80 Morning Routines from Highly Productive People

"I've been able to lose 40 pounds since December 24, 2020 while following my morning routine."

Step 1

Thank God I woke up on this side of the grass, and then drink eight to 16 ounces of water.

Step 2

Read affirmations, an inspirational message, or a scripture from the bible.

Step 3

Meditate and memorize all, or part of, what I just read, and repeat throughout the day.

Step 4

Exercise to upbeat music for 15 to 20 minutes.

Step 5

Shower, and sing or recite the affirmation for the day.

Step 6

Pray for those around me, and give thanks for all that I'm able to do, be, or have.

Step 7

Eat breakfast, prepped or not.

Step 8

Grab my beverage of choice (water), and a cup of coffee.

Step 9

Write down my top 10 intentions for the day.

Step 10

Start work!

"With working from home becoming the new normal, I'd really suggest others take steps to not only enjoy their mornings but also increase their productivity. 

The biggest noticeable difference in establishing a morning routine is the clearheadedness and the ability to take a step back and appreciate the new day. 

I believe in waking up early to give yourself the time to settle in, and enjoy the new day, before getting to the "work." 

We've been able to grow our agency faster and further simply with this morning routine. It gives us the time and mental clarity to make good decisions and stay focused."

Step 1

Wake up at 6am and drink bottle of water.

Step 2

Drive to the gym.

Step 3

Begin with a high-incline cardio workout on the treadmill for 15 minutes, while checking emails, followed by a 30-minute weight workout.

Step 4

Shower at the gym.

Step 5

Drive home.

Step 6

Take dog for a short walk.

Step 7

Jump in my first meeting of the day at 8:30 am.

Step 1

Before my feet touch down on the carpet, I say these words: "Thank you for this day. Bless everyone I know and love, everyone they know and love, and so on and so on." I set an intention to have an amazing day and connect with extraordinary people.

Step 2

Head to the bathroom to pee 🙂. Along the way, I run through my head what I need to accomplish, and by the time I'm actually engaged in those actions, it is as if they are complete. My body just needs to catch up with my intentions.

Step 3

Turn on the computer and see what's going on in the world. Respond to emails and social media posts while I am eating breakfast that I have prepared. I turn on the radio station WXPN to listen to music while I get ready for the day's activities. I pick out clothes, and then take a shower. My grooming is low maintenance. I rarely wear make up and my hair is wash and wear.

Step 4

My day's tasks vary. Most mornings, I watch my grandson while his parents go to work. My time there is predicated on the whims of a very active toddler.

Step 5

After the next shift (his other grandparents or aunt) arrives, I go to my 'day job,' as a psychotherapist. I work with them from 12 to 8 pm.

Step 6

On some mornings I may have articles to write as a journalist, or PR and marketing work to do for my other clients, so I squeeze those in.

"I've grown three businesses to six figure monthly revenues."

Step 1

I wake up to my alarm.

Step 2

I then spend 10 minutes doing a meditation routine in my bedroom or on my balcony.

Step 3

Then, I eat breakfast and catch up on the morning news on TV.

Step 4

Finally, I take my dog for a walk.

"I have managed to build a 7-figure real estate company on the side while co-raising two young kids, working full-time in a demanding engineering career, and supporting my wife in building her own veterinary practice."

Step 1

Wake up at 4:32 am to my Hatch Rest alarm. (Wake up at 4:32 am, and you have won the day!)

Step 2

Pour a cup of coffee, and review my task lists and goals for the day.

Step 3

Go meditate for 10 minutes on my goals.

Step 4

Check any missed emails from yesterday or the night before.

Step 5

Accomplish at least one task related to my business.

Step 6

Assist in getting kids fed and ready for daycare.

Step 7

Drop off kids at daycare.

Step 8

Listen to a business or real estate podcast on the way to work (about a 20 minute drive).

"My morning routine helps me set my intention and goals for the day. 

After successfully launching several businesses, and breaking world records having the focus and determination to reach my daily goals is just one reason i credit my success to my morning routine."

Step 1

Exercise.

Step 2

Meditation and cool down.

Step 3

Read.

Step 4

Time Block and organize my day.

Step 5

Breakfast.

"I have found value in developing the first 30 minutes of my day. I have two kids, a husband, and a dog, so the time dedicated to myself helps boost my energy and ability to give time and energy to others. 

