Avery Collins
In her book, *What the Most Successful People Do Before Breakfast*, Laura Vanderkam explores how successful individuals utilise their mornings to accomplish tasks that may be impossible later in the day. By waking up early and optimising their morning routines, these people are able to increase their productivity and achieve success in various areas of their lives. Vanderkam's book provides practical advice and insights into the morning rituals and habits of highly productive people, encouraging readers to rethink their own morning routines to jump-start their days and achieve their goals.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Wake up early | 5:00 a.m. or 6:00 a.m. |
| Exercise | Running |
| Spiritual practices | Reading the Bible, praying, or meditating |
| Family time | Eating breakfast with family, reading to kids, or making art |
| Networking | Attending networking breakfasts |
| Planning | Reviewing tasks for the day |
| Emails | Clearing the inbox and scheduling the day |
| Creative work | Writing |
| Reading |
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What You'll Learn
Successful people nurture their careers, relationships, and themselves
Successful people know how to make the most of their mornings. They understand that the time before breakfast can be used to increase productivity and accomplish things that would otherwise be impossible later in the day. Here are some ways in which successful people nurture their careers, relationships, and themselves before breakfast:
Nurturing their careers
Successful people use the early hours of the day to focus on their careers. They engage in strategizing and focused work, taking advantage of the lack of interruptions that comes with the quiet morning hours. For example, novelist Anthony Trollope wrote for a few hours each morning, and Charlotte Walker-Said, a history postdoc at the University of Chicago, uses the early morning hours to work on a book. By dedicating time to their careers before breakfast, successful people are able to make significant progress and advance towards their goals.
Nurturing their relationships
Successful people also understand the importance of nurturing their relationships. They make time for their families and friends, creating meaningful connections before the busyness of the day sets in. Some examples include reading stories to their children, cooking breakfast with their family, or simply enjoying a quiet meal together. By prioritizing their relationships, successful people strengthen their bonds and create a supportive network that contributes to their overall success and well-being.
Nurturing themselves
Self-care is another crucial aspect of a successful morning routine. Successful people engage in activities that nourish their minds, bodies, and spirits. This may include exercise, meditation, prayer, or creative practices. For instance, some people start their day with a run or a workout, while others devote time to spiritual practices such as reading the Bible or other religious texts. By nurturing themselves, successful people ensure that they are physically, mentally, and emotionally prepared to take on the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
Building habits and routines
Consistency is key when it comes to morning routines. Successful people understand the importance of building habits and sticking to them. They monitor their energy levels and make adjustments as needed, recognizing that life often presents challenges and interruptions. By focusing on one change at a time and gradually incorporating new habits, they are able to transform their mornings into productive and fulfilling periods that set the tone for the rest of their day.
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They set aside time for top-priority activities
Mornings are an underutilized tool to aid productivity. We are often at our peak in the mornings, with our mental batteries charged. Successful people use this time to work on their careers, nurture their relationships, and take care of themselves.
Laura Vanderkam, the author of What the Most Successful People Do Before Breakfast, suggests that successful people devote chunks of time in the morning to the things or people they love. They set aside time for top-priority activities, such as strategizing and focused work, giving their families and friends their best, and exercising or spiritual and creative practices.
Vanderkam writes, "Before the rest of the world is eating breakfast, the most successful people have already scored daily victories that are advancing them toward the lives they want." This means that successful people use the early hours of the day to accomplish things that may be impossible to take care of later in the day. They have their priorities clear, and the morning is when they have the most control over their schedules.
For example, former PepsiCo chairman and CEO, Steve Reinemund, would rise at 5:00 a.m., run four miles, pray, and eat breakfast with his family before heading to work to run a Fortune 500 company. Similarly, a history postdoc at the University of Chicago, Charlotte Walker-Said, uses the hours between 6:00 and 9:00 a.m. each day to work on a book before dealing with her teaching responsibilities.
By setting aside time for top-priority activities in the morning, successful people are able to increase their productivity and make progress towards their goals. They take advantage of their fresh minds and uninterrupted time to work on their careers, connect with their loved ones, and nurture their well-being.
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They automate tasks that don't require energy
In her book, *What the Most Successful People Do Before Breakfast*, Laura Vanderkam highlights the importance of mornings and how successful people use this time to accomplish tasks that may be impossible later in the day.
