Routines That Successful People Swear By — And Are Actually Doable

There’s no shortage of advice on how to start your day “like a successful person,” but much of it feels impractical, rigid, or downright exhausting. Not everyone wants to wake up at 4 a.m., meditate for an hour, drink a protein shake made from yak butter, and run a half marathon before work.

In reality, many high performers rely on small, sustainable habits that support their energy, clarity, and focus. And the best part? These routines are not only effective — they’re actually doable for real people with real lives.

Here are ten habits that successful people use daily — and how you can make them work for you.

1. Simplify Your Morning Decisions

Making fewer choices in the morning can free up mental space for more important decisions throughout the day.

Barack Obama famously limited his wardrobe to just grey or blue suits while in office. He ate similar breakfasts and followed a consistent routine to conserve decision-making energy for the issues that actually required it.

“You’ll see I wear only gray or blue suits. I’m trying to pare down decisions.”

Try this: Build a simple morning routine. Rotate between two or three outfits. Keep breakfast basic. It’s not about style or minimalism — it’s about preserving your focus.

2. Start the Day with Gratitude and Quiet

Before checking emails or social media, give yourself a few minutes of stillness.

Oprah Winfrey starts her mornings with reflection and gratitude. She writes down what she’s thankful for, spends time with her dogs, and avoids diving into the noise of the day until she’s mentally grounded.

“The way you start your day is the way you live your day.”

Try this: Spend five minutes journaling or just thinking about what’s going well in your life. It’s a simple practice that can dramatically shift your mindset.

3. Time-Block Your Day to Stay Focused

Protecting your time doesn’t mean overscheduling. It means being intentional.

Gary Vaynerchuk schedules nearly every minute of his day. While that might sound extreme, the principle behind it is simple: focus on what matters, and eliminate distractions.

“I know exactly where I’m going to be every minute of the day.”

Try this: Block one hour of your day for uninterrupted work. Turn off notifications. See how much more you get done when your focus is protected.

4. Prioritize Sleep Like It’s a Deadline

Rest isn’t a luxury — it’s a strategy.

Arianna Huffington became a sleep advocate after collapsing from exhaustion. She now treats sleep as a cornerstone of her success and encourages others to do the same.

“Exhaustion is not a badge of honor.”

Try this: Set a phone curfew and power down at least 30 minutes before bed. Treat sleep like any other critical appointment on your calendar.

5. Start with One Small Win

Small accomplishments early in the day can set the tone for everything that follows.

Tim Ferriss is a strong believer in this. His morning routine isn’t long or complex — it’s about building momentum. He starts with simple actions like making his bed, journaling, or doing a few push-ups.

“Win the morning, win the day.”

Try this: Pick one easy win — anything from tidying your space to stretching — and build on it. Progress is cumulative.

6. Delay the Digital Distractions

Avoid checking your phone first thing. It immediately puts you in reaction mode.

Mel Robbins, motivational speaker and author, delays looking at her phone for at least 30 minutes after waking. Her reasoning is simple: starting the day in reaction mode can derail your mindset.

“You’ve got to protect your peace before you let the world in.”

Try this: Charge your phone outside the bedroom and use a traditional alarm clock. Reclaim your morning as your own.

7. Journal for Mental Clarity

Writing can be a powerful tool for clearing mental clutter and organizing your thoughts.

Ryan Holiday, author and advocate of stoic philosophy, starts each day by journaling. It’s part mindfulness, part personal check-in, and entirely practical.

“Stillness is the key.”

Try this: Start small. One sentence, one page, or a few thoughts — whatever helps you slow down and think clearly.

8. Read Something Every Day

Daily reading isn’t about quantity. It’s about consistent exposure to new ideas.

Bill Gates reads for at least an hour each day and credits much of his insight and creativity to this habit.

“Reading fuels a continuous cycle of learning.”

Try this: Set aside 10–20 minutes a day to read something challenging, interesting, or simply enjoyable. The compound effect is real.

9. Move Your Body, No Matter What

You don’t need a full workout to feel better. A short walk or stretch can shift your energy and mood.

Michelle Obama incorporates movement into her daily routine — not as a fitness goal, but as a way to stay balanced and mentally sharp.

“It’s not about inches or pounds. It’s about feeling good.”

Try this: Walk while you listen to a podcast. Stretch while your coffee brews. Just keep moving.

10. Automate the Mundane

Eliminate small, repetitive decisions so you can focus on what matters most.

Steve Jobs and Elon Musk are both known for sticking to simple, repeatable meals and clothing choices during intense work periods. The goal was to reduce friction in their routines.

Try this: Identify areas of daily friction — lunch prep, choosing clothes, etc. — and build simple systems around them.

Final Thought

There’s no perfect routine. What works for one person might not work for another. But the most successful people tend to have one thing in common: they build small, intentional habits and stick to them.

Choose one. Try it for a week. If it works, keep it. If it doesn’t, try another. The goal isn’t perfection — it’s momentum.

Sumi Saleh, Communications Manager – Consumer Choice Award