Morning Routine for Highly Successful AAs

As an administrative assistant, what you do in the morning has a big impact on the rest of your day. In fact, your morning routine affects your entire department and determines whether you succeed or fail as an administrative assistant. If you don't already have a routine that helps you get organized for the day, follow these tips to find a routine that fits your schedule and work habits.

A good morning routine actually begins at the end of the previous day. Don't wait until morning to jot down the tasks you need to accomplish. Instead, take a few minutes at the end of each day to create a to-do list for the next morning. Steve Scott, the author of several books on productivity and habit development, recommends using the most important daily tasks to guide you. Put these important daily tasks at the top of your to-do list so they are ready to go when you arrive at your desk. When you get home, take time to prepare your outfit or pack your lunch for the following day so you don't have to scramble to do it in the morning.

Your success as an administrative assistant often depends on how well you fuel your brain and your body for the day ahead. If you skip breakfast, you cannot focus as well as you could if you had a morning meal. Instead of cooking an elaborate meal, get the nutrients you need by making a smoothie with spinach or kale and your favorite fruits. If you prefer something more traditional, try a bowl of oatmeal or scrambled eggs with whole-wheat toast. Exercising in the morning can also help you get your creative juices flowing. If you don't have workout equipment at home, take a quick walk or ride your bicycle around your neighborhood.

A great administrative assistant knows how to prioritize tasks quickly. Take a few minutes each morning to determine what you need to do first. If someone calls in sick or your boss has an emergency, you may have to put aside the task list you created the previous evening. Otherwise, work on your most important tasks until someone gives you a more pressing assignment. Some productivity experts recommend working on important projects before checking your email, but you may not have the luxury of doing this if you are an administrative assistant. If you have to check email when you get to work, have a system in place for processing messages quickly.

Your colleagues rely on you to be organized and ready to take action. Make yourself indispensable by creating a daily routine that helps you get organized and stay productive throughout the day. Your success as an administrative assistant depends on it.

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