They say that you are what you repeatedly do every day. So what do you do every day, first thing in the morning? Grab a cup of coffee and read the news? Perhaps have a massive breakfast? Or maybe you simply sleep in. Awesome, don’t we all love that.

I want you to take a moment and reflect on your typical morning ritual. Does it empower you and get you excited to start the day? If the answer is kinda, or flat out no, then clearly something’s gotta give.

A few months back, I personally discovered the importance of developing a morning ritual. It’s literally changed my life. I’m not only more productive, but I also feel more positive and have more energy throughout the day. So what do I do every morning?

First things first, I put my phone on silent. I hate that damn thing. I have this special journal that I write in every day. I start off by writing a list of positive affirmations, anything from how I want my day to go, to how I’m feeling in that moment. Even if I’m not particularly feeling good, I write that I am and basically trick my mind into believing my words. As per The Secret, that helps me to attract that good vibe and energy. I continue on with an inspirational TED talk. By now you should know that I’m obsessed with TED talks. I just can’t get enough, seriously. Then I finish off with a small prayer where I list all the wonderful things I’m thankful for, and I meditate for 10 minutes. The whole thing takes me 30 to 45 minutes but it sure as hell is worth it. Once I’m done, I feel reborn.

Now I’m not saying that your ritual needs to be as extensive. But there must be a couple of things you can routinely do in the morning to kick start your day. Even if just for 10 minutes. It’ll change you, I’m not even kidding.

Here are what some of the most influential people in the world do in the morning. Maybe you’ll find some inspiration.

Mark Zuckerberg: He wakes up at 8AM and wears the exact same t-shirt every morning so he has one less decision to make.

Bill Gates: He starts off his morning ritual by spending an hour on the treadmill while watching courses from The Teaching Company at the same time.

Richard Branson: He wakes up at 5:45AM and goes for a swim around his island, or kitesurfing if it’s a windy day. Then he plays tennis and sits down for a healthy breakfast.

Arianna Huffington: She begins every morning with 30 minutes of meditation. She’s so convinced of the benefits of meditation that she offers weekly classes to her employees.

Ellen Degeneres: Her day starts with a good workout followed by 20 minutes of meditation.

Lady Gaga: She begins her day with a yoga session, followed by 5 minutes of “self directed love and gratitude”, through compassionate thoughts and affirmations.

Oprah Winfrey: Her morning ritual consists of clearing her mind with at least 20 minutes of meditation.

 

So what will you do tomorrow morning?

“We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.” – Aristotle