The morning planning session is one of the few time management techniques that just about every self-development speaker and every business coach teaches. From Anthony Robbins to Brian Tracy to David Allen – they all teach one form or another of this technique.

Using this time to plan out your content can make a huge impact on how much you put out in your media streams.

The first 30 minutes of your day are the most important minutes of the day. These will generally help shape and guide everything you do for the rest of the day.

Spending just 30 minutes on planning can add so much time back because you’ll feel organized and know exactly what to do.

So what should you do in these 30 minutes?

1. Get Motivated: Remind Yourself of Your Content Marketing Goals

Start by envisioning yourself having achieved your content goals. Are you aiming to increase your list size through a new giveaway? Gearing up a series of audio recordings to fill a program? Preparing an image series to launch a new product?

Whatever it is that drives you, get in touch with that sense of motivation by reminding yourself of your goal.

2. Scan Your Inbox

Scan your inbox for any generally urgent items. Anything that needs to be done today should be added to your calendar or to-do list. These may or may not be content related.

3. Check Your Tasks and To-Dos

Check your task list and your to-do list. Filter it so your to-do list actually reflects what you intend to do today. Remove tasks that you’re waiting on other people for; remove tasks that you can’t make progress on today.

When you sit down in front of your task list, you should only be looking at things you can actually take action on.

4. Pick Your Top 3 Things to Accomplish and Make At Least 1 of These Content-Related

Choose three things you want to accomplish today. These are the three things that if you get them done today, you’ll feel like your day was a success.

Make content a focus for at least one of these things. Do you want to write your next blog? Create some images posts? Record an audio? Choose something that will move you towards developing more content for your business.

5. What’s Your Frog for the Day??

In his acclaimed book “Eat That Frog,” Brian Tracy talks about the benefits of tackling the most difficult thing in your day first. This helps prevent procrastination in the rest of your day and helps you get a lot more done. It also gives you a sense of success right out of the gate.

Identify your frog for the day. What’s the toughest task you have to complete? What are you most likely to procrastinate today?

6. Schedule In Workouts and/or Relaxation

Your schedule shouldn’t be all work. At some point, you should take time to either relax, really relax with a short power nap or work out. Either of these can be a great way to recharge fast. You can do them at the beginning of your day, in the middle of your day or at the end, but make sure you give yourself the opportunity to get replenished.

Taking the time to plan out your content early in the morning will help you manage your day better, as well as get your day started with a burst of energy.

By reminding yourself why you’re doing what you’re doing, then tackling your “frog” first, you’ll give yourself a motivational boost that will carry you through the rest of the day and you’ll meet your content goals!

Hope you enjoyed this slide deck! Find out more about me either on my blog at tanyasmithonline.com or about.me/tanyasmith

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