Without a doubt, almost every single successful entrepreneur and business owner I know has some sort of morning routine. Most read and say positivie affirmations and others pray or meditate. They all have a routine that is their own. Ah, but the key is they have a routine – which is why I started my own routine some twenty years ago. Hey, if it worked for them, why not for me. I’m glad that I did.
I suspect you already know this, but how you start your day can have a huge impact on how you progress throughout the day. This is not rocket science, right? So why not develop a monrinng routine that leads to uncommon success?
If you don’t know how to start, here are some examples of the morning rituals of highly successful entrepreneurs.
- Rise and Shine (Early Bird Style): First things first, successful entrepreneurs don’t hit the snooze button until noon. Nope, they’re up and at ’em before the sun even thinks about making an appearance. Early mornings give them that extra edge to tackle their day head-on. So, set that alarm and resist the temptation to cuddle up for just five more minutes. Trust me, your dreams won’t accomplish themselves while you’re snuggled up in bed.
One entrepreneur who swears by the early bird routine is Tim Cook, the CEO of Apple. Cook reportedly wakes up at a whopping 3:45 a.m. every morning to kick-start his day. By the time most of us are still rubbing the sleep from our eyes, Cook has already hit the gym and tackled a chunk of his emails. Talk about dedication!
Jack Dorsey, co-founder and CEO of Twitter, is another early riser. Dorsey reportedly wakes up at 5:30 a.m. and spends the first hour of his day meditating and going for a 6-mile run. It’s all about getting ahead of the game! - Mindful Moments: Before diving into the chaos of emails, meetings, and deadlines, successful entrepreneurs take some time for themselves. Whether it’s meditation, journaling, or simply sipping a cup of tea in silence, carving out a few minutes of peace and quiet helps them center themselves and set their intentions for the day ahead. So, put down your phone (yes, even if it’s just for five minutes) and give yourself the gift of mindfulness.
For example, Oprah Winfrey starts her day with 20 minutes of meditation, while Tony Robbins begins with breathing exercises and gratitude journaling. - Sweat it Out: Now, I’m not saying you need to run a marathon before breakfast (unless that’s your thing). But getting in some exercise first thing in the morning is a common trait among successful entrepreneurs. Whether it’s hitting the gym, going for a run, or even just doing some yoga in your living room, breaking a sweat gets those endorphins flowing and primes your brain for productivity. Plus, it sets a positive tone for the rest of your day.
Regular exercise is not only good for your physical health, but it can also boost your mood, increase your energy levels, and improve your mental clarity. Many successful entrepreneurs make exercise a priority in their morning routines. For example, Richard Branson wakes up early to kite surf, while Mark Zuckerberg takes a run every morning. - Set Goals, Smash Goals: To be successful, entrepreneurs need to have a clear vision and a plan for achieving their goals. Many millionaires spend the early morning hours setting their priorities, reviewing their to-do lists, and strategizing for the day ahead.
Successful entrepreneurs like Elon Musk swear by the power of goal setting. Musk is notorious for his ambitious goals, from colonizing Mars to revolutionizing the transportation industry with SpaceX and Tesla. But it’s not just about dreaming big – Musk breaks down his goals into manageable tasks and tackles them with laser-like focus. So, take a page out of Musk’s playbook and set your sights on the stars – who knows what you might achieve! - Learning and personal growth: Successful entrepreneurs never stop learning and seeking personal growth. Many of them use their morning routines to read, listen to podcasts or audiobooks, or take courses. For example, Warren Buffett spends hours each day reading books, while Elon Musk listens to audiobooks during his morning exercise routine.
- Gratitude and reflection: Practicing gratitude and reflection can help entrepreneurs stay grounded, maintain perspective, and appreciate their successes. Many millionaires incorporate gratitude journaling or reflection exercises into their morning routines. For example, Tim Cook, CEO of Apple, starts his day with a simple reflection exercise, asking himself what he wants to accomplish that day and how he can make a positive impact.
- Creative Start: For some entrepreneurs, like author and speaker Tim Ferriss, mornings are about tapping into their creative flow. Ferriss starts his day with a writing session, allowing his thoughts to flow freely without judgment. This practice not only helps him organize his thoughts but also kick-starts his creativity for the rest of the day.
- Tech Check: Tech entrepreneur Mark Zuckerberg is known for diving straight into his inbox as soon as he wakes up. While this might seem overwhelming to some, Zuckerberg sees it as a way to stay on top of his priorities and address any urgent matters before they snowball into bigger issues. So, whether you’re tackling your inbox or diving into your next project, finding a routine that works for you is key to success.
Yeah, it’s not that complicated, is it? Well it is if you don’t ever get going. Make a commitment right now to start your tomorrow off with a powerful morning routine. You will thank me for it later.
Dwayne K. Sutton