Kicking off the day with the right habits can be a game-changer for success, so we’ve gathered insights from CEOs, Founders, and other leaders to share their morning routines. From reading daily Stoic reflections to practicing morning gratitude, explore the sixteen diverse strategies that help these professionals seize the day.
READ DAILY STOIC REFLECTIONS
One of the first things I do before getting out of bed each morning is to read a page of “The Daily Stoic,” by Ryan Holiday and Stephen Hanselman. A collection of 366 meditations, this book effectively assigns a single page to each day of the year that features a quote from one of the great Stoics—Epictetus, Marcus Aurelius, Seneca, and others—and the authors’ interpretation of the concept.
I find starting my day in this way hugely beneficial. Pondering the takeaways and lessons of each reflection helps me start the day with a constructive mindset. Since Stoic philosophies emphasize focusing on what is within my control and encourage mental toughness, reading these quotes gives me the fortitude to handle challenges with mindfulness, resilience, and clarity.
The daily exposure to Stoic teachings not only inspires me to be intentional with my day and its alignment to my goals and values, it also helps me to reframe my problems as opportunities for learning and growth—a key perspective when making each day a success.
Paul Carlson, Managing Partner, Law Firm Velocity
YOGA AND BREATHING EXERCISES
I practice yoga and include breathing exercises in my morning routine. This isn’t just a health practice; it’s a productivity booster. It significantly impacts my overall well-being and helps me remain focused and energized throughout the day.
Breathing exercises, also known as “Pranayama,” are highly beneficial. Here is how I do them.
The key to Pranayama is Alternate Nostril Breathing, also known as “Nadi Shodhana.” It’s a simple technique where I alternate between my two nostrils by closing one of them and inhaling. Then, I repeat the process using the other nostril. This easy-to-follow routine helps balance energy channels and is a great way to start the day.
Breathing exercises include the “Kapalabhati Kriya,” which involves rapid, forceful exhalations followed by passive inhalations. It boosts my energy levels and clears my mind. I complete the routine by doing “Ujjayi Breathing,” which involves creating a soft ocean-like sound by constricting the back of my throat during inhalation and exhalation.
These breathing exercises, such as “Pranayama,” clear my mind and spirit, and energize me physically and mentally. I recall a particularly stressful day when I was feeling overwhelmed. Just ten minutes of these exercises made a significant difference to my outlook. I felt more focused, calm, and ready to tackle the challenges ahead. This is why I consider these exercises a crucial part of my morning routine.
Ravi Parikh, Founder and CEO, RoverPass
INCORPORATE DAILY LEARNING
It’s been a major goal of mine this year to try and learn something new every day. Whether it’s a new recipe, a new-to-me fact, or even learning a new hobby, continuous learning fosters personal growth and development and helps me to expand my knowledge, skills, and perspectives, which I know can lead to increased confidence, adaptability, and resilience. But sometimes your days are so busy that it’s tough to find the right time to fit in this new sense of learning.
My morning habits now include my sense of learning, which helps me start on the right foot each day. Learning can be inherently rewarding and fulfilling as it provides a sense of accomplishment, curiosity satisfaction, and a deeper understanding of the world around us. It can also lead to meaningful connections with others who share similar interests and passions. This can lead to interesting connections both in your professional and personal life, which has been really helpful for me as a digital nomad.
Lifelong learning also fosters resilience by teaching you how to adapt to change, overcome obstacles, and persevere in the face of challenges. It cultivates a growth mindset, where failures and setbacks are viewed as opportunities for learning and improvement. So each morning, I listen to an informative podcast, or read up on new industry trends, or try a new recipe for breakfast or lunch that day.
Danielle Hu, Founder, The Wanderlover
SILENCE NOTIFICATIONS, WALK
I have phone notifications on silent until 8:00 a.m. This allows me time to have breakfast with my husband and get myself organized for the day. Our time together is my number-one priority. I’ve never been a morning person, but I find that walking every morning “wakes me up” and clears the sleep cobwebs out of my head.
It may be a 15-minute walk or an hour; it doesn’t matter. What’s important is that I get my body moving and that my body and brain transition from a state of rest to activity. This sets me up for success for the rest of the day.
Suzi Evans, Mental Health First Aid Facilitator, Founder, and Author, KAIZEN Business Support
SET DAILY SUCCESS PRIORITIES
My favorite morning habit that helps me increase success during my day is to set my priorities for the day. When I determine what success will look like for the day—as a very first barometer—I then am filtering all my efforts through that paradigm for the rest of the day.
Rather than vague statements or vanity metrics, I love asking myself the question, “What does success look like today?”
Matthew Sanjari, Founder and Business Coach, PRIME Consulting
ENJOY MORNING FUN ACTIVITIES
A unique morning habit that helps me succeed is taking time for activities that aren’t about achieving goals. Each morning, I spend a few minutes doing something just for fun, like doodling, playing an instrument, or reading for pleasure. These activities don’t directly relate to my work or daily goals but are chosen simply because I enjoy them.
