Many working professionals struggle to find the right balance between their work and personal lives, often feeling overwhelmed and lacking direction in their daily routines. It can be demotivating to witness others achieving great success while feeling stuck in a cycle of unproductivity and disorganization.
It’s easy to ask the question, “What are the successful people doing differently, and how do they manage to accomplish so much in their day?”
The truth is, many successful people are often average individuals with an average number of connections, with technical abilities probably not too far off from their peers.
Yet, their success can often be attributed to their distinct set of habits and routines they fully commit themselves to doing that contribute to their achievements.
Their habits and routines can be observed in small things, such as their wake-up time in the morning or the amount of time they spend browsing social media. Highly successful individuals understand the power of intentionality and consistency in shaping their days.
This blog post aims to provide you with practical tips on how successful people structure their mornings and evenings. Incorporating these strategies into your own routine can help unlock a new level of productivity and success.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
→ Intro
→ What is a good daily routine? [Morning & Evening]
→ Why is it important to have a daily routine?
→ Daily routine vs. Daily habits
→ In a Nutshell
What is a good daily routine?
A good daily routine is a logical sequence where every activity serves a purpose, no matter how small it may be, that can ultimately contribute to the four levels of our overall well-being: physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual.
Let me tell you a quick story.
Before this year, the most productive morning routine of my adult life was when I lived abroad working for an investment marketing firm.
It was a high-pressure job.
Traveling, working the weekends, and networking are just some of the work-related activities I had to partake in, other than my 9-6 office hours. In trying to meet my quota month in and out, I realized that I had to make sure I could physically sustain the demands that come with the job.
To fit in all within a day, while also still making time to nurture my passions and personal relationships, I had to summon the discipline to manage my time well.
I adopted simple yet incredible morning and evening routines for years that felt quite gratifying.
But I had stopped doing it following another major career move and then being hit with the pandemic. From then on, I was left feeling a little empty with the lack of structure and sense of purpose.
A good daily routine is a logical sequence wherein every activity serves a purpose, no matter how small it may be, that can ultimately contribute to the four levels of our overall well-being: physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual.
Ultimately I knew it was time to shake things up at present times. So I willed myself to bring back the same daily routine I enjoyed, and then some.
In doing so, I found myself being more productive and self-fulfilled. I built up the energy and drive to tackle more in life.
With a daily routine in place, I was able to reach some of my goals much quicker and without completely burning out, than if I didn’t have a framework on how to carry them out.
That said, it’s time to explore the daily routine that has a transformative impact on our lives.
MORNING ROUTINE
- Wake up early
- Exercise
- Meditate
- Plan and prioritize
- Read and learn
- Eat a healthy breakfast
- Shower and get dressed
Establishing a morning routine is often cited as a key factor in the success of many accomplished individuals. By being intentional, you are setting yourself up for success throughout the day.
Let’s have a look one by one:
#1 – Wake up early
Many successful people start their day early, sometimes even before sunrise, to have personal time for quiet or productive activities.
But then not everyone’s circadian rhythm is identical, therefore finding out what’s considered early for some may require looking into your job and family demands.
For instance, I have night owl tendencies and so with my work as a realtor, my ‘realistic’ early is having enough sleep but waking up just before my phone gets inundated with work demands and inquiries. That wake-up time would be between 6:30 to 7 AM as I’m usually in bed by midnight or so.
#2 – Exercise
Engaging in physical activity in the morning helps boost energy levels and enhances focus and creativity. Some successful individuals incorporate activities such as yoga, running, swimming, or weightlifting into their morning routines.
One simple trick to staying consistent with the habit of daily physical movement is to diversify it. This means that you don’t necessarily have to be in the gym every day; you can mix it up.
The benefits of this approach are twofold. Not only does it let you recover from physical soreness (e.g. weightlifting), but it also maintains a sense of novelty and excitement in your workouts.
The key is to find activities that you genuinely enjoy, making it easier to keep up in the long run.
#3 – Meditate or practice gratitude
Taking a few minutes for mindfulness or practicing gratitude helps reduce stress, enhance mental clarity, and increase productivity. By training our minds to be present and attentive every day, we enhance our ability to concentrate, improve memory retention, and cultivate creative thinking.
Every morning you can start your day with positive affirmations as a mindfulness practice. Pay close attention to how your body and mind relax, and let your unconsciousness absorb the positive beliefs you have about yourself as your guiding force for the day ahead.
#4 – Plan and prioritize
Successful people understand the importance of starting their day on the right note. One effective practice they adopt is taking a few minutes in the morning to review their goals and plans for the day. By doing so, they set themselves up for success and ensure they remain focused and productive.
During this brief morning ritual, we can prioritize tasks based on our goals and objectives and apply time management techniques such as time blocking.
With time blocking, we set specific time slots in our calendars with actions that need to be accomplished, to remain focused and avoid getting distracted by less important tasks.
