Morning routines are taboo.
Some routines seem designed for gods rather than ordinary people. Others sound made up. Others are so overengineered and scientific that sticking to them feels impossible.
My preferred morning routine is simple and realistic. It’s like playing 22 casino. You don’t need fancy tricks, just easy steps that help you stay consistent.
Until recently, my morning routine looked like this. I’ll keep it up once I move past the “oh sh*t I’m having a baby” phase.
Table of Contents
A Life Emergency Simplifies Your Morning Routine Forever
My friend, Justin Welsh, figured out a way to keep his mornings simple.
He recounted in an interview that in 2018, his non-stop work ethic resulted in a panic attack.
Justin described it as the most terrifying experience he had ever had.
His self-sabotaging behavior pushed him to the edge and almost took a toll on his health.
Had he not transformed his mornings, he never would have created the online business that now earns him $2 million annually.
Wealth starts with a killer morning routine.
Here’s what it looks like. Take the pieces that resonate and shape a morning routine tailored to your life.
Turn Off Blue Light at 9 PM
Power down the devices and step out of the digital haze into real-world calm.
Sleep Better Than Captain Snooze
The majority of people don’t receive sufficient sleep. Attempt to get a full 8 hours of sleep to give your body the time to fully recharge.
Actual Morning Routine
Let’s get to the best part.
Kiss Your Significant Other
If you have a significant other that you share mornings with, start the day off with a nice good morning kiss.
Drink This Life-giving Formula
My go-to is water first thing — after 8 hours without fluids, your body needs to rehydrate.
Read a Newsletter
Don’t do it.
I start my day by reading. I stick with newsletters because they’re handpicked and come from creators I genuinely trust. Learn one new idea as I read. Often, one new insight shapes the direction of my entire day.
Move the Body and Get Light Exposure
Spending time outdoors is part of our natural design as humans.
Still, most of us are trapped indoors — that’s why I’m following Nat Eliason’s idea of working from an outdoor setup.
If that’s not your style or your employer hasn’t allowed park offices yet, try taking a walk instead.
One of three mornings during the week, I visit the gym. The physical activity wakes up the mind, gets the blood flowing, and sets me up for focused concentration.
Motion is the fuel for progress — keep moving, and you’ll continue to move ahead in life.
Take a Few Ideas to a Warm Shower
The cold-shower crowd can stick with their ritual — it’s not for me.
A warm shower is where I find the most ease. I take a few priorities with me, and the calm helps me focus on what matters.
When you’re fully present, your brain often unlocks its sharpest ideas.
The aha moments afterward are mind-blowing.
Start Your Day
Now it’s time to start your day.
The difference is that you’ll have the energy and mindset to face the biggest challenges. These are the ones that lead to real progress in your life.
Final Thought
Self-help gurus have overcomplicated morning routines.
Simplify the routine and you’ll get even more out of it. The strongest mornings are built on the smart choices you made the night before. Pair that with smart morning routines, and you’ll see amazing results.
Prepare your routine in advance, and you’ll wake ready to dominate the day.