Routines are the cornerstone of success. They create a consistency that eliminates the friction that comes with decision making. The more you can fall into a routine, the less thinking you have to do about the things that don’t matter and the more time you have to focus on what you need to accomplish.
Here’s a list of 5 daily routines of successful people:
1. Early to Bed, Early to Rise
Sleep is a growing industry. Apps and other devices designed to measure the quality of your sleep are all the rage. With all the research pointing to the link between sleep and success, it’s no surprise. But it is counter to the image we all hold of the high achiever who burns the midnight oil in order to keep pace with all the other high achievers out there. Research shows that getting enough sleep is critical to sustainable success. So what can you do? Stop looking at any digital device at least an hour before bed. The blue light radiating from your iPad and cell phones wreak havoc on your circadian rhythms which impact your hormones. Improving your sleep quality is probably the single most important thing to focus on for your success.
2. Plan Your Day the Night Before
You need your day to get off to a good start right? Imagine what it feels like to wake up with a clear vision for what you need to accomplish for the day, what you’ll wear and even what you’ll have for breakfast. When we spend time in the morning deciding what to do rather than just doing it, it takes up mental energy. It may not seem like a drain, but over time, starting your day in a state of uncertainty can take its toll. Planning your daily goals the night before allows you to use every minute of the following day accomplishing goals rather than identifying them. This is why high achievers from Steve Jobs to Mark Zuckerberg wear the same thing every day. They want to eliminate unnecessary decision making so all their energy can be focused on more important business decisions.
3. Take Time to Reflect
There is an undeniable link between meditation and success. But if cultivating a meditation practice isn’t for you, there are other things you can do to help your mind and even boost your productivity. Exercise can offer some of the same benefits if you generally focus your energy on the task rather than mindlessly watching TV while on the treadmill. Taking a walk or even mindfully eating your lunch away from your desk can help clear your mind of clutter and allow you to recalibrate. Finding time to take breaks in your day can actually make you more productive, especially if your day starts earlier. Studies show you don’t have to work longer hours than your colleagues to be more productive. Though, it’s still OKAY if they think you do!
4. Drink More Water
Sure, you already know you should drink more water. But you probably don’t know that drinking water has been scientifically proven to increase productivity. From increased brain function and clarity to decreased stress and headache frequency, there’s no reason not to make sure you’ve always got a full glass handy.
5. Practice Gratitude
People who practice gratitude show increased determination, energy and enthusiasm. These things alone are reason enough to get your grateful on, but gratitude comes with a whole list of benefits. It’s also been scientifically proven to not only increase success, but overall happiness as it creates a positive feedback loop. The more gratitude you show the more positive you become and the happier you’ll be. Looking for inspiration to get started? “Opportunities, relationships, even money flowed my way when I learned to be grateful no matter what happened in my life.” Any idea who said that? Oprah. What more proof could you possibly need?
Does this seem like too much to implement at once? Don’t worry. Incorporating just one of these daily routines of successful people is guaranteed to help you achieve more in your day. Start by adding just one for a month and then another. You’ll be doing all 5 before you know it! Need some more ideas, check out our video on morning rituals. Also a bonus read for you: The practical magic of slowing down, even at work!