#5 – Read or learn
Devoting time to continuous learning is crucial. Successful individuals are keenly aware of this, and they often use their mornings to fuel their intellectual curiosity by reading books, and articles, or listening to podcasts that contribute to their personal and professional growth.
In the morning, our brains are fresher and less fatigued. Setting aside time to take advantage of this rested and energized state will allow us to learn more efficiently and recall more information throughout the day.
#6 – Eat a healthy breakfast
Nourishing the body with a healthy breakfast is essential for sustaining energy levels and maintaining optimal focus and productivity throughout the day. Successful people prioritize a nutritious breakfast to fuel their bodies and minds.
Moreover, a healthy breakfast kickstarts the metabolism, helping to regulate appetite and prevent overeating later in the day. Eating a balanced meal in the morning can curb cravings and help maintain a healthy weight. It also sets a positive tone for the day, instilling a sense of discipline and self-care.
#7 – Shower and get dressed
Successful individuals prioritize their appearance and make a conscious effort to present themselves in a polished and put-together manner. This not only reflects how they value themselves but also shows that they want to impact how others might perceive them.
Maintaining personal hygiene, especially after a workout, is essential for taking care of our physical well-being. Additionally, a refreshing cold shower in the morning can awaken our senses and provide an invigorating start to the day.
Dressing up, putting on makeup, or wearing perfume adds the finishing touches that enhance our appearance and boost our self-esteem.
These rituals signify the final step in our morning routine, indicating our readiness to face the day with confidence and determination.
Now just remember, everyone’s routine varies based on personal preferences and goals. You can adapt these ideas or create a morning routine that aligns with your specific needs and objectives.
Moving on to the next.
EVENING ROUTINE
- Reflect and review
- Disconnect from technology
- Engage in relaxing activity
- Prepare for the next day
- Practice gratitude
- Quality time with loved ones
- Get enough sleep
Having an evening routine is just as significant as our morning routine. It allows us to conclude the day with intention, providing a sense of fulfillment and creating a flow of continuity. Let’s explore the following:
#1 – Reflect and review
Successful individuals recognize the importance of reflecting on their day in the evening. They acknowledge their accomplishments, identify areas for improvement, and gain insights and lessons learned.
This reflection process enhances self-awareness and emotional intelligence, enabling a person to creatively address challenges they may have encountered.
For instance, journaling serves as an effective action step for reflection and review by allowing us to record our thoughts, emotions, and experiences, facilitating self-discovery, personal growth, and learning from past experiences.
#2 – Disconnect from technology
Limiting screen time and disconnecting from electronic devices are good practices to avoid the negative impact of constant exposure to screens on mental well-being.
By consciously setting boundaries and reducing screen time, we can create valuable space for our minds to rest and recharge.
Moreover, apart from promoting healthy sleep, this practice allows us to be present and fully engaged in the current moment, fostering a harmonious balance between technology and real-life experiences.
#3 – Engage in a relaxing activity
Self-care in the evening is a means to recharge and rejuvenate. This practice allows a person to approach each day and its challenges with a fresh perspective, heightened productivity, and increased focus.
Engaging in activities like reading a book or practicing a hobby offers a valuable opportunity to stimulate our minds in different ways and provides an outlet for self-expression. By immersing ourselves in a book or engaging in a creative hobby, we can unleash our creativity, expand our knowledge, and find joy and fulfillment in the present moment.
Additionally, activities like taking a warm bath or enjoying a cup of (caffeine-free) tea can help our bodies relax, release tension, and promote a sense of tranquility. These self-care practices provide much-needed physical and mental relaxation, allowing us to alleviate stress and restore balance in our lives.
RELATED: Simple and Effective Sunday Reset Routine of Successful Agents
#4 – Prepare for the next day
To set themselves up for success, successful individuals plan their next move. They acknowledge that by investing a small amount of time and effort in tasks like organizing their workspace, setting goals, and preparing for the next day, they can enhance their productivity and optimize their use of time.
An organized environment enables us to easily locate important items, saving us valuable time and reducing stress. In addition, preparing the items we will need for the next day simplifies our morning routine, reducing decision fatigue and potential distractions. This organized environment and level of preparedness foster a clear and focused mindset, enabling one to work efficiently and effectively.
Part of preparation is setting goals for the following day or week as well. It’s important to have a clear direction and purpose in our work. By identifying specific tasks and objectives, we can prioritize our time effectively and remain intentional in our actions.
#5 – Practice gratitude
Taking a moment to cultivate gratitude and appreciation lets us acknowledge the positive aspects of the day and shift focus toward the blessings we have experienced.
The best practice is to be in the habit of being grateful more than once during the day, morning and evening.
By taking the time to reflect on what we are grateful for, we invite more blessings and joy to come into our lives thus increasing our overall well-being.
#6 – Quality time with loved ones
There’s immense value in maintaining strong relationships and investing our time and effort in nurturing these connections; relationships serve as vital sources of support, inspiration, and growth.
