Introduction
We all want to start our days off right and set ourselves up for success. But what does an ideal morning routine actually look like? In "My Morning Routine," authors Benjamin Spall and Michael Xander set out to answer this question by interviewing 64 of today's most successful and inspiring leaders across various fields. From CEOs and athletes to artists and writers, these high achievers share the morning habits and rituals that fuel their productivity and creativity.
The book doesn't prescribe a one-size-fits-all formula, but rather offers a diverse collection of routines to inspire readers to experiment and craft their own ideal morning. By examining the patterns and insights from these successful individuals, we can gain valuable ideas for optimizing our own mornings.
Let's explore the key themes and lessons from this fascinating look into the morning lives of today's top performers.
The Power of Purpose
One of the most important factors in creating an effective morning routine is having a compelling reason to get out of bed. The book's interviews reveal that many successful people are driven by a sense of purpose or excitement about the day ahead.
For example, MIT president Leo Rafael Reif often wakes up before his 6:00 AM alarm because he's eager to check his inbox and stay on top of important developments at the global institution he leads. Author Caroline Paul rises early at 6:00 AM to carve out peaceful reading time before the demands of the day set in. For her, those morning hours represent a cherished opportunity to indulge in her passion for books.
New York street photographer Andre Wagner is out the door by 7:00 or 7:30 AM to capture the city's early morning light with his camera. His art gives him a powerful motivation to start the day.
The lesson here is clear - when we have meaningful work, creative pursuits, or important responsibilities to attend to, it's much easier to resist the temptation to hit snooze. Finding your personal "why" for waking up can transform your relationship with mornings.
Avoiding the Snooze Button
Speaking of the snooze button, the book's research found that while 71% of interviewees used an alarm clock, only 34% used the snooze function. This aligns with sleep experts' recommendations to avoid snoozing.
Those extra 9-minute increments of light sleep can actually leave you feeling groggier than if you had gotten up right away. It's like revving a car engine without going anywhere - you're just wasting fuel. Training yourself to get up when the alarm first goes off leads to more alertness and energy.
Of course, this ties back to having a compelling reason to wake up. When you're excited about your morning activities, it's easier to throw off the covers and get moving.
Tackling Important Work First
Many of the high achievers interviewed make it a priority to work on their most important projects or creative endeavors first thing in the morning. This allows them to make progress on meaningful work before the distractions and demands of the day set in.
Sheena Brady, founder of Tease Tea, dedicates the hours of 7:00-11:00 AM to her own company before shifting focus to her day job at Shopify. Author and speaker Todd Henry uses his mornings for studying and writing - the work most vital to his career and personal growth.
To protect this important morning time, many interviewees avoid checking email first thing. Author Ryan Holiday makes sure to complete at least one other task before opening his inbox. Shane Parrish, founder of the Farnam Street blog, realized that immediately checking email allowed others to dictate the course of his day. By postponing email, he stays focused on his own priorities.
The lesson here is to be proactive rather than reactive with your mornings. Use that time to move the needle on your most important goals and projects before getting pulled into responding to others' needs and requests.
The Benefits of Morning Exercise
A striking 79% of the successful individuals interviewed incorporate some form of exercise into their morning routines. Many cite both physical and mental benefits from starting the day with movement.
Olympic swimmer Caroline Burckle hits the gym at 5:30 AM, viewing her workout as a form of meditation that centers her mind. Sherry Lansing, former president of 20th Century Fox, says that prioritizing exercise leaves her feeling on top of the world all day.
Retired US Army General Stanley McChrystal wakes at 4:00 AM for a 90-minute workout, alternating between running and weight training. He found that mixing up his routine prevented boredom and reduced injury risk compared to doing the same workout every day.
For those intimidated by intense morning workouts, the book offers examples of more approachable options. Julie Zhuo, VP of product design at Facebook, aims for just 10-15 minutes on her cross-trainer each morning. By keeping the time commitment short, it feels as routine as brushing her teeth.
The key is finding a sustainable routine that works for you. Even small amounts of morning movement can boost your mood, energy, and productivity for the rest of the day.
