8 Keys to make Every day your best day

 

2025 is well underway, and while we may have many goals and resolutions, the only control we really have is what we do daily. As John Maxwell beautifully said, “You cannot change something in your life unless you change something you do daily.” The secret of success in your life lies in your daily agenda.

We have all heard the line, “Live every day as if it is your last.” While I appreciate the exuberance of this statement, it somehow doesn’t resonate with me because if it were my last day, it would put a damper on my spirit. What I have come up with is a statement that works for me: “Every day is the best day of your life. Give it your best shot.”

This statement has worked well for me because it reminds me that today is going to be my best day, and if I want to have the best day, I must give it my best shot. What this does is show me that I can make my day great. It also reassures me that there are no bad days, so even if something goes wrong, I can handle it in the right way. This mindset helps to create a ripple effect, where one good day builds upon the previous, leading to a fulfilling life.

I also like the “Begin with the End in Mind” philosophy proposed by Stephen Covey, where you write your own eulogy and then match your actions to your written statement. That is surely a wonderful way to give meaning to life and get excited about life. The best way to achieve this is through a personal mission statement. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. captured this spirit when he said, “If you haven’t found something worth dying for, then you are not fit to be living.”

From my experience, I have found that there are eight keys needed to create a wonderful day. However, it may not be easy to do all of them every day. I consider it a success if I can do all of them at least 3-4 times a week. Here are the eight keys to creating a wonderful day or your best day:

Get some early morning alone time

Across all the success books I have read about successful people, one common thread is that they get up early, around 5 a.m. or 6 a.m. This is because waking up early gives you valuable alone time, which is essential for creating long-lasting happiness. It also gives you time to exercise, read, or meditate. Then, when you enter the noise of the world, you are calmer, and your day tends to go better. As Henry Ward Beecher said, “The first hour is the rudder of the day.”

Another important reason for waking up early is the mental clarity it brings. Research shows that the brain is at its most creative during the early hours when distractions are minimal. Many leaders and thinkers attribute their breakthroughs to this golden time. Whether you’re solving problems, planning your day, or simply reflecting, the early morning hours can be your most productive and peaceful time.

Determine if You Are a Lark or an Owl

Despite the earlier point, not everyone is wired to wake up early, and it is not an absolute must. Some people are larks who wake up early and like to sleep at a reasonable time. Others are owls who cannot sleep until midnight or later. You must determine which type you are and then align your activities accordingly. It’s also essential to ensure your schedule aligns with your work demands. Read more about this in Daniel Pink’s book When.

Understanding your chronotype not only helps in maximizing productivity but also improves your health. Fighting against your natural rhythm can lead to sleep deprivation and burnout. Aligning your tasks with your peak energy levels, whether you are a morning person or a night owl, can make a significant difference in your performance and overall well-being.

Exercise

Exercise is a great stress buster. The toughest part of any exercise regimen is getting started. Doing it first thing in the morning gives you a sense of accomplishment, and even if the rest of the day doesn’t go great, you already have a win under your belt. It also kickstarts your metabolism, making you more energetic and happy. Studies show that exercise boosts dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine, increasing happiness and reducing stress.

Additionally, regular exercise has long-term cognitive benefits. It improves memory, sharpens focus, and even delays age-related decline. Whether it’s a brisk walk, yoga, or weightlifting, finding an activity you enjoy ensures you’ll stick with it. As Bob Iger says, “It’s a good time to think.” Exercise not only strengthens your body but also clears your mind, helping you tackle challenges with renewed vigor.

Give Your Best at Work

Work plays a significant role in our lives, and lasting happiness comes from giving our best daily. Start each day with the mindset that you’ll give it your all. Focus on the most important task first—a tip endorsed by all-time management experts. This approach provides a sense of control and accomplishment.

Additionally, embrace feedback as an opportunity for growth. Whether it’s praise or constructive criticism, viewing feedback positively enhances your learning curve. Strive to learn something new each day at work, and you’ll find greater purpose and satisfaction in your professional journey.

Maintain High Energy

Energy, not time, is the currency of peak performance, as Jim Loehr and Tony Schwartz argue in The Power of Full Engagement. The key is to alternate periods of intense focus with restorative breaks, ideally every 90 minutes. This improves focus and reduces burnout.

To further boost energy, cultivate gratitude. Maintain a daily gratitude log or reflect on things you’re thankful for. This simple practice shifts your perspective and creates positive energy that fuels your day.

Inject Pleasure Moments

Pleasure shouldn’t be postponed for vacations—it should be part of your daily routine. Whether it’s spending time with family, reading, or pursuing a hobby, these moments recharge your spirit.

Try scheduling micro-breaks throughout your day to indulge in small joys. A short walk, a favorite snack, or even a 5-minute mindfulness session can uplift your mood. Remember, pleasure doesn’t have to be extravagant; it’s the little things that often bring the most joy.

Get Adequate Sleep

A good night’s sleep is non-negotiable. Sleep deprivation not only impacts mood and focus but also contributes to long-term health issues. Aim for 6-8 hours of sleep. I struggle with this one daily but it is a complete refresher to make every day great.

Reflect and Journal

Reflection is a powerful tool for personal growth. Taking 5 minutes in the morning to jot down your thoughts calms your mind. At day’s end, reflect on what went well and what could improve.

Journaling also helps you track progress toward your goals. Over time, you’ll notice patterns and insights that enhance decision-making and focus. As Peter Drucker said, “Follow effective action with quiet reflection. From that quiet reflection will come even more effective action.”

By following these keys, you can create a life of meaning, joy, and fulfillment, one day at a time. Here’s to making every day your best day.

The views expressed here are my own and do not represent my organization.