Doing something enjoyable in the morning can spark my creativity and help me solve problems better during the day. It also gives my mind a break from my usual tasks, which can lower my stress. This break makes me feel refreshed and ready to handle whatever comes my way with more energy and a fresh outlook.
Ilija Sekulov, Marketing and SEO, Mailbutler
DEDICATE TIME TO STRATEGIC PLANNING
Before I dive into emails or meetings, I dedicate at least 30 minutes to strategic thinking and planning. During this time, I review my tasks, the outcomes I aim to achieve, and the resources I need.
This quiet, uninterrupted planning time allows me to tackle the rest of my day with a well-thought-out approach, ensuring I am effective and efficient in my activities. This habit helps prevent the day from running me, allowing me instead to take control of my schedule and priorities.
Ryan Hammill, Executive Director, Ancient Language Institute
SAVOR MORNING COFFEE RITUAL
My morning habit that significantly boosts my success throughout the day is indulging in a steaming cup of coffee. First thing, I need a cup of coffee—and another throughout the day. This ritual isn’t merely about the caffeine jolt, but it helps create a bustling energy of productivity inside of me.
The smell of freshly brewed coffee gets me rolling and even helps spark creativity, fueling ideas and my motivation throughout the day. Sipping that first sip gets me rolling, and by the end of that first cup, I’m ready for a day filled with focus, clarity, and accomplishment. It’s not just a beverage; it’s a ritual that sets the tone for a successful journey ahead.
Anna Learie, Outreach Specialist, Caffewerks
REVIEW AND PRIORITIZE TASKS
I’ll be honest, as a busy founder and CEO, my mornings can be pretty hectic. But one habit that’s been a game-changer for me is taking just 15-20 minutes to review and prioritize my day. I know it sounds simple, but hear me out.
After getting my coffee fix, I sit down and go through my calendar, emails, and to-do list. I ask myself – what are the most important things I need to tackle today? What fires do I need to put out? Then I prioritize my tasks and block out time for the critical ones.
This small habit has made a huge difference in my productivity and focus. Instead of reacting to whatever pops up, I’m proactively taking control of my day. It helps me stay organized and ensure I’m working on high-impact items.
I also find this morning routine sets the tone for the entire day. When I take those few minutes to center myself and get clarity, I feel more grounded and less frazzled as I dive into my workload. It’s been a total game-changer for me as a founder.
Ben Walker, founder and CEO, Ditto Transcripts
COMBINE FAMILY TIME WITH EXERCISE
Although I’m not a fan of multitasking, I’ve found a unique combination of activities that kick-start my day: taking a stroll with my daughter while exercising with my 40-lb ruck. The result? Divergent thinking. This morning routine not only allows me to bond with my daughter and stay fit, but also stimulates my mind, giving me a massive boost of creativity and innovative thinking that sets the tone for a successful day ahead!
Andrew Barry, CEO, Curious Lion
MORNING WALK WITH PODCASTS
I walk every morning and aim for four miles. That gives me time to think about the day. I often listen to a podcast or book. President Adams had a similar habit, and if it was good enough for him, it’s good enough for me too!
Matthew Davis, CEO, Davis Business Law
START DAY WITH MEDITATION
One habit that helps me set the tone for my day is a quick meditation session. As cliché as it may sound, taking those few moments to center myself and calm my nerves works wonders. Entrepreneurship can be incredibly demanding, and just thinking about my day ahead can be stressful.
So, by starting with meditation, I’m better equipped to deal with whatever challenges come my way later on. It’s like giving myself a mental reset button before diving into the hustle and bustle of the day.
Johannes Larsson, Founder and CEO, Financer.com
PLAN THE DAY THE NIGHT BEFORE
This might be a more unconventional answer, but to me, successful mornings start the night before. I like to prepare a to-do list, if not written, then at least in my head, of what I want to do the next day. As soon as I wake up, I have an action plan, and I can jump-start my day and be extremely productive from the get-go.
It might sound simple, but as a business owner, this helps me stay organized rather than being reactive to whatever comes my way. Plus, there’s something incredibly satisfying about ticking items off my checklist as the day progresses.
An outlined daily agenda helps with time management too. I block off dedicated slots for client meetings, project work, team discussions, and so on, so that nothing gets left behind.
Nikola Baldikov, Founder, InBound Blogging
PRACTICE MORNING GRATITUDE
One morning habit I always start with is a gratitude practice. Each morning, before looking into my emails or to-do list, I take a few minutes to reflect on three things I’m grateful for. This can range from appreciating my health to acknowledging a positive experience from the previous day.
This practice sets a positive tone by keeping me grounded in a mindset of abundance. It shifts my focus from what I lack to what I have, which improves my mood and how I’ll face the day’s challenges. This gratitude helps me approach my daily work with more optimism and resilience as it reminds me of the bigger picture and the values that drive my actions, directly motivating me to turn today into another successful day.
Bayu Prihandito, Founder, Psychology Consultant, and Life Coach for Men, Life Architekture
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