As we turn the page on a new decade and reflect on our successes, failures, and lessons learned, we seek new ways to improve ourselves. With the start of a new year comes resolutions, and here at cred we’re striving to improve our morning routines to get the most out of every day.
So how can you create a morning routine that instills positive habits and a feeling of accomplishment before your morning cup of joe? Here are a few tips inspired by leading entrepreneurs squeezing the most out of every morning.
1. Rise & Shine
Research suggests many successful people wake up well before the workday begins—just ask the likes of Apple CEO Tim Cook, VaynerMedia CEO Gary Vaynerchuk, and LinkedIn CEO Jeff Weiner! By doing the same, you can make time to exercise, read a book, spend time with family and get a jump on the day before you get worn down by your daily duties.
2. Eat the Frog
Start your morning off with an attack list of three actions for the day that will have the most impact on your day. Start with the most uncomfortable task at the very top of your list. If you accomplish the “scary” task first, then everything else will be easier and you’ll have the confidence to take on anything big or small throughout the day. Lifehacker.com founding editor Gina Trapani believes in tackling the toughest priority in the morning to gain momentum and a sense of accomplishment early in the day.
3. Have a Mental Ritual
Have a "ritual" in the sense of something you do to clear your mind. Whether that’s meditation or listening to your favorite podcast that inspires you, make it a daily habit that brings you joy and clears your mind for the day ahead. SeatGeek Founder Jack Groetzinger dedicates 10 minutes out of his mornings to meditate before coming into the office.
4. Exercise First Thing in the Morning
Science suggests a correlation between mental sharpness, memory, and exercise. According to Harvard Medical School's journal, working out causes your brain to secrete a chemical called a neurotrophic factor, which boosts brain function and cuts through the “brain fog.” Twitter and Square CEO Jack Dorsey’s morning routine includes waking up at 5 a.m. to meditate and work out, and a 5.3-mile walk to work.
5. The Most Important Meal of the Day: Breakfast
"Breakfast is the most important meal of the day" may sound like an old wives' tale at this point, but it’s worth the hype. In order to avoid potential aforementioned brain fog induced by low blood sugar, you need breakfast. Starting off the day with a full, nutrient-dense meal also allows you to keep making better choices throughout the day and avoid a mental crash. Tony Robbins and Oprah Winfrey eat a protein-rich breakfast to keep them fueled throughout the day.