In ‘What the Most Successful People Do Before Breakfast’, Laura Vanderkam explores the importance of morning routines and their impact on success and productivity. By analyzing the habits of high-achievers, she offers valuable advice on improving one’s mornings to better take control of work, personal life, and overall wellbeing.
The Importance of Mornings
Mornings present a unique opportunity for focused, undistracted work and personal growth activities, setting the tone for the rest of the day.
Harnessing the power of the morning can lead to increased productivity and success.
Nurture Personal Development
Personal growth, learning, and reflection are core activities in successful individuals’ morning routines.
These can include reading, journaling, or meditation to foster self-improvement and mental well-being.
Creating a Personalized Morning Routine
There’s no one-size-fits-all morning routine.
Experiment with various activities, timings, and strategies to create a routine that suits your needs, preferences, and lifestyle.
Developing the Discipline to Wake Up Early
Waking up earlier may require discipline and determination, but it can lead to immense benefits in productivity and overall life satisfaction.
Gradually adjusting your sleep schedule and committing to an early wake-up routine can make a significant difference.
Nurturing Creativity
Mornings are ideal for activities that require deep focus and creative thinking, as the mind is more alert during this time.
Successful individuals often engage in creative tasks during the early hours.
Establishing Purposeful Routines
Developing a purposeful and consistent morning routine can lead to remarkable results in personal well-being, career, and relationships.
High achievers often engage in proactive activities before breakfast to jump-start their day.
Connecting With Loved Ones
High-achievers value their relationships and often dedicate their morning time to connect with loved ones, which contributes to achieving a healthy work-life balance.
Prioritize Self-Care
Morning routines often include self-care practices, such as proper nutrition, adequate sleep, and relaxation.
These contribute significantly to both personal happiness and professional success.
Goal-Setting and Planning
Successful people use their mornings for goal-setting and planning.
This helps them maintain focus, prioritize projects, and manage their time effectively throughout the day.
Exercise and Physical Activity
Morning exercise or physical activities can help clear the mind, improve mood and boost energy levels, contributing to a more productive and fruitful day ahead.