Since adopting the first 30 minutes of my day, I have a much clearer perspective on how I will guide my day, what tasks or activities I have committed to, how to handle the unexpected, and make decisions if something needs to be acted upon or gets delayed. 

What qualifies me as highly productive is my desire to be effective, while managing and even reducing stress throughout the process. I seek impact over overwhelm."

Step 1

I have a sunrise alarm clock that simulates the rising sun, and adds color. It starts about 15 minutes prior to waking up.

Step 2

I make my bed. This is one of the steps that has been recognized as one of the top five things the most productive people do. Fun fact - this was the precursor to developing the entire fist 30 minutes of my day. I did not start making my bed until having my second child, and having feelings of postpartum depression. This one accomplishment sparked a desire in me to create more healthy habits in the morning. 

Step 3

Then, I take a quick restroom visit, brush my teeth, and wash my face.

Step 4

Then, it's meditation, prayer and journal time. I keep this varied, and I set the stage. I may spray aromatherapy scents throughout the room, open windows if the sun is out, play a meditation video on YouTube, make acup of green tea, etc. This is where I dedicate the most time.

Step 5

Quick stretches.

Step 6

This dedicated time is more about being than doing. The purpose of the my first 30 minutes is to really focus on prayer and meditation, and be guided into the day rather than jumping in feet first.

"I am, admittedly, not a morning person. Most mornings, I snooze my alarm multiple times, and wake up at the very last minute before I absolutely HAVE to get going. 

Despite that, I can certainly describe myself as a highly productive person. As a doctorate degree holder, and someone that has founded a successful digital content creation business over the past few years, I believe the key to my productivity has been fully accepting the fact that I am not a morning person. 

By understanding this about myself, I've designed a routine that accommodates that. On my best days, I shower to help myself wake up. Then, I dress up and do my hair in order to show up as my best self. I avoid planning meetings or work that is mentally demanding in the morning and instead, start slow with administrative tasks. 

After drinking coffee or tea and having some kind of "on-the-go" breakfast, I start the more demanding tasks. I encourage your readers to take a closer look at my morning routine if they happen to fall into the same 'alarm-snoozing' boat that I do. 

Oftentimes, high achievers make it seem like you can only be productive if you're waking up at 4:00 am and completing four intense things before the sun rises, but that is not the case. 

The best thing to do is to examine your tendencies (from a place of real self awareness and not laziness) and craft a routine that accommodates your specific energy levels and habits."

Step 1

Alarm…Snooze….Alarm…Snooze…Alarm.

Step 2

Shower.

Step 3

Select a nice outfit and hair Care.

Step 4

Commute.

Step 5

On-the-go breakfast.

Step 6

Administrative tasks (minimal interaction).

Step 7

Heavier workload.

"My morning routine has given me the opportunity to create true work life balance, as well as start my day on the right foot. 

My routine is a routine that provides a positive mindset to be in charge of my day, not the other way around."

Step 1

Walk around the block with my dog. It's a great way to think about my intentions for the day, and get some movement and breathing in.

Step 2

Tea - put the kettle on and make my morning tea. This is my little reward after my walk.

Step 3

Journal - While I drink tea it's time for me to write in my journal. I do a brain download on everything. Things that are bothering me, things I need to do, need to remember. This gives me the opportunity to clear my mind of any stress so I can focus on my day.

Step 4

Write my to do list - This is an extension of my journaling, but it is focused on my work day. I like to write three to five items that I plan on accomplishing in the day. I don't write a huge list that isn't achievable, and this allows me to feel in charge, and also prioritize what's most important. The most important item on the to do list is my first work task of the day.

Step 5

Family duties - wake up my son, make breakfast, lunch, tidy up, watch a little news.

Step 6

Get outside - I like to get outside one more time before I jump into work. In the summer, that means checking out my garden, and in colder months, just getting outside for simple fresh air.

Step 7

The work day begins by starting the most important item on my to do list.

Step 8

It's a simple routine - but a routine I love. It allows me to run my own business and create space for what's important in my life.

"Getting in a workout early in the morning sets you up for a more productive day! 

You now have the entire day to focus on your other daily tasks, and you have already increased your confidence knowing that you have completed something important for the day."

Step 1

Wake up to my alarm at 4:37 am.

