Exercise is the single habit that has improved my life more than anything else.
Specifically a 30-minute run first thing in the morning.
This habit, which takes up just 3% of my waking hours, has delivered an incredible return on investment.
Exercise helped me overcome anxiety when I was in college and it has been a competitive advantage throughout my professional career.
I have worked in many high-pressure environments, working for billion-dollar companies including New Balance, Clif Bar, Red Bull, the Los Angeles Dodgers, and Boston Red Sox.
Throughout my career, I’ve never gone into a big day without running first thing in the morning.
Any time I need to attend an important meeting or give a high-stakes presentation, you can be sure I’ve gotten my run in first.
Just a 30-minute run at a moderate pace (9–10 minute mile) has consistently proven to improve my mood and heighten my productivity for hours afterward.
This makes me better with my relationships and better at business.
Now that I have a family of my own, including 2 children, my morning run is the me time I need to then be there for my family.
My morning run makes me more patient and focused with my loved ones.
The benefits of my morning run are felt immediately and persist throughout the rest of the day. That immediate feedback is what I have needed to stick with this habit for more than 20 years now.
Remarkably, the long-term health benefits have not been a primary driver to maintain this habit, although it is a nice bonus.
I’ve often wondered throughout my professional career why more people don’t exercise first thing in the morning.
Perhaps they have tried and it doesn’t produce the same results as it does for me, or maybe it’s just hard to resist the urge to sleep in a bit more.
I need sleep as much as anyone else, but knowing how much my day will be improved is all the motivation I need to put on my running shoes and get out the door.
Whatever exercise you enjoy, I encourage you to give it a try first thing in the morning, before your obligations for the day begin.
If you’re like me, you’ll notice the rest of the day goes much smoother in all aspects of your life — mental health, relationships, and business.