92% of highly productive people follow a planned morning routine, that’s according to a study by the Harvard Business Review. And here’s the thing. Being more productive is not about doing more, it is about being more efficient with your time. Here’s why great leaders have a morning routine, and how to design your own.
Why great leaders have a morning routine
As an executive leadership coach, I’ve worked with some great leaders. And I’ve noticed a trend. One thing they each have in common is a morning routine that prepares them for the day ahead with a positive, growth mindset. Not only does this approach help them to shape each day to be more impactful and fun for them, but also for their team and organization.
Following a morning routine enables you to be the best possible version of yourself, so you can contribute to a gentler, collaborative, and more empathetic world. In contrast, not having a morning routine can lead to a negative mindset, procrastination, forgetfulness, and wasted time. It can also bring about self-doubt and a sense of being overwhelmed.
Put simply, a morning routine helps to enhance positive qualities like empathy, creativity, and patience, setting the stage for a day that maximizes your own productivity and well-being as well as the people around you.
How to design a morning routine that works for you
How would you like to enhance your own well-being and effectiveness by finding a morning routine that works for you? The leaders I work with have inspired me to design and follow my own morning routine that helps me to be my best every day. In turn, this enables me to support them to be the best leaders and team that they can be. The following 4 dimensions show up time and again in the morning routines of the leaders I coach:
Mindfulness: To set yourself up with a positive, growth mindset – before looking at your email or social media – take some time to focus on one thing and let go of your thoughts. I like using the PQ App. Alternatives include Headspace or guided meditations on YouTube. Start small for just a few minutes, and enjoy the effect it has on your mindset. You’ll feel calmer, centered, focused, and happy. It’s a game-changer!
Physical movement: It could be a few stretches, a walk or run outside, yoga or a more intense exercise routine. There are a lot of great classes online too. Whichever you choose, it’s important to discover what’s best for you and, again, start small. You could even turn your chosen activity into a mindfulness exercise by focusing on one thing and then letting go of your thoughts.
Nutrition: Eat food including a breakfast that gives you energy, that’s delicious, nutritious, and easy to make. I like starting my day with either a yogurt (dairy or vegan), seeds, nuts, and red fruit, or an omelet, or avocado toast topped with an egg.
Plan for impact and energy: Take a few minutes each day to remind yourself what matters most and book time in your calendar for those important and non-urgent activities across your week, and every day. This includes your morning routine and mindfulness breaks to stay in a positive growth mindset. Mental mindfulness breaks could be anything from a few breaths to light exercise – as long as you focus on one thing and let go of your thoughts. I like using the WOOP planning strategy.
The benefits of a morning routine
When you know what to expect, and you manage your mindset, it reduces anxiety and helps you focus on important tasks. Having a daily routine gives structure to your life. It leads to less stress, greater concentration, and an improved work-life balance.
But your morning routine is a powerful tool that extends beyond individual well-being. By incorporating elements of mindfulness, physical movement, nutrition and planning for impact and energy into your routine, you contribute to a healthier and more harmonious team culture, and world.
Challenge yourself to make small, realistic changes to your morning routine, and witness the transformative impact on your life and the world around you. Say ‘cheers’ to unlocking more productivity and well-being through the art of mindful mornings.
My coaching empowers you to be the best leader you can be. It also helps you find a sustainable morning routine that works for you. Want to discover how? Book a 60-minute complementary discovery session, today. Book now
Recommended reading:
- Positive Intelligence: Why Only 20% of Teams and Individuals Achieve Their True Potential AND HOW YOU CAN ACHIEVE YOURS by Shirzad Chamine
- The Happiness Advantage: The Seven Principles Of Positive Psychology That Fuel Success And Performance At Work by Shawn Anchor
- A New Earth: Awakening To Your Life’s Purpose by Eckhart Tolle
- Pure & Simple: A Natural Food Way of Life by Pascale Naessens, et al.
- Rethinking Positive Thinking: Inside The New Science Of Motivation by Professor Gabrielle Oettingen