I don't know about you, but some mornings, I wake up before class, and my motivation to get up and go is just... lacking REAL bad- to say the least! However, although we all have certain professors in which we know we can get away with missing, typically, we are much more successful when we make an appearance at our lectures. With these five steps, our days can easily start off smoother and be all around more productive.

1. Wake up and give yourself a pep talk.

Believe me, I get it- some mornings we sit up in bed after FINALLY awakening from our alarm clocks and contemplate whether or not it’s even worth getting out of bed and going to our early morning American History class today... Skipping occasionally won’t hurt anybody- right? However, perspective truly is everything and talking yourself up when you lay awake in bed for the first few minutes of your morning can totally change your entire outlook on the day. Whatever it may be that you have to conquer that day, talk yourself up about it. After all, we’re a lot more productive and feel more content going to sleep again that same night knowing we’ve accomplished our tasks of the day.

2. Set your alarm for a few minutes earlier.

“BZZZZZ...” Hearing that alarm clock go off early in the A.M. after hitting the snooze button a solid four times is rough, to say the least, but once you finally stop disregarding the obnoxious iPhone alarm and just get up, you’re up and ready to conquer the day!

3. Spend a little bit of extra time doing your hair, makeup, or just grooming yourself to feel better about your overall appearance.

Although I for one can definitely vouch for it being 100% socially acceptable to show up to class in an oversized t-shirt and Nike shorts, putting in some extra effort with your hair, like blow drying it or whatever it is that you may need to do for your specific style and adding some natural makeup will most likely leave you feeling better about yourself and more confident throughout the day.

4. If you have time, make yourself a quick and healthy breakfast to help start your day off right.

Even just a smoothie blended in a nutri-bullet blender with a protein bar makes for an excellent and nutritious breakfast; only taking a matter of five minutes to prepare. It has been scientifically proven for YEARS that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. While that may seem like a cliche saying that your parents or teachers told you when you were younger, it is definitely true that it makes you feel more energized and you are more aware and alert on a fully nourished stomach.

5. Keep a positive attitude!

Outlook on life truly makes a world of a difference as to how your day goes. Perspective truly is everything and making subtle alterations can change your entire path. Leon Brown once said, “It all begins and ends in your mind. What you give power to, has power over you, if you allow it.”