My morning routine has become a topic of regular conversation — most recently after a discussion at church about daily habits. I've said it before and I'll say it again: once I complete my morning routine, whatever happens the rest of the day doesn't matter, because I have crushed the morning.
The foundation of my routine comes from Hal Elrod's Miracle Morning and his SAVERS framework, but over the years I've adapted it into something that genuinely works for my life. When I skip it — or when I schedule something early that cuts into it — my whole day feels off.
My 10-Step Morning Routine
Simple, but it signals to my body that the day has started.
First thing into the body sets the nutritional tone for the day.
A habit backed by Andrew Huberman's research — it anchors your circadian rhythm and boosts morning cortisol in a healthy way.
Non-negotiable. Whether it's a full workout or a walk, movement happens every morning.
Grounds me and centers my focus before the noise of the day begins.
I write what I'm grateful for, my affirmations, and my plan for the day — including how I'll show up in each of my key roles.
Spiritual input before any digital input. This sequence matters.
A newer addition that I've come to love. The heat creates a focused environment with no distractions.
Three minutes of deliberate discomfort. It builds mental resilience and the energy boost is real.
A chapter or two of whatever book I'm currently working through. Feeds the mind before the workday takes over.
The Challenge
The honest challenge is balance. As I've added the sauna and cold plunge, the routine has grown longer. It's so hard to do everything and still be available for my family and ready for work at a reasonable hour. But I keep adjusting and refining.
If you don't have a morning routine, start with one thing. Add the next thing only when the first is locked in. The compound effect of small, consistent habits over time is extraordinary.