As we are asked to do more with less, we can learn from successful entrepreneurs who make sure to carve time out for themselves before they start their day. Everyone has their own morning ritual that works, but how many of those rituals are really setting you up for success? 

A speaker, author, podcaster and TED-talker Hal Elrod coined the acronym “SAVERS” to provide a framework for an ideal morning routine, which he says was life-changing.  

S = Silence/meditation: Only when we calm our brains can real ideas bubble to the surface. He suggests setting a timer for 10 minutes and to set an intention about what you need to focus on for the day. Keep a pencil handy in case “the next great idea” comes to you. 

A = Affirmation: Here, he says many people get affirmations wrong – they aren’t about what you want to be, but what you truthfully are and what you are committed to changing. For example, instead of saying “I am healthy” when maybe you aren’t, affirm that you are committed to tackling healthier habits.  

V = Visualization: Visualization may be similar to mediation, but here, instead of clearing your mind of distractions, you are actually visualizing yourself accomplishing a goal. And example he gives is that he doesn’t like to run, but will sometimes visualize himself on a run with a huge smile, and when he goes out to do that run, his body is more likely to remember that happiness. 

E = Exercise: Part of any morning routine should be to wake up the brain but also the other muscles in your body so you are working in harmony. Elrod says the exercise can be small and not at all strenuous, but doing it in the morning sets an activity level for the day. 

R = Reading: Elrod suggests reading in the morning exercises a different part of your brain. Pick a topic that you want to learn more about – health, business, culture – whatever it might be, and find a book on it. Tackle 10-15 minutes of reading it and it will help open your mind to more ideas. 

S = Scribe: Every morning write three things you are grateful for, three goals for the week, and three must-do priorities for the day. This simple task can help you organized and focused to help accomplish what you need to. 

This entire routine can take as little as 30-40 minutes, and according to Elrod and millions of those who have tried it, will help jumpstart your day.