One strategy that successful people employ is automating tasks that don't require much energy. This means finding ways to streamline and simplify their routines to conserve mental energy for more important decisions and activities. For example, Mike Vardy, in his review of Vanderkam's book, mentions that he "eat[s] the same breakfast and lunch every day (dinner is my fun meal). Why waste time on figuring out what I want to pick up for lunch?". By automating his meals, Vardy saves time and mental energy that can be redirected towards more meaningful pursuits.
Automating tasks can also extend beyond just meals. Successful people often establish routines and habits that become second nature, allowing them to conserve willpower and mental bandwidth. For instance, some individuals may dedicate time in the morning for spiritual practices like meditation or prayer to centre themselves before tackling the day's challenges. Others may use the early hours for creative endeavours when their minds are fresh and uninterrupted by the demands of the day. By automating these practices, successful people ensure they consistently nurture themselves and their passions.
Vanderkam also emphasizes the importance of recognizing your energy levels and working with them. For instance, if you know mornings are when you have the most energy, block out that time for your most important tasks. If you're more of a night owl, structure your evenings to accommodate your peak productivity. By understanding your energy levels, you can automate your tasks to align with your natural rhythms, maximizing your output and success.
Ultimately, automating tasks that don't require energy is about simplifying your routine to make room for activities that truly matter. It's about identifying the puzzle pieces that fit into your mornings or evenings, depending on your energy levels, and building habits around them. By doing so, you'll find yourself accomplishing more and taking strides towards the life you want, just like the most successful people.
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They spend time with their families
Spending time with family is an important aspect of a successful person's morning routine. This can take various forms, such as sharing a meal, engaging in creative activities, or simply enjoying relaxed conversations.
Former PepsiCo chairman and CEO, Steve Reinemund, is an example of someone who values family time in the morning. He starts his day at 5 am, running four miles, praying, and then eating breakfast with his family before heading to work. Similarly, a financial planner in New York shared with Laura Vanderkam that mornings are her special time with her young daughter. They engage in activities like getting dressed, making the bed, and occasionally working on art projects together. They also sit and chat over breakfast, and she considers those 45 minutes the most precious time of her day.
Family breakfasts, when approached as relaxed and enjoyable occasions, can be a wonderful substitute for the traditional family dinner. This is especially relevant for families with young children who prefer to eat earlier in the evening, and for parents who work late hours. By prioritising family time in the morning, successful individuals can make the most of their energy and focus, creating meaningful connections and nurturing their relationships.
Vanderkam also suggests that connecting with your partner in the morning can be beneficial. Whether it's through a shared breakfast or simply enjoying some quiet time together before the day begins, these moments can be energising and set a positive tone for the day ahead.
Successful people understand the importance of nurturing their relationships and giving their loved ones their best selves. By incorporating family time into their morning routines, they strengthen their bonds and create lasting memories.
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They network and socialise
Networking and socialising in the morning can be a great way to connect with people and advance your career. Breakfast meetings are less disruptive than lunches, and morning coffee meetings are more work-oriented than after-work drinks.
Networking in the morning can also be a great way to start your day with a sense of accomplishment and a feeling of connection with others. You might feel more creative and fresh in the morning, which can make networking more enjoyable and productive.
If you're not a morning person, consider scheduling networking meetings for later in the day when you feel more energised. Alternatively, you could start with a small group of people you already know well and feel comfortable with, and gradually expand your networking activities as you feel more comfortable with morning socialising.
In addition to networking, successful people also use the morning to nurture their relationships with friends and family. They might spend time reading to their children, working on art projects, or simply enjoying a family breakfast together. These activities can strengthen relationships and provide a sense of connection and support to start the day.
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Frequently asked questions
The book, written by Laura Vanderkam, is a guide to help readers make the most of their mornings and, consequently, their lives. It provides practical advice and suggestions for a more productive morning routine.
Successful people use the morning to invest in top-priority activities, nurturing their careers, relationships, and themselves. They may exercise, pray or meditate, spend time with family, or network over breakfast.
Mornings are an underutilized tool to aid productivity. We are often at our peak in the mornings, with more mental alertness and energy. By tackling important tasks early, successful people can advance toward their goals and make the rest of their day less stressful.
Laura Vanderkam suggests tracking your time, picturing your perfect morning, thinking through the logistics, and building habits. She also emphasizes the importance of focusing on one change at a time and finding what works best for you.
