I'm a sucker for tools, tips, and strategies for getting better every day. I get excited over a workout, a book purchase, an inspiring quote, and podcasts or interviews of people who spread their findings, learnings, and best ideas. Over the last two years, I've been especially ruthless about cutting off anything and anyone that doesn't serve me. If you can do the same, you will free your life of unnecessary thoughts, unnecessary behaviors, and unsatisfying results. Instead, you will gain focus to act on truly important things, uncover hidden talents, cultivate joy, and make room for extraordinary relationships.

Here is a starter pack for a day worth getting excited about and repeating:

1. Output first.

Whether you are an entrepreneur, flipping burgers, or saving lives, doing work-related tasks or catching up on the news from the night before should not be the first on your agenda. Most information from the media is either frustrating or depressing or both, and even stories that restore your faith in humanity don't inspire you enough to perform good deeds but instead cause you to spiral down the rabbit hole of endless scrolling. Before you allow any kind of input, focus on creation first. Determine what gets your creative juices flowing, and start your day on the right foot.

2. Stick to the schedule.

When you factor in travel, lunch breaks, and overtime, work consumes most of the day for many people. Unless you earn a commission, your hourly rate remains the same regardless if you "work harder." Promotions are scarce, and the monetary gains are mediocre at best.

Before you sit in your cubicle or your couch, set aside an hour or two to work on your business. Freedom is having the time and money to do what you want when you want. One of the greatest pieces of advice I learned from the great Jim Rohn is this: "Wages make you a living; profits make you a fortune." Write a blog post. Do market research. Work on that e-course. Take a marketing course. If you have to wake up an hour earlier or sleep an hour later, do that. Consistency in building something for you pays dividends.

3. Study.

Leaders are readers. They consume good information to take their lives to greater heights. Read, listen to podcasts, watch interviews, study those that have come before you, and most of all, study yourself. One single thought or idea can change your life.

4. Express gratitude.

Gratitude keeps you in harmony with the Source of all things. It is the greatest multiplier.

5. Write a to-do list.

If you have to think about what you need to do today, you're already behind. When you prepare ahead of time, not only will you stay on top of things, it will severely decrease your stress and anxiety. Set yourself up for success by writing a to-do list the night before (or the week before) to free up mental space, avoid unnecessary tasks, and maximize productivity.