Tim Ferriss, author of the 4-Hour Workweek: Escape 9-5, Live Anywhere, and Join the New Rich (among other books), and host of the popular podcast The Tim Ferriss Show, says, “If you win the morning, you win the day—at least so it has been said.”
I agree with that sentiment, not only because I'm a huge fan of his work (seriously, listen to his podcast!), but also because while you may not have control over the rest of your day due to work, family, or other responsibilities, you do have control over how you start your day.
His morning routine includes some staples of successful leaders: making your bed, meditating, and practicing gratitude.
And while your optimal routine may not include those elements exactly, it’s a good place to start. Try it out and see what works for you—you can always adjust. For my life, after trying a number of different things (like taking a walk first thing, meditating, making my bed, and practicing a headstand for blood flow) I’ve found that what truly makes a difference for the rest of my day is simply making time for a sit-down breakfast and a cup of tea.
Find what works for you, and then commit to it each and every day.