So, you want to be the next successful entrepreneur? If so, you might want to think about how you start your day. For many leaders, morning is the most important time in their schedule, as these hours give them time to prepare themselves for whatever deadlines or meetings they have later on. Check out the following morning routines to get an idea of what habits to adopt.
Oprah Winfrey – Former Talk Show Host
Oprah is an icon in our society, and we can learn a lot from her experiences. Every morning, she wakes up early to meditate for 20 minutes and establish a joyful tone for her day. Then, she heads on the treadmill to get a bit of cardio. After her exercise, she might go on a short walk, listen to music, or do some meal prep. Finally, she eats a breakfast filled with healthy proteins, fiber, and carbs.
Jocko Willink – Former Navy SEAL Commander
Jocko formerly led the SEAL team in the Iraq War, so he’s no stranger to tough routines. He begins his mornings around 4:30 a.m. so that he has time to hit the gym before work. After pumping iron for an hour, he then goes on a 30-minute jog. By 6 a.m., he’s in the shower and ready to take on whatever challenges civilian life throws his way.
Nadia Boujarwah – CEO of Dia&Co
Another earlier riser, Nadia wakes up at either 6 or 6:30 a.m., depending on whether she’s scheduled for a spin class. She begins her day with the Headspace app to clear her head and get centered before rushing into the chaos of the workday. It usually only takes her about 15 minutes to get dressed and ready for work, which keeps her calm and eliminates any rushed or stressed feelings.
Elliot Weissbluth – CEO of HighTower
Perhaps the earliest riser of this bunch, Elliot rises from bed at 4 or 4:30 a.m. to make coffee and start planning out his day. He’ll take a look at his priorities and make a list of what’s most important. He’s also a fan of the Momentum app, which lets you set an intention for the day. While he’s drinking his coffee, he always picks his intention, and afterward, gets in a workout.
Debra Bednar-Clark – CEO of DB+co
Debra usually lets the sun wake her up, but just in case she’s feeling sleepy, she sets her alarm at 7 a.m. She immediately checks her email, reads the news, and eats breakfast. While she’s eating, she gives herself permission to relax and be a little creative, whether that’s browsing Pinterest or thinking about her career. She may also sneak in a workout.
While these morning routines work great for these leaders, keep in mind that you need to focus on what works for you. Pick and choose a few of these strategies until you find a morning method that lets you be more productive, energetic, and happy throughout the day.
Works Cited
Adams, Bryan. “6 Morning Rituals of Steve Jobs, Tony Robbins, Oprah, and Other Successful Leaders.” Manuseto Ventures, 2017 Sep 7, https://www.inc.com/bryan-adams/6-celebrity-morning-rituals-to-help-you-kick-ass.html. Accessed 20 June 2019.
Lebowitz, Shana. “9 New York City CEOs share the morning routines that set them up for success.” Insider Inc., 5 March 2018, https://www.businessinsider.com/morning-routines-of-ceos-execs-2017-9. Accessed 20 June 2019.
