Benjamin Spall and Michael Xander – My Morning Routine: Summary with Audio

Book Info

• Book name: My Morning Routine
• Author: Benjamin Spall, Michael Xander
• Genre: Self-Help & Personal Development, Business & Economics
• Pages: 288
• Published Year: 2018
• Publisher: Portfolio/Penguin
• Language: English

Audio Summary

Synopsis

“My Morning Routine” by Benjamin Spall and Michael Xander is a fascinating exploration of how 64 successful innovators, entrepreneurs, writers, and artists start their day. The book compiles insights from interviews with these high achievers, revealing their unique morning rituals and habits. It offers readers a wealth of ideas to inspire their own morning routines, emphasizing experimentation and personal adaptation rather than rigid rules. From early risers to meditation enthusiasts, the book showcases diverse approaches to kickstarting a productive and fulfilling day.

Key Takeaways

• Successful people often have a structured morning routine that sets them up for a productive day.
• There’s no one-size-fits-all approach; the key is to experiment and find what works best for you.
• Common elements of effective morning routines include exercise, meditation, and tackling important tasks early.
• Preparing for your morning the night before can significantly improve your AM routine.
• Flexibility is crucial; even the best routines sometimes need to adapt to unexpected circumstances.

My Summary

Unlocking the Power of Mornings: A Deep Dive into “My Morning Routine”

As I closed the final pages of “My Morning Routine” by Benjamin Spall and Michael Xander, I couldn’t help but feel a surge of inspiration. This book is a treasure trove of insights into how some of the world’s most successful people kickstart their days. As someone who’s always been fascinated by productivity and personal development, I found myself eagerly taking notes and contemplating how I could revamp my own morning habits.

The Magic of Mornings: Why They Matter

One of the most striking aspects of the book is how it emphasizes the importance of those first few hours after waking. It’s not just about being an early riser (though many of the featured individuals are); it’s about making intentional use of that time when the world is still quiet and your mind is fresh.

I was particularly struck by the story of MIT President Leo Rafael Reif, who often wakes up before his 6 AM alarm to check his inbox. It’s a reminder that for many high-achievers, the motivation to rise early comes from a sense of purpose and responsibility. This resonated with me, as I’ve found that having a compelling reason to get up – whether it’s a passion project or an important task – can make all the difference in how I approach my mornings.

The No-Snooze Revolution

One practical tip that stood out to me was the advice against using the snooze button. I’ve been guilty of this habit for years, but the book’s explanation of how it can actually make you feel more tired was eye-opening. It’s a small change, but one that I’m eager to implement in my own routine.

Productivity Powerhouse: Mornings for Important Work

The book makes a compelling case for tackling your most important work in the morning. I was impressed by the example of Sheena Brady, who dedicates her early hours to her own company before starting her day job. It’s a powerful reminder that with the right morning routine, we can carve out time for our personal goals and passions, even with a busy schedule.

This section of the book challenged me to rethink how I structure my mornings. Too often, I’ve fallen into the trap of starting my day by checking emails or social media. The idea of reserving those first productive hours for meaningful work or creative pursuits is incredibly appealing.

The Exercise Edge

Physical activity emerged as a common thread among many of the routines described in the book. From Olympic athletes to CEOs, the importance of morning exercise was a recurring theme. I was particularly inspired by the story of retired US Army General Stanley McChrystal, who rises at 4 AM for a 90-minute workout.

While I’m not quite ready for pre-dawn fitness sessions, the book has motivated me to incorporate more consistent morning exercise into my routine. The emphasis on mixing up workouts to prevent boredom and injury is advice I plan to take to heart.

Mindfulness and Meditation: Centering for Success

Another key element that many successful individuals swear by is morning meditation. The book’s exploration of how figures like Michael Acton-Smith (CEO of the Calm app) and Ed Catmull (former president of Pixar) use meditation to focus their minds and prepare for the day ahead was fascinating.

