In this week's episode of The Executive Coach podcast, I explored the often-discussed topic of morning routines - but with a refreshingly different perspective. As someone who works extensively with C-suite leaders, I've noticed there are typically two camps when it comes to morning routines: those who absolutely love them and constantly refine their approach, and those who believe morning routines simply aren't for them, perhaps feeling they lack the necessary discipline to maintain one.
The power of weekly planning
Before discussing morning routines specifically, it's worth considering the broader context of how we structure our weeks. As Laura Vanderkam beautifully articulates, life is lived in weeks - 168 hours to be precise. This framework often proves more manageable than trying to achieve perfect balance within each day.
My morning rhythm
My current approach to mornings has evolved organically over time. While I'm not one of those 'super disciplined, consistent people' who wake at precisely the same time each day, I've discovered a rhythm that serves me remarkably well:
Protected Time Until 11am
No coaching calls scheduled before this time
Reserved for highest-priority, cognitively demanding work
Perfect for tasks requiring deep focus or those I might procrastinate on later
A gentle start to the day
Begin with something enjoyable (like a proper coffee)
Include planning or journaling time
Create a 'pull' factor that makes leaving bed appealing
Movement
Daily walk or run in nature
Time for podcast listening and idea generation
Flexibility to accommodate spontaneous walk-and-talks with friends
The family dynamic
It's worth noting that I'm not the default morning parent in our household - this is a conscious choice that works for our family, with me taking the after-school shift instead. While the morning family time is condensed to about 45-60 minutes, this arrangement allows me to maximise those precious morning hours for deep work.
Why this works
The beauty of this approach lies in its flexibility while maintaining core elements that compound over time. By tackling the hardest tasks early, there's a wonderful sense of momentum that builds throughout the day. As one client recently noted, "a task postponed magnifies in your own head" - getting these challenging items done early creates mental space for the rest of the day.
Making it work for you
For those who've previously dismissed morning routines as 'not for them', here's my gentle challenge: consider starting incredibly small. One of my clients recently worried that starting with just five minutes of focused work wasn't 'enough'. Yet often, these tiny, sustainable changes prove far more effective than dramatic overhauls.
Looking ahead
As we approach the new year, you might be contemplating changes to your morning routine. My advice? Start experimenting now, before the pressure of New Year's resolutions kicks in. Test what works for you in these final weeks of 2024.
Brilliant morning routines aren't the exclusive domain of the ultra-disciplined. Everyone deserves - and can create - a morning rhythm that serves them well. The key is finding what works for you, starting small, and allowing it to evolve naturally over time.
Whether you're fine-tuning an existing routine or starting from scratch, remember that consistency matters more than perfection. As we often discuss in executive coaching, it's the small, sustainable changes that ultimately lead to the most significant transformations.
To catch up on the full episode and find out more how you can craft your ideal morning routine, you can listen to the podcast at Apple Podcasts OR Spotify
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