day a nice lift. Engage in positive communication with your fellow employees so you can put yourself and your coworkers in a good frame of mind. This is a great way to boost office morale for the entire day. Set the mood in your office early on and everyone will benefit.

Exercise, or complete another task that provides a sense of accomplishment. You don’t have to be a weight lifter to take advantage of this strategy. Do something that makes you feel energized and gives you a strong sense of accomplishment. You will be amazed at how beating a personal best in a spinning class or finishing some other demanding task can prepare you for the the day and provide a strong sense of self.

This article is published in collaboration with Business Insider. Publication does not imply endorsement of views by the World Economic Forum.

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Author: James Kosur is the C-suite editor at Business Insider.

Image: A woman jogs along the river. REUTERS/Brian Snyder.