Having no routine or structure is so much more draining mentally, physically, and emotionally than any routine could ever be.

Checking your email first thing in the morning means spending the best part of the day on other people's priorities.

... to get you into a positive mood for the day ahead. Put your mind in a good state right away, because left unchecked it will try to tell you the things that are wrong.

One great way to be fully prepared for the day ahead is to make a to-do list.

Spending time writing every day helps you become a better communicator, improves your ability to recall important information, and enhances your creativity. 

... even if just one page at a time. It can boost your intelligence, increase your brainpower and even strengthen your ability to empathize with other people.

• It gives you structure, builds forward-moving habits, and creates momentum that will carry you on the days when you feel like you don't have the strength to carry yourself.
• Following a daily routine can help you establish priorities, limit procrastination, keep track of...

Simply close your eyes and imagine yourself excelling and being the best you. 

Set aside different tasks for different days of the week.

Find a partner or mentor you trust who can be your accountability partner, someone to hold you to your word.

Taking regular breaks keeps you from getting bored and losing focus, increasing your brain's function at the same time.