Step 2

Let the dog out, give him is medication, and feed him.

Step 3

Get ready to walk out the door, which includes brushing my teeth, getting dressed, and putting my hair in a ponytail. 

Step 4

Drive to, and attend, workout class for one hour.

Step 5

Eat breakfast. Then, catch up on emails, and post on my business social media pages while eating.

Step 6

Prepare kid's breakfast (they wake up to an alarm).

Step 7

Wash dishes.

Step 8

Take a shower, and get ready for work (makeup, take care of long hair).

Step 9

Help get the kids ready for school. The kids know when it's time to get ready because a timer is set for them on how long they can eat breakfast. Once the timer goes off it's time to get ready for school (get dressed, brush teeth, etc).

Step 10

Take kids to school at 8:10 am, then it's off to my day job I go.
On my 25 minute commute I listen to podcasts about a variety of topics. Mostly small business related shows, and one relevant to my my current side-hustle (subscription boxes).

"My morning routine prepares me physically and mentally for the day to come, which is why I've been so consistent with it for years. 

It has naturally evolved over the years, but became even more important after having children. 

My morning is my sacred space where I spend time doing things that make me feel good. 

Taking time for yourself is the best way to take care of those around you. 

I'd consider myself a highly-productive person because I am a mother of two, recently launched my own business where I witness women transform their lives and am a natural-born multitasker."

Step 1

As soon as I wake up, I tell myself "today is going to be a great day." This helps get my mindset into a positive and productive place.

Step 2

Next, I move my body. I select a short (20-min is my sweet spot) pilates video and roll straight from bed to mat. I don't even change my clothes. This wakes up my body and prepares me mentally for the day.

Step 3

Then, I have breakfast with my family. Always a quick, easy, and nutritious meal to fuel me for a productive day.

Step 4

Once everyone is fed I get the kids ready, then myself, which is generally pretty quick, because I select my outfit and shower the evening before.

Step 5

Then we're out the door and I generally grab a coffee or make it when I get home from school drop-off. Then, the workday begins and I'm ready to go.

"My routine has changed since the pandemic began. I am sleeping much more, (10+ vs 5 hours per night) so I am starting my day much later than before. After a morning workout, showering, and eating breakfast, I'm at my desk non-stop most of the day. 

I think I am more productive and efficient now than I was before, a silver lining to the crisis! 

By being organized and setting my schedule in advance, I find I am actually sleeping more, eating healthier, and getting more done in fewer hours now. 

I have always been a morning person, so once I start my day it flies until lunch. I always eat breakfast, and like to work out in the mornings to get my day off to a strong start. 

I feel like I have more energy all day when my heart and brain kick right in! 

It all starts with a great night's sleep though! 

Nothing beats a great night's sleep to be an effective CEO, it works for me. Even if I do not always have balance, I am able to integrate my work and my life in a good way."

Step 1

Turn on NPR in the bathroom.

Step 2

Brush teeth.

Step 3

Shower.

Step 4

Makeup.

Step 5

Dress, and do my hair.

Step 6

Computer scan, check-in.

Step 7

Breakfast, vitamins.

Step 8

Exercise, qigong, tai chi.

Step 9

Ready for my day!

"My morning routine gets me prepped and ready for the day. I easily work 10–12 hours before even getting tired. 

That means when I work 14 hour days, it's just a little exhausting. 

In the last year I have been able to launch my own children's book, work on another book with my dad, work on some freelance projects, work a full-time 10+ hour job, volunteer, and still have time to hangout with friends and family. 

Starting off your day right means you can succeed at accomplishing your goals. It also helps that I don't require much sleep."

Step 1

1 minute: I almost always wake up without an alarm clock. If it does ring, I get right out of bed. The biggest killer of productivity is staying under those nice warm covers.

Step 2

4 minutes: I brush my teeth to start off minty fresh!

Step 3

5 minutes: I put on my work out clothes, pull back my hair, and lace up my shoes.

Step 4

10–30 minutes: I start with a 5 minute abs workout and some strength training for my hip.

Step 5

1 hour of cardio: This means running, walking, swimming, or biking in the morning to blow off steam, get energized, and take in a bit of nature.

Step 6

15 minutes: I come back to drink some water and take a shower.

