How to Build the Ideal Morning Routine for Champion Performance
As a CEO or executive, your mornings set the tone for the entire day. I've spent decades experimenting with morning routines, studying what works for others, and—most importantly—what works for me. What I’ve learned is this: the ideal morning routine isn’t about copying someone else’s ritual. It’s about crafting a routine that is perfectly tailored to your life, your mind, and your goals. In this article, I’ll share my personal morning routine, the core purpose behind any effective morning routine, and practical guidance to help you build your own customized routine that primes you for a champion mindset every single day.
Why a Morning Routine Matters More Than You Think
Many people try to mimic morning routines they see online or hear about from high achievers, only to find that these routines don’t work for them. That’s because our lives, brains, and priorities differ drastically. What energizes one person might drain another. I’ve seen firsthand how trying to replicate someone else’s routine can actually hinder your performance and degrade your quality of life rather than enhance it.
The truth is, your morning routine should serve three fundamental purposes. If it doesn’t, you’re missing the point. A well-designed morning routine will:
1. Champion state: Put you into a champion state where your mind, body, and spirit are aligned and ready to take on the day’s challenges.
2. Create clarity: Bring clarity to your day, helping you focus on what truly matters despite the inevitable uncertainties.
3. Warm up: Act as your warm-up reps — setting the stage for sustained champion performance throughout the day.
Think of it like an athlete preparing for a race. The first few steps and warm-ups are critical to ensuring the entire performance goes smoothly. Your morning routine is that warm-up for your mind and body.
My Personal Morning Routine: What I Do and Why
To give you a practical example, here’s how I structure my mornings. While this routine works for me, the principles behind it can be adapted to fit your lifestyle.
1. Meditation: The very first thing I do upon waking is meditate. This is because I’m still in the alpha and theta brainwave state — a naturally calm and receptive state. Meditating at this time allows me to enter a focused, calm mindset that carries through the day. I’ve found meditation to be most effective right after waking and right before bed.
2. Taking the Puppy Out: I have a six-month-old puppy, so after meditation, I take him outside to do his business. It’s a simple task but one that grounds me and gets me moving.
3. Basic Hygiene: Brushing my teeth and other personal hygiene rituals come next. These small acts signal to my brain that the day is beginning in earnest.
4. Spending Time with My Kids: Family is a priority, so I make sure to spend quality time with my children before they head to school. Sometimes this means making breakfast together or simply chatting. This connection energizes me emotionally and reminds me of my purpose beyond work.
5. Workout: Exercising in the morning is vital for me. It boosts my energy, sharpens my focus, and sets a positive tone. Morning workouts also free up my evenings for other activities like research, reading, or family time.
6. Shower: After working out, I shower to maintain hygiene and refresh myself physically and mentally.
7. Tai Chi or Qigong: Depending on the day, I practice these ancient Asian movement arts. These practices help me cultivate and circulate energy throughout my body, enhancing my vitality and calmness.
8. Daily Outcome Planner: Finally, I fill in my daily outcome planner. This step is crucial to identify the key goals I want to accomplish. It brings clarity and focus, ensuring I channel my energy and time into the most impactful tasks.
The Core Elements Every Morning Routine Should Include
While the specific activities in your morning routine will vary, there are five non-negotiable elements that every effective morning routine must have. These elements ensure your routine is sustainable, effective, and aligned with your performance goals.
1. Consistency
Your morning routine should be consistent, especially on workdays like Monday through Friday. Consistency builds momentum and signals to your brain that these activities are essential. For me, weekends are different—my routine shifts to prioritize creativity— but during the workweek, consistency is king.
2. Doability
Make sure your routine is realistic and doable every day. Overloading your routine with too many tasks sets you up for failure and guilt. Instead, select a few impactful activities that you can reliably execute without stress.
3. A Sense of Irregularity When Missed
This is an interesting one: your routine should feel so integral that missing a key part makes you feel “off” or not fully yourself. This feeling is not guilt but a natural indicator that the routine supports your optimal state. For example, I know when I skip meditation or working out, I don’t feel as sharp or energized.