Meditation and Mindfulness
Over half of the book's interviewees incorporate some form of meditation or mindfulness practice into their mornings. Many credit this habit with helping them feel centered, focused, and better equipped to handle the day's challenges.
Michael Acton Smith, CEO of the meditation app Calm, leads a group meditation at his company's office each morning. While it may sound stereotypically "Californian," he finds it's an excellent way to start the workday.
Ed Catmull, president of Pixar and Walt Disney Animation Studios, has meditated for 30-60 minutes daily for years without missing a day. He says it helps him respond more calmly to unexpected events.
For those new to meditation, the book suggests starting small by bringing mindful awareness to everyday morning activities like brewing coffee or tea. Simply focusing your full attention on the present moment is a form of meditation.
Creating "Me Time"
While productivity is important, the book also emphasizes the value of carving out time for yourself in the morning. This can mean pursuing hobbies, tackling personal tasks, or simply enjoying some quiet reflection before the busyness of the day.
Melody McCloskey, CEO of StyleSeat, wakes at 5:45 AM to spend an hour on personal tasks before others are up. This allows her to start the workday feeling accomplished and in control.
Artist Elle Luna uses a voice recorder to capture her dreams immediately upon waking, mining them for creative inspiration. Illustrator Yuko Shimizu takes a slower train to work to gain an extra 5 minutes of reading time.
The idea is to prioritize activities that are personally meaningful or enjoyable to you. This "me time" sets a positive tone for the day and prevents you from immediately getting swept up in work and responsibilities.
Preparing the Night Before
An effective morning routine actually begins the evening before. Many interviewees emphasize the importance of winding down and preparing for the next day to set themselves up for success.
Author and entrepreneur Nir Eyal uses a router that automatically shuts off his internet at 10:00 PM, ensuring he's in bed by 11:00 PM. David Kadavy wears blue-light blocking goggles in the evening to improve his sleep quality.
Jenny Blake avoids checking email after 5:00 PM and reflects on the highlights and lowlights of her day before bed. This helps her unwind and clear her mind.
Even small steps like laying out clothes for the next day (as Bob Moore of Bob's Red Mill does) can simplify your morning routine.
The Importance of Sleep
Adequate sleep emerged as one of the most crucial factors in having a successful morning and productive day. Many interviewees prioritize getting enough rest, even if it means adjusting their schedules.
Arianna Huffington now aims for 8 hours of sleep per night, going to bed at 11:00 PM. She made sleep a priority after becoming so exhausted she fainted and broke her cheekbone on her desk.
Scott Adams, creator of Dilbert, structures his day around getting proper sleep. He goes to bed by 11:00 PM to support his early rising habit, noting that sleep deprivation significantly impairs cognitive function.
Some, like venture capitalist Brad Feld, have abandoned alarm clocks altogether. After years of sleep deprivation led to depression, Feld now allows his body to wake naturally, which may be anywhere from 5:30 to 9:00 AM.
The key lesson is that no morning routine, no matter how well-crafted, can overcome chronic sleep deprivation. Prioritizing adequate rest is essential for sustained productivity and well-being.
Adapting Routines for Parenting
For many, becoming a parent necessitates a major shift in morning habits. Rather than viewing this as a setback, the book encourages embracing the change and finding new routines that work for the whole family.
Nick Bilton of Vanity Fair notes that his toddler is now his alarm clock, consistently waking him at 5:30 AM. Twitter co-founder Biz Stone's 5-year-old wakes him between 6:30-7:00 AM, leaving an hour for family playtime.
Some parents, like Washington State Attorney General Bob Ferguson, choose to wake up 1-2 hours before their children to carve out some personal time. The key is finding a balance that allows for both productivity and quality family time.
Maintaining Routines While Traveling
Travel can easily disrupt carefully honed routines, but many interviewees emphasize the importance of maintaining some consistency even when on the road.
Model and activist Cameron Russell adapts her reading habit to her surroundings, finding moments to read in taxis or makeup chairs. Venture capitalist M.G. Siegler relies on bottled Starbucks Frappuccinos, which he can find almost anywhere, to maintain a sense of routine.
