If you want to change the world, start off by making your bed.

By Kat McDaniel, Principal at MEDiAHEAD

I can’t explain it, but if my bed and bedroom are a mess when I leave for work, the day goes to hell in a handbasket quickly.

My mother was very strict about chores, and the biggest one was making your bed every morning before you start your day. She even reminded me constantly as an adult, and especially when my life was going awry, to make my bed.

What is it about making your bed that allows you to be productive all day?

It may sound silly that such a small task would influence the rest of your day, but the survey found that completing this chore actually gives people an early sense of accomplishment that then helps them feel more productive throughout the rest of the day. More than eight in 10 bed-makers felt this way.

You don’t have to look far in most work environments to spot the most organized employees. You know, the ones who are rarely without their planning journal or regularly checking their smartphone or tablet for notifications on the next client video conference. Chances are, they’re part of the 72 percent of bed-makers that like to organize and plan.

Those who make their bed each morning also tend to have much healthier habits, like organizing, eating healthier, setting personal goals, and following their routines and schedules—and they usually get a better night’s sleep. If that doesn’t persuade you to start making your bed each morning, I don’t know what will!