18. Becoming an early riser
While there’s still a debate about whether early risers really do get the worm, I’m sold on getting up early.
I think you’ll never regret becoming an early riser because you simply get one to three hours to accomplish things when no one is texting you, bothering you or slamming your inbox.
Guess when I write this blog?
I think one of the keys to success is simply beating the patterns most other people follow. For me, getting up at 5 gives me (and you) a two- to three-hour advantage over almost everyone—and everything—else.
Try it.
19. Getting to bed on time
I am also a sleep evangelist. Having cheated sleep through my 20s and 30s, I repented.
I try to get as close to eight hours of sleep I can every night. I really believe sleep is a secret leadership weapon.
There’s evidence that people who are sleep deprived operate with a similar impairment level to people who drink too much.
Leaders who are rested always bring more to the table than leaders who are tired.
20. Eating better
Diet can have a tremendous impact on mental clarity, alertness and even your quality of sleep.
Sugar and carb crashes happen to far too many leaders.
Cutting down on sugar and carbs has helped me not only lose weight, but feel much better throughout the day.
21. Working out
For years I resisted working out, but in the last 10 years I’ve taken exercise more seriously.
It’s still a discipline, but finding something I love (like cycling) has really helped.
And most of the productive leaders I know take their health and working out at least somewhat seriously.
BONUS
Carving out a daily time with God
Why is that the first thing to go in the lives of many Christians is our time with God?
Anchoring myself in scripture and prayer at the beginning of every day is a discipline I’ve never regretted.
You lead better when you hear from God.
What Would You Add?
I realize this can sound like a bit of a moralizing list, but just scan back through the headlines.
You really wouldn’t regret any of these, would you?
And that’s the point. Sometimes the key to a better future is simpler than we think.
What would you add to this list?