Step 7

15 minutes: Next I get dressed, do some personal hygiene, and brush my hair. I'm not much for getting ready now since I'm just working from home, but it never took me more than 30 minutes even if I was heading out.

Step 8

5 minutes: Next I make myself a coffee with milk. The day doesn't start without a nice hot beverage. Though I'm not one for eating breakfast.

Step 9

2 minutes: Finally, I'm ready to get connected. Turn on my computer and start diving into those emails and Slack messages!

"Exercising at the beginning of each day gives me a quick win that motivates me to take on whatever challenge comes my way. 

Many women have these rituals that allow them to rise above adversity, and tackle each day with purpose and passion. For others, it can be gratitude, journaling, or meditation. 

For me, it's exercise! It clears my mind up from negative thoughts and allows me to focus on what needs to be done for the day, and even beyond that."

Step 1

Wake up with a sense of purpose.

Step 2

Exercise for five minutes to one hour. It doesn't have to be a long session. Find out what you're comfortable with, and what works best with your schedule. The idea is just to give yourself a quick win that sets you up for the rest of the day.

Step 3

Enjoy the rest of your day!

"My morning routine helps me (1) focus; (2) start functioning at full speed; and (3) organize my goals, thoughts, and strategies for the day. 

Also, because it involves a relatively prolonged period of solitude, it allows my actions with the outside world to be, and appear, more deliberate and thought-through. 

I believe that projects an image of a person who is in control and organized. 

While this routine evolved over a period of years, I believe it has played an important role in allowing me to run and be the chief executive of multiple companies that I have founded."

Step 1

I wake up between 2:00 am and 4:00 am. The reason for the wide range is that I never use an alarm, even when I have early morning flights or meetings.

Step 2

I drink my pre-workout beverage, and for the next 15–20 minutes, I go over emails, Slack, etc. I look for any urgent matters, especially since I have business in multiple time zones, some nine or more hours ahead of me. I respond to urgent matters (that's rare); send assignments and follow-ups to team members.

Step 3

I exercise for 1.5 to 2.5 hrs. This time range is based on when I wake up. If I wake up at 2:00 am, I work out for a longer period of time than if I wake up at 4:00 am.

Step 4

During this 1.5 to 3 hour period (from waking up til the end of my workout), I do not speak at all. I only concentrate on my exercises, and the matters and issues that I have to deal with. I also keep a running list of various thoughts that come to mind during that time. I spend about 15 minutes at the end organizing my list with my daily task management tool.

"I am a mom of four, a Harvard Business School graduate, and founder of a food and beverage startup company (www.vitaminisbrand.com). 

My youngest child is only 2 months old! Needless to say, there are a lot of demands on my time."

Step 1

When I first wake up, I do a daily devotion. This consists of reading an inspirational quote and mediating on what it means for me.

Step 2

I then take a quick shower and get dressed. When I'm the shower, I think about my priorities for the day.

Step 3

Then, I eat breakfast with my kids and have coffee. I never skip this meal, as I think it's critical for focus for the rest of the day. Eating with the kids gives me time to catch up with them, and hear what's on their minds.

Step 4

Then, I outline my top priorities before I dive into email. This ensures that the way I spend my morning is not dictated by whatever messages happen to be at the top of my inbox.

"This routine helps me to stay calm and healthy so that I can take take care of my clients. 

In my role, I am pulled in multiple directions every day. My priorities change instantly, I manage several clients' needs successfully, and I am always well grounded."

Step 1

Upon waking, I take a moment to practice gratitude for an amazing life. I give a moment of thanks to my higher power.

Step 2

I acknowledge my cat, Furry, who is generally sleeping by my head.

Step 3

I acknowledge our rescue dog, Emmett.

Step 4

I use the bathroom to dress and prepare for the day.

Step 5

I use my favorite essential oils from DoTerra, start the diffuser in our bathroom, use some CBD if I feel the need.

Step 6

Head downstairs to enjoy my favorite tea, and feed our four rescue cats and our rescue dog while listening to my new favorite app called Sooak which I learned about recently from Reverend Michael Beckwith. It has various sound healing music.

Step 7

I read something that inspires me from Mantra, Mindfulness, or Breath magazine.

Step 8

I meditate between 15 and 30+ minutes. This is what sets the tone for the rest of my day.