4. Focus, Energy, and Champion Mindset
Every element of your routine should contribute to getting you focused, energized, and into that champion mindset. If an activity doesn’t help you feel ready to conquer the day, it probably doesn’t deserve a spot in your routine.
5. Physical Engagement
Your body is a huge part of your mindset. Engaging your physiology through movement or breathwork primes your brain for champion performance. This is why I include exercise and energy practices like Tai Chi in my routine—they help optimize the body, which in turn sharpens the mind.
How to Customize Your Morning Routine
Building your ideal morning routine starts with understanding your own life and priorities. Here are some practical steps to help you create a routine that fits your unique needs:
· Assess Your Goals: What do you want to achieve each day? What mindset do you need to be in to perform at your best?
· Identify Your Peak Brainwave States: Are you a morning person who wakes alert, or do you need time to ramp up? Plan activities like meditation or journaling when your mind is most receptive.
· Choose Activities That Energize You: Whether it’s exercise, reading, or creative work, pick what fuels you physically and mentally.
· Keep It Simple and Doable: Start with a few core activities and build consistency before adding more.
· Be Flexible on Weekends: Your routine doesn’t have to be rigid every day. Use weekends for creativity or rest.
Why Your Morning Routine Should Reflect Your Lifestyle
One of the biggest mistakes executives make is trying to replicate routines of famous people or influencers without considering their own lifestyle. Your morning routine should be a reflection of your life’s demands, your family situation, your work schedule, and your personality.
For instance, my weekends look very different from my weekdays. I don’t prioritize exercise or the same rituals. Instead, I jump straight into creative work because that’s when I’m most productive. This flexibility is essential to avoid burnout and maintain long-term consistency.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid When Building Your Morning Routine
Many people feel guilty for missing parts of their routine or for not doing enough.
Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:
· Packing Too Much Into Your Routine: This leads to overwhelm and inconsistency.
· Copying Others Without Customization: Your routine should be personalized, not a carbon copy.
· Ignoring Your Body’s Needs: Physical engagement is critical; skipping it can dull your mental sharpness.
· Neglecting Emotional Connection: Spending time with loved ones or engaging in meaningful activities sets a positive emotional tone.
Putting It All Together: The Morning Routine Formula
To recap, an effective morning routine should be:
· Consistent during your workweek
· Doable without causing stress or guilt
· Integral enough that missing it makes you feel “off”
· Focused on getting you energized and in a champion mindset
· Physiologically engaging to optimize both body and mind
By designing your routine around these principles, you’ll set yourself up to handle the day’s challenges with clarity, focus, and resilience.
Frequently Asked Questions About Morning Routines
Q: How long should my morning routine be?
A: There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The key is consistency and doability. For some, 15 minutes is enough to meditate, review goals, and get moving. For others, it might be an hour. Start small and build up as it fits your schedule.
Q: What if I’m not a morning person?
A: Customize your routine to your natural rhythms. If you need time to wake up fully, include gentle activities like stretching or light meditation first. The goal is to ease into a champion state, not force it.
Q: Should I exercise every morning?
A: Exercise is a powerful way to energize your body and mind, but it’s not mandatory. If morning workouts don’t fit your lifestyle, find other ways to engage your body, like walking, stretching, or breathwork.
Q: How do I stay consistent on busy days?
A: Focus on the essentials that make you feel centered and energized. Even a shortened routine with meditation or a quick review of your daily goals can maintain momentum.
Q: Can I change my routine over time?
A: Absolutely. Your routine should evolve as your priorities and life circumstances change. Regularly assess what’s working and what isn’t.
Final Thoughts
Building the ideal morning routine is one of the most impactful steps you can take to enhance your performance as a CEO or executive. Remember, it’s not about mimicking others—it’s about creating a routine that fits your unique life, sharpens your focus, energizes your body, and puts you in that champion mindset every day.
Start by incorporating a few core practices like meditation, physical movement, and goal-setting, then adjust based on how these activities make you feel. Over time, your morning routine will become a powerful foundation that propels you toward your highest potential.
Thank you, Purdeep. So timely and relevant for me.