Peter Balyta of Texas Instruments gets creative with his workouts, using local surroundings like the Great Wall of China or hotel room furniture for exercise.
The goal isn't to perfectly replicate your home routine, but to maintain some familiar elements that help you feel grounded and productive, even in new environments.
Embracing Flexibility
While routines can be powerful, the book also emphasizes the importance of flexibility. Life is unpredictable, and even the best-laid plans can go awry.
Junior doctor Rumana Lasker Dawood has built adaptability into her routine out of necessity, with constantly changing hospital shifts. Author Austin Kleon has learned to enjoy days when his routine is disrupted, viewing them as interesting breaks from the norm.
Leo Babauta, founder of the Zen Habits blog, takes flexibility to the extreme by abandoning set routines altogether in favor of a mindful morning approach.
The key is finding a balance between structure and adaptability that works for you. A routine should serve as a helpful framework, not a rigid set of rules that cause stress when broken.
Crafting Your Ideal Morning
After exploring the diverse routines of these 64 successful individuals, the book's central message becomes clear: there is no one-size-fits-all perfect morning routine. The key is experimentation and self-awareness to discover what works best for you.
Some common themes emerge:
- Have a compelling reason to wake up
- Prioritize adequate sleep
- Avoid checking email first thing
- Make time for exercise
- Practice mindfulness or meditation
- Work on important projects early
- Create space for personal time and activities
- Prepare the night before
- Stay flexible and adapt as needed
But within these general guidelines, there's immense room for personalization. Your ideal morning might involve intense exercise, or it might prioritize quiet reflection. You may thrive on early rising, or you may be most productive with a later start.
The authors encourage readers to view morning routines as an ongoing experiment. Try out different approaches, pay attention to how they affect your mood and productivity, and be willing to make adjustments.
It's also important to remember that life circumstances change. A routine that works perfectly in one phase of life may need to evolve as your responsibilities and priorities shift. The goal is to find a sustainable approach that sets you up for success each day.
Practical Tips for Developing Your Routine
For those looking to revamp their mornings, the book offers some practical advice for getting started:
Start small: Don't try to overhaul your entire morning at once. Begin with one or two changes and build from there.
Be consistent: Give new habits time to take root. Try to stick with changes for at least a few weeks before deciding if they're working for you.
Prepare the night before: Set yourself up for success by planning ahead. Lay out clothes, prepare lunch, or write your to-do list the evening before.
Make it enjoyable: Include elements you look forward to, whether that's a favorite breakfast, energizing music, or time for a beloved hobby.
Use technology wisely: Apps and devices can help track habits or provide guided meditations, but be cautious about introducing sources of distraction.
Be kind to yourself: Some days won't go as planned, and that's okay. View your routine as a helpful tool, not a strict measure of success or failure.
Reassess regularly: Check in with yourself periodically to ensure your routine is still serving you well. Be willing to make changes as needed.
The Ripple Effect of a Good Morning
While the book focuses on morning routines, it's clear that the benefits extend far beyond the first few hours of the day. Interviewees consistently report that a strong morning routine leads to:
- Increased productivity throughout the day
- Improved mood and outlook
- Better ability to handle stress and unexpected challenges
- More consistent progress on important goals and projects
- Enhanced overall well-being and life satisfaction
By taking control of your mornings, you set a positive tone that influences every aspect of your life. You move from a reactive stance to a proactive one, approaching each day with intention and purpose.
Overcoming Common Challenges
The book also addresses some common obstacles people face when trying to establish a morning routine:
Lack of sleep: Prioritize getting enough rest, even if it means adjusting your schedule or cutting out evening activities.
Resistance to early rising: If you're not naturally a morning person, start by waking just 15 minutes earlier and gradually adjust. Focus on having something to look forward to in the morning.
Family obligations: Communicate with your partner to find a routine that works for everyone. Consider alternating morning duties or waking up before the rest of the family.
Inconsistent schedules: For those with variable work hours, focus on creating a consistent routine around wake-up time rather than a specific clock time.
