Ever wonder what separates highly productive leaders from the rest of us, often before we’ve even reached for the snooze button? For many top CEOs and high performers, the secret lies in how they start their mornings. Their routines aren’t just rituals—they’re intentional habits designed to set the tone for the rest of the day. Although there isn’t a secret formula for achieving success, some habits tend to reappear consistently in the lives of top performers. Here are five of the best CEO-endorsed morning routines that will give you a clear, focused start to the day and lots of energy.
5. Utilizing Downtime
You might think CEOs have no time for downtime, but they’re experts at making the most of small pockets of time. Consider Google CEO Sundar Pichai, who finds himself reading the Wall Street Journal during his morning ride to work. Whether you’re waiting for your coffee to finish brewing or driving to work, those quiet moments can be used for quality purposes.
Listening to a podcast, catching up on the news, or even just sitting in silence with your thoughts can ease you into the day with intention. It’s not squeezing productivity out of every second—it’s selecting how those seconds influence your mindset.
4. Practicing Mindfulness or Meditation
Mindfulness is more than a wellness fad—it’s a staple of many leaders’ morning routines. Oprah Winfrey starts her days with meditation to instill calm and presence. Others, such as Anand Mahindra, journal to reflect and reset. Even short periods of mindfulness—several minutes of breathing or mindful stillness—are known to decrease stress and enhance concentration.
Nathan Brown, president of Range Digital Ventures, takes a few minutes each morning to meditate and finds that it helps create a more concentrated day. You don’t have to have an expensive setup—just a quiet area and a willingness to stop.
3. Beginning the Day with Conscious Planning
Rather than sliding through your phone in the morning, most successful professionals opt for thinking and planning. Taking a minute or two to review goals, imagine the day forward, or jot down a list of things to do can add order and serenity to your morning.
Stef Brad, a productivity coach, saw a dramatic shift in concentration after swapping morning doomscrolling with goal-making and visualization. Whether it’s journaling, gratitude lists, or writing affirmations, beginning your day with intention gets you in charge before the world’s demands begin tugging at you.
2. Fueling Up with a Balanced Breakfast
Skipping breakfast may shave a few minutes, but for most CEOs, it’s not an option. Nasdaq chair and CEO Adena Friedman has a light but healthy combination of oatmeal, granola, fruit, and coffee. A good breakfast stabilizes energy levels, keeps your brain alert, and avoids mid-morning slumps. You don’t have to have a gourmet meal—eggs and whole-grain toast can power and concentrate you. The key is consistency, not complexity.
1. Prioritizing Sleep and Moving Your Body
Great mornings begin the night before, with quality sleep. Bill Gates makes it a point to get 7–8 hours each night, emphasizing that rest is essential to high performance. Once you’re up, some form of movement—whether it’s a walk, a stretch, or a quick workout—can make a big difference.
JP Morgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon makes it easy by selecting from his three favorite exercises daily, based on what feels good. Exercise releases endorphins, enhances concentration, and creates an excellent emotional tone for the ensuing hours.
The Science Behind It All
Research supports such habits. A University of Birmingham study discovered that early risers tend to have increased brain activity during the morning. Other studies correlate exercise and healthy eating with superior cognitive functioning and mood management.
But don’t try to wake up at 5 a.m. if it’s not your body’s natural rhythm. The point is to find a routine that works for you and your goals, whether you’re a morning person or a night person.
These CEO habits aren’t about being perfect. They’re about intention—designing a morning that sets you up to show up as your best self, no matter what comes your way.