How to make every day count

Richard Branson, founder of the Virgin Group, which controls more than 400 companies, is arguably one of the busiest people in the world. In an article titled Five Tips on Making Every Day Count, Branson tells us how he has learned the art of balance for a productive day.

1. Do something fun as you start your day

The English business magnate reveals that he likes to get up early and start the day with some sport such as a game of tennis or kite surfing to get him into a positive mood. If you are not an early bird, Branson recommends you incorporate exercise into your commute such as getting off the bus early or even making use of YouTube exercises.

2. Just do it!

Branson says that if you want something to happen, don’t sit around waiting for it. You have to How to make every day count work hard, take your chances and seize opportunities when they present themselves. Don’t give in to fear or self-doubt.

3. Set goals and challenge yourself

Granted, we should always be looking for ways to make everything around us better. And what better place to start than within you? Branson believes it’s important to always be learning and developing.

4. Have a break

The significance of taking a break during the day cannot be overstated enough. For Branson, his breaks include making a cup of tea and taking 10 minutes to reflect. This, he says, helps him to spark a new idea or find solutions to problems that have been bugging him.

5. Do some good

Branson is known for causes that affect the whole world such as climate change, human rights and drug policy. This is because he finds fulfillment in such causes and desires that his grandchildren “grow up in a safe, secure world without the threat of climate change catastrophes or conflict.” He thus encourages people to have a positive impact on those around them.