Tim Ferriss has spoken and written extensively about morning routines, especially in Tools of Titans and his podcast, The Tim Ferriss Show. While he doesn't believe there's a one-size-fits-all routine, he emphasizes that successful people often start their day deliberately. Here are the main elements he recommends or practices himself:
1. Make Your Bed
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Why: A small win to begin the day. Ferriss picked this up from Admiral William McRaven, who said it sets a tone of discipline and accomplishment.
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Benefit: Momentum and a visual reminder that little things matter.
2. Meditate (10–20 minutes)
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Tools: Transcendental Meditation, or guided apps like Headspace or Waking Up.
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Why: Clears mental clutter and sets a calm tone for the day.
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Quote: “If you don’t have 10 minutes to meditate, you need an hour.”
3. Exercise or Movement
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What: Even just 5–10 minutes—can be pushups, kettlebells, or a walk.
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Why: Triggers endorphins and gets blood flowing. Enhances clarity and energy.
4. Journal
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Options: He often uses the 5-Minute Journal or Morning Pages (from Julia Cameron).
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Purpose: Gratitude, setting priorities, and identifying potential obstacles.
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Why: It clears the mind and aligns focus with values.
5. Have Tea or Coffee
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Often includes: Green tea or strong coffee with coconut oil or butter (inspired by Bulletproof Coffee).
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Purpose: A mindful ritual, not just caffeine intake.
6. Read or Reflect
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Ferriss often reads a few pages of Stoic philosophy (The Daily Stoic by Ryan Holiday, or Letters from a Stoic by Seneca).
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Why: Centers his thinking on enduring principles instead of reactive emotion.
Notes from Ferriss:
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Consistency > Duration: You don’t need 2 hours. Just 1–2 of these practices done regularly make a difference.
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"Win the morning, win the day." Ferriss often quotes this as a core belief. Controlling your morning reduces decision fatigue and emotional reactivity later.
For the basketball devotee, that could certainly include:
1) Exercise and/or stretching
2) Reading (Kevin Eastman's lifelong two-hour commitment is admirable) - what book(s) are you reading now? I recently borrowed (online via Hoopla) Jamie Bechler's "Leadership Playbook" - exceptional.
3) Mindfulness (a quick body scan has benefits)
4) Video study (even studying a topic for five minutes has merit)
5) Journaling (you are here).
Lagniappe. Short video study...slipping ball screens opens up basket cuts, short roll passing, and drives.
Lagniappe 2. A quick exercise in mindfulness:
Almost every great athlete (professional or Olympian) has a mindfulness practice. Why not you?