Step 9

I then check my email, texts, VM, and Slack for any time sensitive needs my clients may have. I address them accordingly.

Step 10

If my schedule allows, I will take a 30 minute walk in nature with our dog, Emmett.

"It is very important that before a busy day, to invest some time in ourselves. My morning routine is focused more on self-development, from mental to somehow physical. 

After engaging in these simple routines, I've had a brighter perspective in life, and have become a more appreciative and happier person. 

I've been in the field of writing for eight years and now, and I am an Editor In Chief. Despite that busy life, I've still built my admiration for food, its importance, as well as the vitamins and minerals in our body. 

Giving balanced attention to career and health is what I can say is a characteristic that makes me a highly productive person."

Step 1

Getting up from bed and having a warm shower. This includes saying some affirmation to myself, and boosting self-confidence.

Step 2

Morning stretches that last, depending on your agenda for the day, between 5 and 10 minutes. If you have something to do, a 5 to 10-minute quick stretch will do.

Step 3

Eating and drinking breakfast that gives proteins and carbohydrates.

"There is nothing extraordinary in my morning routine, but it helps me have a fresh start every day despite the challenges I have to face, daily. 

Being a business owner is not an easy task, but my simple yet effective morning routine makes me a highly productive person and keeps me going. 

Though not every person can maintain and follow a fixed morning routine for more than a month, I have been following it for more than five years now and that's something people should know and get inspired to have a remarkable day."

Step 1

I wake up at 5:00 am in the morning with the help of the alarm that I set on my phone every night.

Step 2

Then, I stretch my muscles a bit while in bed, and try to focus on the wall that is 20 feet away, this helps me have a better vision.

Step 3

After this vision exercise, I go to the washroom to freshen up, and after that I say a little prayer in my room and then check my journal and to-do list for the tasks that are lined up for the day.

Step 4

Then, I do a five-minute cardio and 15-minute exercise every morning.

Step 5

Then, I take a nice warm shower and get dressed into a nice outfit.

Step 6

Then, I apply a little bit makeup to look presentable throughout the day.

Step 7

Then, I prepare breakfast for myself and eat it while watching news headlines on the TV.

Step 8

Then, I leave for the office in my car.

"For the last 10 years, I have worked in a very pressured profession involving data analysis, managing teams, delivering projects within tight time frames, and passing actuarial exams while on the job. 

Along with that, I had been running a few entrepreneurial projects on the side. These pressures can get to you, if not properly managed. To manage these pressures, I have a set routine in the morning that helps me zoom-out from the immediate pressures of my day, and look into the big picture. 

Many times, worrying about micro-issues absorbs and tires you, and having this routine at the start of the day helps me not get too tangled in micro-issues, and helps me stay focused on the bigger goal by putting everything in perspective."

Step 1

Wake up early in the morning (ideally before sunrise). This is extremely important. Waking up early gives the sense that you are on top of things, and are not playing a catch-up game with the many things on your to do list.

Step 2

Start the day with meditation, yoga, prayers, a walk, watching the sunrise, or anything that gives you inner peace. This helps you start the day with a sense of calmness. Do not check your mobile phone first thing in the morning. The messages and alerts will only start your day with pressure.

Step 3

Plan your day looking at the broad or high-level list of things to do. There will be temptation to overthink about sub-tasks, and the challenges in completing them, but don't think about them in depth. I think about the broadness of the things I would like to complete. This helps me then manage these sub-tasks with a broad perspective in view, so that later in the day I don't overspend my time on a small sub-task while missing the other broader tasks.

Step 4

Keep the list you prepared handy. I have it listed I keep on Notepad++, and I refer to it many times during the day to see how I am tracking against the high level goals I have set, and to make sure that I am not overspending my time on some small thing. If there is something that is taking a lot of time and impacting other major things, I put that on the backlog.

"By grounding myself each morning, I not only create more clarity and focus in every area of my life, but have allowed myself to 10x my income, and diversify my coaching business."

Step 1

I wake up and have my cup of coffee. No phone, no tv, just myself for about 15 minutes.

Step 2

I then do a 15 minute grounding mediation.

Step 3

Once I have meditated, I do 15 minutes of yoga.

Step 4

After I have meditated and completed Yoga, I make my morning protein shake.

Step 5

I then take time, to play some upbeat music, and play with my cat for 10 minutes.

