START Planner: How to Make Today Count

Are you the kind of a person that constantly worries about the future? Do you spend a lot of time wondering if your life is headed in the right direction? There is absolutely nothing wrong with that. While it's perfectly normal to be concerned about your future, you should be careful not to worry too much that it ruins the day you are having today. It's possible to spend the day in such a way that its sets you up for a better tomorrow.

Today can have such a great influence on whether tomorrow will be a great day, and by making today count, you set yourself on a path to excellence. But right now is all that matters, not tomorrow or the day after. Here are a few ways to ensure that you are getting the most out of your day:

Be On Time

Be punctual in everything that you do. Being late results in anxiety and stress. It's not possible to seize the day with a cloud of stress and anxiety hovering around you. For all items on your to-do list — meetings, tasks, meals, etc. — set an end time. Make good use of each minute.

Prioritize

Nobody likes to float around aimlessly. Many people have a to-do list for their days. It doesn't have to be put down on paper or saved on your smartphone, but it is always in the back of your mind. Of these tasks, which ones are the most productive to you? Not all task are equal vis-à-vis productivity and effectiveness. Start with the most productive tasks and work your way down the list.

Positive Attitude

Starting your day with the right attitude can go a long way towards ensuring its success. Maintain the positive attitude throughout the day, and you are definitely going to have a good one. Approach each day's tasks right away, and you are off to a hot start.

Set Goals

Goal setting is a great way to ensure that you are not drifting through the day without a plan on how to spend it. Set goals. Leaving everything up to chance allows interruptions and distractions to dictate how the day goes. It sets you up for failure, and that doesn't result in a good day for anyone.

Be Strong, Yield

Not every day will go on as planned. There is always going to be forces beyond your control trying to throw you off your game. Yield and don't let anything knock you off track. If something unexpected interrupts your day, acclimatize and get back on course.

Show Gratitude

Be grateful, let someone else feel appreciated. It's easy to get caught up in our day-to-day activities and forget the important people in our lives. Taking the time to appreciate someone will make them happy and give you a great sense of productivity.

Make today count. Doing that gives you the best shot at everything you've ever dreamt of. It also helps you stay happy and avoid the stresses of life. Doing your best to make the most out of your day will also give you peace of mind and the energy to keep going on and on.