Success as a leader isn’t about luck or magic—it’s about discipline. It’s about building habits that set you up to tackle whatever the day throws at you and come out on top. Over the years, I’ve learned that the way I start my day isn’t just a routine—it’s a ritual that creates momentum and keeps me focused on my goals.
These three daily habits aren’t just “nice-to-haves”; they’re non-negotiables. They’ve helped me maintain clarity, energy, and resilience as I’ve built my businesses, overcome personal struggles, and worked toward creating something that’s sellable and valuable. Let me walk you through the three habits that have transformed my life and leadership.
1. Meditation: Start by Getting Your Mind Right
Meditation isn’t just for yogis and monks. It’s a tool for leaders who need to approach their day with clarity and focus. When you’re running a business, there are endless fires to put out, decisions to make, and people depending on you. Starting the day with a calm, focused mind helps you tackle all of that without burning out.
I meditate every single morning. No exceptions. For me, it’s about creating space to reflect, reset, and prepare for what’s ahead. Meditation helps me clear the mental clutter so I can focus on what really matters. It’s not about emptying my mind but about sharpening it.
When I meditate, I remind myself of my goals—both personal and professional. I visualize what I want to achieve that day and how I’ll handle challenges. It’s like putting on mental armor before heading into battle.
If you’re not meditating yet, start small. Take five minutes in the morning to sit quietly, breathe deeply, and focus on what you want to accomplish. You’ll be amazed at how much more centered and in control you feel.
2. Workout: Strengthen the Machine
Your body is your machine. If you’re not taking care of it, nothing else matters. You can’t lead a team, grow your business, or deal with the stress of agency life if you’re running on fumes.
Every morning, I work out. Whether it’s Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, weight training, or cardio, I make sure to move my body and push myself physically. It’s not just about staying in shape—it’s about building resilience and discipline.
A strong body supports a strong mind. When you work out, you’re not just improving your health—you’re proving to yourself that you can do hard things. That mindset carries over into your work. When you’ve crushed a tough workout in the morning, handling a difficult client or tackling a big project doesn’t seem so intimidating.
And let’s be honest—running a business is stressful. Exercise is one of the best ways to manage that stress. It releases endorphins, boosts your mood, and helps you stay sharp and focused throughout the day.
If you’re not prioritizing your health, it’s time to start. Block out time in your calendar for a morning workout and treat it like any other important meeting.
3. Never Check Email First Thing
This might be the most important habit of all. I don’t check email until 8 a.m., no matter what.
Why? Because checking email first thing in the morning is the fastest way to derail your day. The moment you open your inbox, you’re letting other people’s priorities dictate your focus. You’re reacting instead of acting.
When you start your day by checking email, you’re essentially saying, “I’m available to solve everyone else’s problems before I’ve even tackled my own.” That’s a recipe for stress, distraction, and inefficiency.
Instead, I spend the first part of my day on my priorities—meditating, working out, and planning what I need to accomplish. By the time I open my email, I’ve already set the tone for the day. I’m in control, not my inbox.
If you’re in the habit of checking email the second you wake up, stop. Set a specific time later in the morning to check your inbox, and stick to it. Use that time to respond thoughtfully instead of reacting impulsively.
How These Habits Tie Back to Building a Sellable Agency
You might be wondering how meditation, workouts, and avoiding email connect to growing and selling your agency. The answer is simple: leadership.
As the owner, you set the tone for your team. If you’re scattered, stressed, and reactive, that energy trickles down to everyone else. But if you’re calm, focused, and disciplined, your team will follow suit.
These habits also create the clarity and energy you need to focus on the big picture—like creating systems, empowering your team, and scaling your business. And when potential buyers look at your agency, they’re not just evaluating the financials—they’re evaluating you. They want to see that you’ve built a business that can run without you being in constant firefighting mode.
Final Thoughts
Your daily habits shape your success. They’re the foundation for how you show up as a leader, how you handle challenges, and how you move your agency closer to being a sellable asset.
If you’re not meditating, working out, and setting boundaries with your email, start today. These habits might seem small, but they have a massive impact over time.
Remember, success doesn’t happen by accident. It’s built through intentional actions and disciplined habits. The way you start your day matters—so make it count.