My lovely reader, how many times have you opened a magazine or read an article about how the world’s most successful woman’s morning routine begins when she rises before the sun, stretches into a flawless yoga pose, and sips on herbal tea—all while journaling her intentions for the day. But let’s cut the cinematic fluff. Most of us are wrestling with the snooze button, wondering if dry shampoo can work its magic one more day, and grappling with the complexities of wrangling children, pets, or sometimes just our own motivation.
Yet, there are indeed subtle, authentic morning routines that real successful women practice—not because they’re out of a glossy magazine, but because they genuinely set the stage for a day of ambition, resilience, and achievement. You’re here because just like me, you want to curate the life you’re dreaming of. You also want to shed this frustration you feel at the end of the day, when it didn’t go as planned or you feel like you were short-changed. Forget the perfect celery juice concoction in the morning or the best music to wake up to what I’ve done is curated for you an idea of true morning rituals of our most curated women, the unsung practices that empower them to conquer, not just the boardroom, but the chaotic kitchen too.
At the outset, let’s get one thing straight: most of us don’t have a private yoga instructor at our beck and call or a personal chef whipping up chia seed smoothies. And that’s perfectly fine. The morning routines we are diving into here are rooted in the everyday, in the lives of women who’ve harnessed ordinary moments to curate extraordinary lives. Let’s debunk those over-airbrushed routines and get into the gritty reality of winning the morning game.So, forget the clichés. Let’s get to the juicy bits that will turn your mornings from groggy to glory!
1. Invest in YOU-Time
Sounds simple, right? Well my lovely, it’s easily overlooked. No, I’m not talking about spending an hour in meditation. But could you spare just five minutes? Those first few minutes upon waking are golden. Resist the lure of your phone. Instead, spend that time reflecting on one positive intention for the day. It could be as simple as “Today, I won’t let stress dictate my reactions.” or “Today, I’ll find one moment of pure joy.” This shift in mindset sets the tone. Really, say it out loud to yourself and allow it to sit there, resonating with your consciousness.
2. The Right Fuel
Now, not all of us have the time or inclination to whip up an Instagrammable breakfast. But we can make smarter choices. A glass of water with a squeeze of lemon wakes up the metabolism. Swapping out the sugary cereal for something with a protein punch can keep energy levels stable. What keeps me going is having some Chia seeds soaked the night before, mixing it with yogurt, fresh berries and honey. It’s delicious, quick and has the a good combination of nutrients to keep you satiated. Remember, it’s not about the perfect avocado toast; it’s about fuelling your body for the challenges ahead.
3. Mindful Moments
Alright I hear you, you might not have time for a full-blown meditation session. But can you pay full attention to the act of brushing your teeth? Or feel the sensation of the water on your skin during a quick shower? These micro-moments of mindfulness can anchor you, reducing stress and boosting focus. Just trying to keep yourself in the present moment by consciously using all your senses, can do wonders for your stress levels as well as helping you to focus fully in the moment.
4. Dress for Success
And no, I don’t mean squeeze into that power suit. Dress in a way that makes you feel confident. For some, this might be the favourite pair of jeans that fits ‘just’ right, and for others, it might be that bold lipstick that screams “I’ve got this.” It’s not about dressing for others—it’s about feeling good in your own skin. If you dress to please yourself, even if you’re working from home, it sets the tone for the whole day. Spritz on that perfume, put on that lipstick and rock that loungewear. When you dress for success, even if it’s to collect the mail or take out the bins, you’re showing yourself that you value your own beauty and that you have standards for yourself. You’re showing up for yourself!
5. Limit Decision Fatigue
Did you know that Barack Obama wore only blue or gray suits during his presidency to limit the number of decisions he had to make? You might not be leading a country, but your day is filled with crucial decisions. Simplify your morning by planning the night before—lay out your outfit, decide on breakfast, or list your top priorities for the day. Really be intentional about your week. Make a list on your phone or if you’re like me (I love elegant stationery!) in a book about your weeks intentions and refer to it every morning and evening to see what you need to do and what’s been accomplished.
6. Celebrate the Little Wins
Did you manage to drink that glass of lemon water? Did you take five minutes to reflect? Great! Celebrate it. It’s these small wins that accumulate into big successes. Every step, no matter how tiny, is progress. So give yourself a pat on the back, queen.
Life is messy, unpredictable, and beautifully chaotic. The idea isn’t to cultivate a morning routine that’s Instagram-worthy, but to find rituals that ground you, uplift you, and prepare you for the day’s battles and blessings. After all, curating a life isn’t about creating a picture-perfect scene; it’s about crafting a life that feels right, even in its imperfections.
Psychologists have long emphasized the power of habits and morning routines in shaping our lives. Dr. Jane Nelsen, a renowned psychologist and author, stresses the importance of “belonging and significance” in our daily lives. When we create morning rituals, we’re not just setting the tone for the day; we’re fostering a sense of belonging to our own lives, giving significance to our daily actions, big or small.
Research from the University of Pennsylvania suggests that morning routines can drastically influence our productivity and mental well-being throughout the day. The beauty of these rituals? They don’t have to be monumental. It’s the consistency that counts. Implementing and sticking to these rituals helps create a positive feedback loop of success. Each morning you follow through, you’re reinforcing your ability to commit, showing up for yourself, and proving that you are indeed a curator of your own life.
If you’re still keen on diving deeper into the psychology behind routines, here’s a brilliant book called Atomic Habits that explains how habits are formed and how they can impact our lives in monumental ways.
To wrap it up: Your morning routine doesn’t have to mirror that of a Silicon Valley CEO or a wellness influencer living in a Bali treehouse. It needs to mirror you, your dreams, your reality, and your aspirations. Create a morning that resonates with who you are and the woman you’re becoming.
Start small, but dream big. After all, in the world of life curation, every moment is a brushstroke, and every morning is a fresh canvas. So, take that brush in hand and paint away, with your unique colours, your authentic story. The world is waiting for your masterpiece. It’s not about the grand gestures, but the little tweaks, the genuine moments that set you on the path to curating a life that resonates with your true self. Don’t just chase the highlight reel; cherish the behind-the-scenes magic too. And always, always keep that coffee cup close—it’s our little secret weapon!
Remember, embrace your journey, relish the sips of life, and don’t just aim for success – curate it!