Lack of motivation: Clearly define your "why" for wanting a morning routine. Connect it to your larger goals and values.
Perfectionism: Remember that a morning routine is a tool to serve you, not a rigid set of rules. Be flexible and focus on progress, not perfection.
Beyond the Individual: Cultural Perspectives
While the book primarily focuses on individual routines, it's worth noting that morning habits can vary significantly across cultures. Some societies prioritize early rising and productivity, while others have more relaxed attitudes toward mornings.
For example, in many Mediterranean countries, workdays start later and include a midday break, shifting the rhythm of daily routines. In contrast, countries like Japan often emphasize early starts and long workdays.
Understanding these cultural differences can be valuable, especially for those working in global environments or considering relocations. It's a reminder that there's no universally "correct" way to approach mornings, and that societal norms play a role in shaping our habits.
The Role of Chronotypes
The book touches briefly on the concept of chronotypes - our natural tendencies toward being "morning larks" or "night owls." While many successful people in the book are early risers, it's important to recognize that this isn't the only path to productivity.
Some people are naturally more alert and creative in the evenings. For these individuals, forcing an early morning routine may be counterproductive. The key is to understand your own biological rhythms and work with them rather than against them.
This might mean crafting an "evening routine" that allows night owls to harness their peak hours, or finding a compromise that balances natural tendencies with societal expectations.
The Importance of Rest and Downtime
While the book focuses heavily on productive morning activities, it's crucial to remember the importance of rest and relaxation. Several interviewees mention the value of building downtime into their routines, whether through meditation, leisurely breakfasts, or simply sitting quietly with a cup of coffee.
In our fast-paced world, it can be tempting to try to maximize every minute of the day. However, research shows that regular periods of rest and recovery are essential for sustained productivity and creativity. A well-crafted morning routine should energize and center you, not leave you feeling depleted before the day has truly begun.
Technology: Friend or Foe?
The role of technology in morning routines is a complex topic touched on throughout the book. While some interviewees use apps for meditation or fitness tracking, others emphasize the importance of staying offline in the early hours.
The consensus seems to be that technology can be a useful tool when used intentionally, but it also poses the risk of derailing a productive morning. Social media, news sites, and email can quickly eat up time and introduce stress before the day has properly begun.
Many successful individuals in the book advocate for a "tech-free" period upon waking, allowing time to center oneself before engaging with the digital world. This might involve using a physical alarm clock rather than a phone, or having a rule about not checking devices until after completing certain morning activities.
The Compounding Effect of Small Changes
One of the most encouraging messages from the book is that small, consistent changes can lead to significant results over time. Many interviewees describe starting with modest adjustments to their routines and gradually building up to more comprehensive practices.
This "compounding effect" means that even minor improvements to your morning routine can have a major impact on your life when sustained over weeks, months, and years. It's a reminder that you don't need to radically overhaul your entire life overnight to see benefits.
For example, waking up just 15 minutes earlier to read or meditate might not seem like much on any given day. But over the course of a year, that adds up to over 90 hours of additional time invested in personal growth or relaxation.
Balancing Discipline and Self-Compassion
The book walks an interesting line between emphasizing the importance of discipline and routine, while also advocating for self-compassion and flexibility. This reflects a broader trend in productivity thinking that recognizes the need for balance between structure and adaptability.
While many interviewees stress the value of consistency in their routines, they also emphasize the importance of listening to your body and adjusting as needed. This might mean sleeping in occasionally if you're fighting off an illness, or allowing yourself a slower start on weekends.
The key seems to be developing a strong enough routine that it becomes your default, while maintaining the flexibility to deviate when truly necessary without derailing your entire system.
The Connection Between Morning Routines and Goal Achievement
Many of the successful individuals interviewed draw a direct line between their morning routines and their ability to achieve long-term goals. By starting each day with intentional activities aligned with their values and objectives, they create daily momentum toward their larger aspirations.
This connection highlights the power of morning routines as a tool for personal and professional development. Rather than viewing them as just a way to have a more pleasant or productive morning, we can see them as a strategic approach to shaping our lives in meaningful ways.
