- Culture & Travel
The Exact Morning Routines of Successful People
- ByTeam The Word.

Courtesy: Bergdorf Goodman September 2019
It all comes down to your morning routine, really. Successful people and scientists have exalted it time and again, and numerous studies have shown that the way you begin your day—and find your bearings—doesn’t just determine how the rest of it is going to pan out…eventually, it even plays a role in how successful your life is going to be.
In a research published in the Harvard Business Review, for instance, the experts found that the “start-of-the-day mood” can last longer than we think—and can have an “important effect” on our job performance. So, what is an ideal morning routine? The Word. Magazine spoke to four successful female entrepreneurs about their morning routines, and the impact it has had on their careers…
Priyanka Gill, Venture Partner, Kalaari Capital,
and Co-founder, Good Glamm Group

“The first thing I do upon waking up is step onto my balcony, soak up some morning sunlight, and drink a litre of water—a habit inspired by famous neuroscientist, Andrew Huberman, to help regulate circadian rhythm and improve alertness. This routine rehydrates my body, jumpstarts my metabolism, and provides a natural energy boost. Afterwards, I spend about 15 minutes journaling and visualising. This helps me set my intentions, clarify my goals, and cultivate a positive mindset.
I create my to-do list the evening before, ensuring I wake up the next day with a clear agenda. It also reduces decision-fatigue in the morning. As part of my bullet journaling ritual, I review my tasks every morning. This involves checking those from the previous day and identifying what needs to be migrated, as well as adding new priorities for the day. It helps me stay organised, productive, and adaptable.
Finally, I head to the gym, ensuring I start the day with movement and focus. My exercise regime includes running, strength training, pilates, yoga, and boxing, to energise my body and mind. I also do some mobility training and stretching, to prevent stiffness.
I make it a point to practice meditation—it keeps me centred and resilient to stress. These steps collectively enhance my mental clarity, physical wellbeing, and emotional balance, making me stay more productive throughout the day.
Some big don’ts in the morning for me:
• Checking your phone first thing. It invites distractions and stress before you’ve set your intentions.
• Skipping breakfast. A balanced, protein-rich breakfast supports sustained energy.
• Rushing. Starting your day frantically impacts your mindset negatively.
• Neglecting mindfulness. Skipping mental-wellness practices can lead to a chaotic day.
Nishtha Satyam, Chief of Mission, UN Women (Timor Leste)

“To me, mornings signify a new start—and the first thing I do after waking up is make my bed, and roll up the blinds to get the morning sun in. It’s basic discipline, and gives me a sense of being organised.
I also like to begin my day with conscious calm. This culture of needing to be busy—and then cribbing of how much work there is to be done—is very post-modern and industrial. In addition, with all the information overdose due to social media these days, we barely allow ourselves time—to be, to think. I make sure I pause in the mornings to do just that…I look out the window and stare into nothingness, reflect and ponder, and think all the thoughts I have in my mind, no matter how cluttered. And while at it, I snack on some soaked almonds, followed by 2-3 glasses of water. Then, a word of prayer. I’ve been following the same routine for 20 years now.
As my weeks have got busier, it has also often meant less time for self-care. So lately, I’ve learnt to fit some ‘me time’ into my mornings, too. This, essentially, means indulging in a skin-care or hair-care ritual. It could be something as simple as oiling my hair or applying a home-made face mask. It helps me feel taken care of, before I soak myself in a chaotic day ahead.
I’m also a big advocate of the power of dressing up. For me, ‘feeling ready’ is a large part of being prepared for what lies ahead. So each morning, I make sure I’m dressed well—for the kind of day it is going to be. I, then, head to work, feeling confident to take on all that it has to offer.
My advice for a more productive day:
• Be fully present in the moment—‘do what you are doing’.
• Don’t fear what’s coming. Instead, action your anxiety—there is nothing that diminishes anxiety more than action. If I were to write my younger self a letter, I’d definitely tell her this: ‘S/He who fears, shall suffer, and already suffers what S/he fears’.
• There is never going to be a better time to do this. I’ve always found great wisdom in the words: ‘to begin, you must begin’.
Shelly Kapoor Collins, Partner, Sway Ventures

on being more present and mindful.
“I am a morning person. Waking up late—or beyond 6 a.m.—gives me a delayed start, which I don’t like. I don’t sleep too late the night before, either. Once up, working out is usually the first thing I do. I am a pilates devotee and have been practicing it since my son was born—which is, for the last 16 years now. A good sweat session helps clear my mind, and makes me feel like I’ve already accomplished something, which motivates me for the rest of the day. I believe achieving these small goals in the first half sets the tone for my day—and helps me feel productive. These small wins give you the momentum to keep going, which further impacts your work positively.
There are still a lot of activities I’d like to add to my mornings—walks are on top of that list. But, over the years, I have conditioned myself to follow some mindful dos and don’ts, too. For instance, I avoid using my phone and ensure it’s on Do Not Disturb. This helps me focus on whatever I’m doing, whether personal or professional. Being present is very important. I also practice Reiki [a form of energy therapy] either for a longer period in the morning, or even just a few minutes during a break, midday. It’s meditative, and helps me clear my mind and feel grounded.
At work, for my first—or any—meeting, whether it is on video or in person, I always arrive a few minutes early. I strongly believe in the saying ‘on time is late’—and showing up before the start time helps me settle in and be mentally present. I don’t make any lists for the day per se—it’s usually just a running, mental note of things
I know I need to do. I like to divide my tasks into five different categories: kids, work, family, finances, and social—and work through these sections to make sure nothing has fallen through the cracks.
I’d recommend starting your day with:
• Enough water. And add electrolytes for vitamins.
• Clocking in some exercise.
• Meditation or Reiki—to make sure your mind is clear.
• I’d even tell my younger self this: get organised the night before, so that you can begin the next day ready to go.
Ajaita Shah, Founder and CEO, Frontier Markets

“The first thing I do when I wake up is drink a cup of hot water with lemon, while still in bed. It’s a calming ritual that helps me ease into the day. During this time, I also spend a few quiet moments with my cats, letting myself fully wake up in a serene and grounded space.
Afterward, I gradually check my e-mails on my phone. This allows me to gently transition from rest to work, ensuring I can approach my day with a calm and centred mind.
This morning routine helps me set a positive tone for the day, start with clarity, and understand my schedule and priorities before diving into the hustle. It also aids with staying focussed, no matter how full the day ahead may be.
Preparation is key for me, especially for my first meeting of the day. Towards that, I start the morning by reviewing any relevant, informative e-mails, documents, or previous conversations regarding the meeting. I also check in with my team for any updates or insights that may be important. If my first meeting is at 9 a.m., I make sure I’m fully briefed by 8 a.m.—or ideally, even be prepared the night before. This way, I enter the meeting with confidence, knowing I have all the details I need to engage meaningfully and make informed decisions.”
My tips for an effective ‘to-do’ list:
• I tend to make my to-do list the night before or at the start of the week. Preparing ahead of time gives me the structure I need.
• My technique is to start by listing on paper everything I need to do, from personal to professional tasks—then prioritise based on urgency and importance.
• I often use a whiteboard to visualise this—there’s something about physically crossing off tasks that gives me a sense of accomplishment and control. It also allows me to see the bigger picture, so I can plan my time more effectively and ensure I’m always moving forward.
All images: Courtesy the contributors
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