"I take refuge until I am enlightened in the Buddhas, the Dharma, and the Sangha.  By the positive potential I create by practicing generosity and the other far-reaching attitudes (ethical discipline, patience, joyous effort, meditative stabilization and wisdom), may I attain Buddhahood in order to benefit all sentient beings."

It takes only a few moments to think in this way and to recite the prayer, yet doing so has a significant effect on the rest of our day.  We'll be more cheerful and will be sure of our direction in life.  Especially if we don't do a regular meditation practice, starting the day in this way is extremely beneficial.

In the evening, after reviewing the day's activities and freeing our minds from any remaining afflictions that may have arisen during the day, we again take refuge and generate the altruistic intention.

--from "Taming The Mind" by Ven. Thubten Chodron