For example, an aspiring author who dedicates an hour each morning to writing is not just having a productive start to the day, but is actively working towards their dream of publishing a book. Over time, these small daily actions compound into significant progress.
The Role of Evening Routines
While the book focuses primarily on mornings, it becomes clear that effective evening routines play a crucial role in setting up successful mornings. Many interviewees describe specific practices they use to wind down and prepare for the next day.
Common elements of evening routines include:
- Reviewing the day and planning for tomorrow
- Engaging in relaxing activities like reading or gentle stretching
- Limiting screen time and exposure to blue light
- Creating a calm sleep environment
- Practicing gratitude or reflection
By developing strong evening habits, you can reduce decision fatigue in the morning and make it easier to start your day on the right foot. This highlights the interconnected nature of our daily routines and the importance of taking a holistic approach to time management.
The Psychological Benefits of Routine
Beyond the practical benefits of increased productivity and organization, the book touches on the psychological advantages of having a consistent morning routine. Many interviewees report feeling a greater sense of control over their lives and reduced anxiety about tackling the day ahead.
This aligns with psychological research showing that routines can provide a sense of structure and predictability that is comforting to the human brain. In times of stress or uncertainty, having a familiar morning ritual can serve as an anchor, helping to ground us and provide a sense of normalcy.
Additionally, the act of successfully completing a morning routine can provide a sense of accomplishment and momentum that carries through the rest of the day. This "win" first thing in the morning can boost confidence and motivation.
Adapting Routines to Different Life Stages
The book includes insights from individuals at various stages of life, from young entrepreneurs to established executives to retirees. This diversity highlights how morning routines can and should evolve as our life circumstances change.
For example, new parents often need to radically adjust their routines to accommodate their children's needs. As careers progress, morning routines might shift to include more strategic planning or networking activities. In retirement, routines might focus more on health, hobbies, or volunteer work.
The key lesson is that an effective morning routine is not a static thing, but a dynamic practice that should be periodically reassessed and adjusted to align with our current goals and life situation.
The Interplay Between Habits and Motivation
An interesting theme that emerges from the various interviews is the relationship between established habits and motivation. While many people believe they need to feel motivated to take action, the experiences shared in the book suggest that consistent habits can actually create motivation.
By establishing a regular morning routine, many interviewees found that they no longer had to rely on feeling motivated to get started. The routine itself became the trigger for action, often leading to a motivational boost once they were engaged in their chosen activities.
This insight aligns with current understanding in behavioral psychology about the power of habits to shape our actions and emotions. It suggests that rather than waiting for motivation to strike, we can use well-designed routines to generate the momentum that leads to motivation.
Conclusion: Your Morning, Your Life
"My Morning Routine" offers a fascinating glimpse into the daily habits of highly successful and productive individuals. Through these diverse examples, readers can gain inspiration and practical ideas for optimizing their own mornings.
The overarching message is clear: how you start your day matters. A thoughtful, intentional morning routine can set the tone for increased productivity, creativity, and overall well-being. It's a powerful tool for taking control of your time and moving closer to your goals.
However, the book also emphasizes that there's no one "perfect" routine that works for everyone. The key is to experiment, reflect, and gradually build a morning practice that aligns with your unique needs, goals, and life circumstances.
By investing time and effort into crafting a morning routine that works for you, you're not just improving a few hours of your day. You're laying the foundation for a more intentional, fulfilling, and successful life. The morning is your opportunity to set the stage for the kind of day - and ultimately, the kind of life - you want to lead.
So whether you're a natural early bird or a reluctant riser, there's value in examining how you approach your mornings. With the insights and examples provided in "My Morning Routine," you have a wealth of ideas to draw from as you design a start to your day that energizes, focuses, and inspires you.
Remember, the goal isn't to copy someone else's routine exactly, but to use these examples as a springboard for creating a morning practice that brings out the best in you. Start small, be consistent, and remain flexible. Over time, you may be surprised at how much your life can change simply by changing how you greet each new day.