Before you finish that first cup
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This is an iHeart Podcast. Hey listeners, I am all about simple beauty routines. That's why I love Merit. Their products make looking put together effortless. For example, there's Flush Balm, which is a sheer, buildable cream blush that blends in seamlessly for a healthy natural glow. And let's not forget The Minimalist, which is a two-in-one foundation and concealer that's perfect for those days when you need quick, natural coverage.

So if you're looking to streamline your beauty routine too, head to MeritBeauty.com. You'll get their signature makeup bag free with your first order. Simplify your routine and feel beautiful with Merit. Welcome to Before Breakfast, a production of iHeartRadio. Good morning, this is Laura. Welcome to the Before Breakfast podcast. Today's tip is to decide in advance.

what task you will finish before your first cup of coffee. You will start your morning with a sense of accomplishment that will energize you for the rest of the day. You've probably all heard the advice that we should never check email in the morning, as Julie Morgan Stern would say, and to put first things first, as Stephen Covey recommends. And this is wise advice. But still, plenty of people grab a cup of coffee, sit down at their desks,

and immediately start processing email and reacting to what comes in. It is understandable. I mean, maybe you work with people in different time zones and you want to catch up on what has happened. But by the time you check what has come in, more will come in. Then it will probably be time for your morning meetings. It's easy to get to lunchtime or even the end of the workday, having kept all the balls in the air, but not having moved anything forward.

You feel busy, but you don't feel like you're getting much done. Sound familiar? One way to stop that habit is to decide at the end of the workday what you will do before you finish your first cup of coffee the next morning. It could be helpful to choose a project that will take half an hour or so and that you know you will have the energy and resources to get done right away. The satisfaction you get from completing that first coffee project

will give you momentum to proceed productively through the day. Now, everyone's coffee projects will be different, of course. I often like to draft a blog post. Someone else might plan the agenda for an important meeting. Someone else might review a report or look at all the sales data from the last month, so you can bring some new insights to your next meeting on that. But whatever it is, you are going for a small to medium-sized task that you can knock out first thing.

Ideally, it's something you can do without needing information or guidance from a colleague, because I don't want you hunting through your inbox. And without having to wait for a stroke of inspiration. Now, if you are like me, your first cup of coffee at work is not actually your first cup of the day. I tend to drink one while getting the kids off to buses as well. That said, I think it might be wise to aim to complete a low-stakes, fairly quick coffee project at home too.

Before you head to work or start the morning drop-offs. At home, your coffee project might be writing morning pages or engaging in a spiritual practice. It might be reviewing your calendar or planning your day. If you accomplish something before you finish your first cup of coffee at home and something else before you've finished your first cup of coffee at work, you are checking at least two tasks off your list. Whatever else happens in your day, you know those tasks will be done.

you are being proactive instead of reactive. And that is a good mindset to take through the next few hours. So if you are sipping that first cup of coffee right now, consider what project you could finish before your first cup is empty. And at the end of the day, decide on a coffee project for tomorrow. When you start with a sense of accomplishment, you set yourself up for success. In the meantime...

This is Laura. Thanks for listening. And here's to making the most of our time. Thanks for listening to Before Breakfast. If you've got questions, ideas, or feedback, you can reach me at laura at lauravandercam.com. Before Breakfast is a production of iHeartMedia. For more podcasts from iHeartMedia, please visit the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to your favorite shows.

Hey listeners, you know I can't be bothered with lengthy beauty routines. Who has time for that? That's why I am so glad I discovered Merit. Merit is all about simplicity, high-performing products, and enhancing your natural beauty. If you're like me and prefer a less is more approach, you'll love that Merit can help you look put together in five minutes or less.

My favorite product has to be the minimalist. It's a two in one foundation and concealer that gives me smooth, even coverage with zero fuss. I also like the flush balm for cheeks. My shade is archival and it gives me that healthy, natural flush of color that blends in beautifully and makes me look like I spent more time on my makeup than I actually did. Ready to simplify your routine and make mornings a breeze.

head to MeritBeauty.com and get their signature makeup bag free with your first order. For clean, effortless, high-performing makeup, head to MeritBeauty.com. Hey, listeners. We know you're all about making the most of your time. So why not turn your lunch break into a growth break with Front Row Seat with Ken Coleman. Every Tuesday, Ken sits down with top experts to explore the real questions that help you thrive at work and in life.

Questions like, what are the 10 best foods for your memory? Or how can you ask for the raise you want and actually get it? If you love thoughtful advice and smart strategies, check out Front Row Seat with Ken Coleman, wherever you get your podcasts. This is an iHeart Podcast. ♪