The Morning Routine That Sets My Day for Success
Each morning promises a new day, and I believe how you start can set the tone for everything that follows.?
My friend Dmitri and I shared a unique bond, especially after he was diagnosed with stage four cancer. Dmitri lived in Marseille, in the south of France. When he told me about his diagnosis, the first thing I did was hop a flight over there.
We spent two weeks traveling around southern France, discussing life and what really mattered. Before I left, we made a pact to talk every Wednesday morning—7:00 AM my time and noon his time. These conversations became a cornerstone of my morning routine, helping me focus on what was important and plan my week ahead.?
Inspired by these talks with Dmitri, I built a morning routine that has become invaluable to me and my family. Here’s how it looks and how it helps me maintain a balance between personal health and professional success.?
A Personal Touch to the Morning?
My day begins with a walk with my wife and partner, Jenn. This isn’t just a stroll; it’s a time to breathe fresh air, clear my mind, and appreciate the quiet before the day's hustle begins. Walking allows me to connect with nature and mentally prepare for the day ahead.?
After our walk, Jenn and I read the bible and then talk about our learnings from the reading and how we might apply it that day.? This practice grounds me, offering a sense of peace and purpose.?
Prayer and thinking about some things I am grateful for reminds me to appreciate what I have and helps me maintain a positive outlook.??
Checking my vitals, such as blood sugar and weight, is a quick but important step in keeping tabs on my health. Physical activity follows next. Stretching and exercising get my blood flowing and energize me for the day ahead. Whether it’s a quick workout or a more intense session, this time is non-negotiable.?
Before shifting to "business mode," I check in with my wife and partner, Jenn. Connecting over coffee nurtures our bond and ensures we're aligned as we dive into a new day.?
Transitioning to Business?
Once my personal rituals are complete, I shift my focus to business. The first step is checking in with Jenn, my beautiful bride and best friend. We review the day’s agenda, ensuring we are on the same page regarding our business goals.?
I then dive into key performance indicators (KPIs). Understanding the metrics that drive our business is crucial. This involves looking at sales figures, marketing performance, and financial health. These numbers tell the story of our business’s current state and guide our daily decisions.?
After the KPIs, I check in with different parts of the business. This could be a quick call with the sales team to understand their challenges or a meeting with the marketing team to review new strategies. Staying connected with all aspects of the business helps me stay informed and make better decisions.??
Finally, I outline the goals for the day. Clear goals keep us focused and productive. This routine ensures that we stay on track and fosters a culture of accountability and progress within the company.?
Building a Strong Business Culture?
Beginning each day with this blend of personal rituals and professional priorities lays the foundation for our company's strong, positive culture. It shows our team the importance of balance between personal well-being and professional responsibilities. This routine has a ripple effect, encouraging others in the company to take care of themselves while staying committed to our shared goals.?
A well-structured morning routine is not just about ticking off tasks; it’s about creating a balanced life that nurtures personal growth and business success.?
Interestingly, I discovered Hal Elrod’s book “The Miracle Morning” after establishing my routine. It was fascinating to see that many of the principles I had intuitively adopted were outlined in his book. If you’re interested in a structured approach to creating a powerful morning routine, I highly recommend checking it out.
My morning rituals have become the bedrock of my daily life, allowing me to approach each day with clarity, purpose, and a positive mindset.?
So, how do you start your mornings? Perhaps it’s time to design a routine that sets you up for personal and professional success. Your future self will thank you.??