No one says running a small business is easy. However, there are ways to make it easier and they start every day with the way you begin the day.

1. Start the Day With Gratitude

Start each day by giving thanks for something in your life and business. This puts you in the right mindset to approach the day with a positive mental attitude. No matter how many things may go wrong, you have a lot to be thankful for.

2. Read

Charlie “Tremendous” Jones said in a year you will be the person you are today except for the people you meet and the books you read. Before you do anything else, take some time to read. If you prefer, listen to audio books.

Read books that teach you lessons or put yourself in the right mindset. If you have faith, this is an excellent time for a daily devotion.

3. Identify Your Podcast of the Day

You spend a lot of time in your truck. Turn this into productive time. Pre-select a podcast you will listen you while driving. There are a wealth of podcasts focused on plumbing or small business in general. An excellent one is David Heimer’s ProfilesInProsperity.com, where he interviews successful contractors.

4. Logon to PMMag.com

Browse the Plumbing & Mechanical website. Look for an article or column of interest and take a few minutes to stay up to speed on the latest in the trade.

5. Check Your Business Email and Social Media

Check your email. Quickly delete the spam or clutter. Look for emergency or urgent emails and address those. Save the rest for later. Then, check your social media and review accounts for any business issues that must be addressed. Try to avoid getting bogged down in non-productive topics.

6. Check Your Calendar

Check your calendar to see if there is anything occurring today that will need to plan around. This might only be necessary at the start of the week.

7. Check Your KPIs 

Check you company KPIs. Note anything that is out of the ordinary and follow up when you get to the office. Check your cash balances. Keep a list of required payments due each week so that you know you have the cash to cover them.

8. Set Daily Goals

Set a goal for the day. Pick at least one and no more than three specific goals you can accomplish today. When you get a break, work on these. If you fail to make progress, do not beat yourself up. Things happen. Just make sure you know what to do to “work on your business” when you get the chance. Of course, you can also set goals to work on your marriage and family.

9. Message Your Team

To work on your company culture, send out a message to everyone by text, email, or some other communication tool. You can send a quote for the day. You can send a link to a motivational video. Some people on your team may not need this, but others will. Do this before you leave your house.

10. Call One Customer

Identify one customer to call each day and save the name, number, and any relevant notes in your phone. Call when you have a break or down time. If you cannot reach the customer, try to leave a message. Thank him or her for being a customer. Check on how happy she is with the work you did. Let her know you available whenever she needs more plumbing work. This helps keep you top of mind, will inevitably lead to future work, and stimulates referrals