Such concepts as a “perfect morning routine” have lately taken center stage, and with them, productivity gurus and successful people tout habits for a productive day. Are these routines one-size-fits-all, or is each as unique as the people following it? While routines differ broadly, some habits show up time and again in high achievers’ lives; this suggests that there is indeed some practice that helps a person focus, energy levels, and productivity.
1. The benefit of early rising
Many of the productive people wakes up quite early in the morning. Apple CEO, Tim Cook wakes up 4:30 a.m., while former First lady Michelle Obama wakes up around the same time. Early risers typically gain quiet time, during which they can either reflect, plan, or concentrate on work before being caught in the crush of activity. Research shows that early risers are more proactive with lesser distractions. It is easy to get what one wants in the day. Not everyone wakes up as an early bird, however. According to productivity expert Laura Vanderkam, it is not the time one wakes up those matters but having intentionality in the first hours of the day.
2. Mindfulness and Reflection
Practicing mindfulness is another extremely popular element in the morning routines of many successful people. Twitter co-founder Jack Dorsey and media mogul Oprah Winfrey are both practicing meditation in their morning schedules. Mindfulness activities such as meditation, journaling, or deep breathing exercises help people center themselves, reduce stress, and boost focus. Studies from Harvard Medical School show that meditation improves emotional regulation and reduces anxiety, leading to clearer thinking. A calm mind in the morning equips a person to face all the challenges of life with strength and clarity.
3. Physical Exercise to Increase Energy and Concentration
Exercise is another good habit common to high performers. Virgin Group founder Richard Branson said that this is what gives him the energy to run his business empire-be it kite surfing or just going to the gym. Physical exercise in the morning not only serves one’s fitness purposes but also helps the individual feel more energetic, alert, and cheerful. A study at the University of Bristol shows that when people are frequent exercise participants, they experience a state of alertness and more energy throughout their waking hours. A short session of exercising will increase the number of endorphins going through the body, thus leading to higher mental acuity, and can thus be incorporated into a productive morning routine.
4. Prioritizing and planning
Successful people typically dedicate part of their morning to planning priorities for the day. For example, author and entrepreneur Tim Ferriss suggests that one should have a “must-do” list that has one or two things that will give you the most impact in your life. Successful people often view their short-term and long-term vision and determine which activities can help them reach that vision. Planning could help reduce decision fatigue and delay procrastination. This makes it easier for a person to be focused on important work.
Find Your Own Personal Ideal Routine
The insight from the routines of a successful person, no matter how small it is, is a gem. Rather than a specific “best” morning routine, create a personal morning routine appropriate to your own needs and environment. What counts is keeping it consistent with an attitude of intention-whether the intention is journaling, exercising, or enjoying a quite cup of coffee. Any individual would be able to come up with a morning routine if they experiment with various habits and notice what works well in aligning with personal goals.
