The Sunday Ritual I've Been Doing for 2 Years That Has Catalyzed My Success

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Written by Upasna Gautam: A Senior Product Leader at CNN, Board of Directors at the News Product Alliance, angel investor, meditation teacher, avid public speaker, writer, new mother, and daughter of Indian immigrants.

Every Sunday morning for the last 2 years (including through my entire pregnancy), I've done the exact same thing: I wake up, drive 10 minutes over to the restaurant where I meet my friend Amanda for breakfast. The routine is seemingly simple – the same corner table, the same breakfast, and the familiar aroma of our regular lattes. Yet, it's the actions that follow this that are the keys to our success. Let's dive into the details of my Sunday Morning Mastermind, a ritual that not only sets the tone for our week but has woven a strong thread through the fabric of our individual and shared success.

A Breakdown of Our Ritual

Our Sunday routine kicks off with a hearty breakfast, where we not only share a delicious meal but also indulge in life updates, setting the stage for genuine connection. As the morning unfolds, we seamlessly transition into discussing our ongoing projects, exchanging valuable insights, and providing constructive feedback. This intentional fusion of personal connection and professional collaboration fosters a unique atmosphere of creativity and collaboration. We serve as a confidant, sounding board, and an intellectual sparring partner for the other.

Our general timeline:

8:00 AM: Catch up on life over a big, hearty breakfast (and at least a couple of oat milk lattes)

9:00 AM: Intellectual sparring: Share our specific goals for the week, what we need to work on, brainstorm, and help unblock each other

9:30-11:00 AM: Get to work on those goals

Having this special weekly tradition with a good friend has been a meaningful way to co-work, create, and collaborate on a richer level while making strides on our big life goals. In fact, I'm writing this newsletter as I sit across from Amanda now - the idea for it was born from this weekly ritual.

If you're inspired by our sessions and want to create a similar ritual, here are some pro tips:

?? Find a great partner: Consider someone with similar ambitions, but diverse work/life perspectives so that you are both bringing unique strengths to your work sessions.

?? Hype squad only: We are both ruthlessly rooting for one another - there's no competition or power dynamic.

?? Consistency is key: We work EVERY Sunday unless one of us is traveling or has an unavoidable obligation.

?? Stick to a high-level schedule: We meet for 3 hours and split the time evenly between work and play.

?? Regular routine: We are officially “regulars” at our spot - we sit in the same place, with the same server, and order the same meal every week. We also go well before brunch rush so that we are being respectful of using table space.

Amanda and I met on Instagram years ago and happen to have had projects we were working on that called for consistency and accountability, so our co-working evolved organically. You could do the same and start small with a one-off co-working session before committing to weekly meetings. If you can't think of anyone in your immediate circle who would be a good fit for this, try looking for existing group co-working events in your area to start.

In a world enamored by grand spectacles, the unassuming beauty of our Sunday tradition has quietly carved the path to our successes. This is your sign to step into the realm of intentional triumph by forging your own distinctive ritual - a sacred space where the alchemy of collaboration and the steadfast rhythm of routine intertwine, propelling you to new heights.

While our routine may seem straightforward, your questions are always encouraged! If you're curious about the intricacies of our weekly sessions or seeking more guidance on establishing your own ritual, feel free to drop me a note with your question(s)!

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