When we prioritize our relationships with our loved ones, we strengthen the bonds of trust, empathy, and shared experiences, while also allowing us to dream and work towards our goals together.
Remember, success is not achieved solely through individual efforts; it is often amplified by the strength of our support system and the purpose of how we serve those who matter to us.
#7 – Get enough sleep
Recognizing the vital role of sleep in their daily performance, successful people place a high priority on ensuring they receive sufficient, restful night’s sleep.
By having a regular sleep schedule, we allow our bodies and minds to adapt and establish healthy sleep patterns. Moreover, when we create a soothing and relaxing sleep environment, we can optimize our sleep quality thus recharging our energy and enhancing our cognitive abilities.
Keep in mind, that everyone’s evening routine varies based on personal preferences and goals. Feel free to adapt these ideas or create an evening routine that suits your individual lifestyle and priorities.
Why is it important to have a daily routine?
For some people, they wait until motivation strikes before they take action.
Yet, the secret lies in initiating action, as it generates momentum.
Once the momentum is gained, motivation follows suit, setting one into a state of flow.
Suddenly, you find yourself working harder, thinking better, and believing that anything is possible.
All because you set yourself up for SUCCESS.
Having a deliberate routine and adhering to it instills a sense of accomplishment. That’s why it’s imperative to start taking action today.
By incorporating a daily routine into your personal and professional life, you can experience a range of transformative outcomes:
- Self-fulfillment
- Increased productivity
- Healthier mind, body, and soul
- Thriving relationships
This explains why many successful individuals attribute their achievements to consistency and unwavering commitment. They possess clear goals and align their mindset and actions to attain them.
Develop a Healthy Mindset to Enhance a Daily Routine
The cited examples above can be applied by anyone seeking to improve their routine.
Nonetheless, for working professionals aiming to excel in their careers, taking it a step further may be necessary.
Not everyone may be ready for this challenge, but those who are will find the following practices beneficial:
- Cultivating self-awareness: Embracing change begins with acceptance and acknowledgment. So be more aware of daily routines and habits that no longer serve you. And you will be more motivated to change them instead of denying their impact, which could lead to self-sabotage.
- Committing to professional growth: If there’s one thing we should all fear, it’s stagnation. Strive for continuous improvement in your professional life by seeking opportunities for learning, development, and advancement.
- Embracing the mantra ‘Done is better than perfect: In one of my favorite books Atomic Habits, author James Clear emphasizes the power of small habits leading to incremental improvements. This concept holds true when establishing a daily routine. Don’t wait for the perfect time or ideal circumstances to start waking up early, or practicing gratitude. Simply take action and refine as you go along.
RELATED: 5 Bad Habits That are Stopping You from Being Successful
Daily Routine vs. Daily Habits
In case you’re wondering what the difference is between daily habits and daily routines, let’s explore their distinctions.
Daily routine refers to the set of activities or tasks that you regularly engage in each day. It often includes a specific sequence or order of actions that you follow. And as you repeat these actions over time, they tend to become automatic or second nature.
Routines are essentially a series of habits that require less conscious effort to perform as they become an integral part of your daily life. While routines may require less conscious effort, habits themselves can be consciously recognized and actively chosen.
Habits are individual behaviors or actions that you repeatedly perform consistently. They can be either good or bad, depending on the nature of the habit itself and its impact on your life.
Habits tend to be under the control of your unconscious mind. Good habits are actions you incorporate into your routine to create positive change or break negative patterns. Bad habits, on the other hand, are actions that develop as a means to seek safety, comfort, or pleasure, but may have negative consequences in the long run.
Routines and habits are interconnected, but they differ in terms of consciousness and intentionality. Routines are the framework or sequence of habitual actions that have become automatic, often operating on autopilot. Habits, however, encompass the science and art of the deliberate actions you incorporate into your routine.
Understanding the distinction between routines and habits can help you leverage them to create a more purposeful and productive lifestyle.
In a Nutshell
Incorporating the daily routines of highly successful people into our own lives is an opportunity to enhance our productivity, well-being, and overall success.
These individuals understand the power of intentionality and how harnessing it from morning to evening can create a positive ripple effect in their personal and professional lives.
Waking up early, exercising, practicing mindfulness, planning and prioritizing, learning, nourishing our bodies, and engaging in self-care, are some of the positive habits that we can benefit from when we integrate them into our daily routine.
However, it’s crucial to remember that everyone’s routine should be tailored to an individual’s specific needs and goals.
As you delve into refining your daily routine, be mindful of striking a balance that works for you.
Embrace the flexibility to experiment, adapt, and refine your routine as needed.
Remember, the key lies not in replicating these routines exactly, but in finding what resonates with you and integrating it in a way that supports your journey toward success.
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What’s your daily routine? And what are the habits you want to improve to make your daily routine work for you?
