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Book cover of What the Most Successful People Do Before Breakfast by Laura Vanderkam — critical summary review on 12min

What the Most Successful People Do Before Breakfast

Laura Vanderkam

8 mins

Do you struggle to get out of bed in the mornings? Do you feel like you have so much to do that you never have time for the important things in life? Laura Vanderkam has the solution to these predicaments. In “What the Most Successful People Do Before Breakfast,” she explains how you can make the most of your mornings and live a healthier, happier, and more successful life.

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Who it is for

Best suited for anyone wanting to make the most of their day, working parents, anyone struggling to get out of bed in the morning.

Key Insights

Harness the Power of Morning Hours

Laura Vanderkam emphasizes that the morning hours are a pivotal time for personal productivity and success. By analyzing the habits of highly successful individuals, she reveals that the early hours of the day are often free from the typical distractions of daily life, making it an ideal time to focus on personal goals and priorities. Whether it's exercising, planning, or pursuing creative projects, using mornings effectively can set a positive tone for the rest of the day. By prioritizing meaningful activities before breakfast, individuals can ensure that they're consistently working towards their most important objectives, leading to a more fulfilled and accomplished life.

Intentional Scheduling for Success

One of the key insights from Vanderkam's book is the importance of intentional scheduling to maximize productivity. Instead of allowing the chaos of daily life to dictate your schedule, successful people take charge by planning their mornings with purpose. This involves identifying high-priority tasks and activities and allocating specific time slots for them during the morning hours. By doing so, individuals are not only more likely to complete these tasks but also create a structured routine that enhances focus and reduces stress. Intentional scheduling during the early part of the day lays a strong foundation for achieving daily goals and long-term aspirations.

The Role of Self-Care in Morning Routines

Vanderkam highlights that successful people often incorporate self-care into their morning routines, recognizing its critical role in maintaining overall well-being and productivity. Engaging in activities such as meditation, exercise, or even leisurely reading can rejuvenate the mind and body, preparing individuals to tackle the day ahead with renewed energy and clarity. By prioritizing self-care in the morning, individuals can enhance their mental and physical health, leading to better decision-making and increased resilience throughout the day. This proactive approach to self-care not only contributes to personal success but also fosters a healthier, more balanced lifestyle.

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About the Author

Laura Vanderkam is a supermom who writes books about time management and productivity. She often appears in publications like The Wall Street Journal, Fast Company, The New York Times, and Fortune. Her blog posts at LauraVanderkam.com inspire many women to spend more time on things that make them feel happier and more alive. Her TED talk, “How to Gain Control of Your Free Time,” has been viewed more than 5 million times.

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Lessons

  • How to spend more quality time with your family or partner.
  • Why you are more productive in the mornings.
  • Why you should do your laundry in the evenings.

Key Takeaways

  • Prioritize morning routines: Successful individuals often utilize their mornings for essential activities, such as exercise, strategic planning, or personal development, to set a positive tone for the rest of the day.
  • Align morning activities with personal goals: By aligning morning tasks with long-term objectives, individuals can ensure they are consistently working towards their aspirations, even amidst a busy schedule.
  • Cultivate consistency for improved productivity: Establishing a consistent morning routine fosters discipline and enhances overall productivity, helping individuals to efficiently manage their time and focus on what truly matters.

More knowledge in less time

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