Step 6

Then, I take my 5 minute shower and get dressed.

Step 7

I then put on my makeup and fix my hair.

Step 8

Then, I will look at my phone, and computer and start the day.

"My morning routine allowed me to reach high levels of energy and focus, improving my overall health and productivity during my working hours."

Step 1

Wake up at 6:00 am.

Step 2

Start my exercise routine. Run, or cardio, for 20 to 30 minutes.

Step 3

Meditate for 10 minutes.

Step 4

Take a cold shower.

Step 5

Prepare and drink coffee.

"I go to bed and wake up at the same time each day, which gives me consistency. This, in my opinion, is most important for building a habit. The time between 5:00 am and 8:00 am is magical. That's when I'm most productive, and my mental energy and clarity is the highest. 

I have no distractions from emails (or family members). My morning routine typically looks like this: get up, drink a glass of water, make a coffee, do some breathing exercises and stretching, followed by kettlebell swings, have a cold shower, start working. Morning time is creative time for me, which means I tend to spend the first three hours writing. 

This has an incredibly benefit because by the time most people get up and start working, you've already created something. In fact, I've been able to create entire long-form blog posts in three hours which would normally take me between five to eight hours during the day. 

Creation gives me energy, consumption robs me of energy. Running two businesses and looking after a family is not easy, so I'd say having the routine of getting up early and getting sh*t done is what qualifies me as a highly-productive person."

Step 1

Get up.

Step 2

Have a glass of water.

Step 3

Followed by a cup of tea.

Step 4

Breathing exercises.

Step 5

Stretching and short meditation.

Step 6

Kettlebell swings.

Step 7

Cold shower.

Step 8

Start working (usually creative work).

"My morning routine is the key to my productivity throughout the day. Following this routine is also integral to my problem solving abilities, and innovation. 

I am also more energetic, empathetic, and generally a nicer person when I stick to this routine, as opposed to the days that I skip it. 

Since I started following this routine, I have become a successful serial entrepreneur as well as venture capitalist."

Step 1

I wake up at 5:30 am, and journal for 15 to 30 minutes. This helps me prepare mentally for the day so that I'm ready for the challenges ahead.

Step 2

At around 6:10 am, I start my 30-minute exercise routine.

Step 3

Once my exercise regimen is done, I take my dogs out for a brisk 10 minute walk.

Step 4

I then jump in the shower for 10 minutes and then dress up for the day.

Step 5

I proceed to make a healthy, hearty breakfast for myself, which includes a cup of green tea, a fruit, whole wheat bread, and eggs. After breakfast, I'm ready to conquer the day.

"My morning starts at 4:30 am, everyday, and while my business is in the early the stages, the workload is at least 30 hours per week. As a stay at home mother, who homeschools five children, my mornings are productive down to the minute. 

Since adopting my morning routine I have been able to learn new skills, plus take on a website, and work to create another full-time income to save for our future home, which would be impossible without the diligence of my morning routine."

Step 1

Wake up at 4:15 am.

Step 2

Take 15 minutes to make a coffee, and read through my to-do list. Then, I work on the days list.

Step 3

Then, it's checking emails, but most importantly, creating and researching content for my website, from 4:30 am to 6:20 am.

Step 4

Prepare a packed lunch for my husband who wakes at 6:30 am, pour his coffee.

Step 5

Have a second coffee with my husband before he leaves for work at 6:50 am, and we chat about our day.

Step 6

Create the to-do list for the rest of the morning, including things I need to do with the children, things I need to harvest, or cleaning to be done. This takes only a few minutes.

Step 7

Lift weights until 7:30 am, four times per week, or continue working on my website.

Step 8

Make breakfast for my children, or wake the child I am currently teaching to make breakfast for the family, wake the other children, and make bottles for the two toddlers.

Step 9

While the children are eating breakfast I get ready for the day, and make my bed and the young children beds.

Step 10

Clear the table and stack dishes, the children who are schooling get dressed and make beds then we start the homeschool day.
For two hours, homeschooling takes place, starting at 11:00am. The children play, while I clean the kitchen and prep dinner around 12:00pm. I feed our chickens, water the garden, harvest what is ready, spend time prepping the garden beds to plant soon, and then write a list of what needs to be preserved in the coming week. By then its lunch time and the morning routine is done!