As someone who has dabbled in meditation but never fully committed to it, this section of the book has inspired me to give it another try. The idea of using mindfulness to set a calm and focused tone for the day is incredibly appealing.

The Importance of “Me Time”

One aspect of morning routines that I hadn’t previously considered was the value of carving out personal time before diving into work responsibilities. The example of Elle Luna, who records her dreams upon waking as a source of creative inspiration, was particularly intriguing.

This concept of “me time” in the morning – whether it’s for creative pursuits, reading, or simply enjoying a quiet cup of coffee – feels like a luxurious yet attainable goal. It’s a reminder that mornings aren’t just about productivity, but also about setting a positive tone for the day.

Evening Prep for Morning Success

I was pleasantly surprised by the book’s emphasis on evening routines as a key component of successful mornings. The advice on disconnecting from technology in the evening and preparing for the next day resonated strongly with me. I’ve often found myself staying up too late scrolling through my phone, only to struggle with waking up the next day.

The simple act of laying out clothes for the next day, as mentioned by Bob Moore (founder of Bob’s Red Mill), is a habit I’m eager to adopt. These small evening preparations seem like an easy way to streamline mornings and reduce decision fatigue.

The Sleep Factor

The book’s discussion on the importance of adequate sleep was a welcome reminder of this often-overlooked aspect of morning routines. The story of Arianna Huffington’s wake-up call (quite literally) regarding sleep deprivation was a powerful illustration of why we need to prioritize rest.

I appreciated the book’s balanced approach to sleep, acknowledging that while many successful people are early risers, getting enough sleep is crucial. The idea of listening to your body and waking naturally, as practiced by venture capitalist Brad Feld, is an intriguing alternative to alarm-driven mornings.

Adapting Routines to Life Changes

One of the strengths of “My Morning Routine” is its acknowledgment that life changes – such as having children or traveling frequently – can disrupt even the best-laid morning plans. The book offers practical advice for adapting routines to new circumstances, which I found both realistic and encouraging.

As someone who travels often for work, I was particularly interested in the tips for maintaining elements of a routine while on the road. The idea of focusing on core values (like reading or exercise) rather than specific activities is a flexible approach I plan to adopt.

Embracing Flexibility and Change

Perhaps the most valuable takeaway from the book is the importance of flexibility. The authors emphasize that even the most successful people sometimes have their routines disrupted, and that’s okay. This message of adaptability is refreshing in a world that often glorifies rigid discipline.

I found myself nodding in agreement with author Austin Kleon’s perspective on enjoying days when his routine is disturbed. It’s a healthy reminder that routines should serve us, not the other way around.

Crafting Your Personal Morning Masterpiece

As I reflect on “My Morning Routine,” I’m struck by the diversity of approaches presented. From early risers to night owls, from meditation enthusiasts to workout warriors, the book showcases a wide range of morning habits. This variety underscores the book’s central message: there’s no one-size-fits-all morning routine.

The authors encourage readers to experiment and find what works best for them, a message I find both liberating and motivating. It’s not about copying someone else’s routine verbatim, but about drawing inspiration and adapting ideas to fit your own life and goals.

A Call to Action: Your Morning, Your Way

As I close this summary, I’m left with a sense of excitement about the possibilities for my own mornings. “My Morning Routine” has provided a wealth of ideas and inspiration, but more importantly, it’s given me permission to experiment and find what truly works for me.

I’m curious to hear from you, dear readers. What does your morning routine look like? Have you found any particular habits or practices that set you up for a successful day? Or perhaps you’re like me, inspired to make some changes after reading this book. Let’s start a conversation about our morning routines and share ideas for making the most of those crucial early hours.

Remember, the goal isn’t perfection, but progress. Whether it’s waking up a little earlier, incorporating a short meditation, or simply enjoying a moment of quiet before the day begins, every small step towards a more intentional morning is a victory. Here’s to brighter mornings and more fulfilling days ahead!