The Lie of the “Perfect” Morning Routine
“There is no one way to be successful, and no ‘right’ morning routine. Success is built on self-awareness, not self-punishment.”
— Mel Robbins
STOP Following Generic Morning Routines... They're Destroying Your Productivity
If I see one more productivity guru tell me to wake up at 5 a.m., meditate for an hour, drink green juice, and journal about all the intentions I’m going to lose by noon... I might throw my alarm clock out the window.
Let’s get one thing straight, believing the lie that there’s one perfect morning routine is what’s actually wrecking your productivity. Not your lack of discipline. Not your snooze button. The pressure to cram your mornings full of performative habits is what’s got you spinning.
Let’s Debunk the 5 A.M. Fantasy
Does waking up at 5 a.m. make you a CEO? Or just someone who’s super cranky and needs three coffees before 9?
One of my clients, Sarah, felt like a failure because she couldn’t stick to the so-called “successful” 5 a.m. schedule. But guess what? She runs a 7-figure business and doesn’t start her day until 10 a.m. And she’s thriving.
Success doesn’t come from forcing yourself into a box, it comes from knowing what works for you and honoring it.
Audit Your Energy, Not Your Calendar
Instead of copying someone else’s productivity routine, ask yourself:
When do I naturally feel focused and alert?
What time of day do I do my best creative or strategic work?
How can I structure my mornings to support that rhythm?
If your brain turns on between 10 and 2, then waking up at 5 just means you’ll hit a wall by lunchtime. You don’t need more hours... you need better energy alignment.
Here’s What “The Perfect Morning” Actually Looks Like:
On paper, the guru-approved morning routine looks like this:
Wake up at 4:30 a.m.
Meditate
Yoga
Journaling
Read a book
Ice bath
Workout
Gratitude list
Still haven’t had coffee yet...
By 9 a.m., you’ve either achieved enlightenment or you’re completely exhausted.
Look... you don’t need to stack 17 habits just to feel productive. You need a few small, intentional actions that actually make you feel grounded, clear, and ready.
My Morning Routine? It’s Simple—and It Works
Personally, I love to sit outside for 10 minutes, pop on a meditation, and soak in some sun (yes, even with my eyes closed). I don’t touch my phone. I don’t dive into content. I just be.
Some mornings I journal. Some mornings I drink a giant coffee and plan out my top 3 priorities. Sometimes I do absolutely nothing and just breathe.
That’s what works for me. And that’s the point.
Real Productivity = Alignment, Not Aesthetic
If your ideal morning routine involves waking up at 9, sipping coffee in silence, or blasting Beyoncé while you review your calendar, go for it.
Some of the world’s most successful leaders don’t touch their inbox before 10 a.m. Jeff Bezos starts his day slow. Steve Jobs wore the same outfit every day so he wouldn’t waste decision-making energy.
The real flex is knowing what works for you and doing it without guilt.
Build Your Morning Routine, Not Theirs
Your challenge this week:
Ditch the guilt.
Pick ONE thing to try tomorrow morning that makes you feel focused, calm, or intentional.
Try it for 3 days.
That’s it.
Whether it’s 5 a.m. or 10 a.m., yoga or staring into space with coffee in hand, it’s valid. You’re the boss. Your morning should serve you, not shame you.
Now go take back your damn mornings.
