Building a morning rhythm may be the best thing you’ll do all day. The most effective ministry leaders don’t react during the day; instead, they lead their day. Leadership begins long before you open your inbox. Your first hour of the day sets the pace, determining what you’ll accomplish. A consistent morning rhythm prepares you mentally for the tasks.
Here’s one practical rhythm to help:
Prepare Before the Alarm Rings
Morning success starts the night before
Before bed, set out your clothes, prep your breakfast, determine what you will wear or eat, and identify your top three priorities for the next day. This will reduce decision fatigue and help your brain wake up clearer about what matters.
This begins by shutting down the night before. Turn off devices an hour before bed, write out your priorities, and pray over the next day. I also thank God for what was accomplished that day.
According to the Sleep Foundation, people who follow a consistent bedtime routine fall asleep 37% faster and report 65% better sleep quality.
Wake Up With Intention
Start your day with what matters most, not what screams the loudest
Avoid grabbing your phone first thing. Instead, begin by inviting the Spirit to lead you through the day. Take time to pray, journal, and engage in God’s Word.
A 2023 Barna study found that 76% of Christian leaders who begin their day with spiritual practices report higher clarity and emotional resilience.
Move Your Body
Energy doesn’t just happen—you create it
Take some time for light exercise. A few moments of stretching, walking, or lifting weights will wake you up, boost endorphins, and sharpen your mind. I like to turn the shower on cold for a few moments at the end. The cold water wakes and releases more endorphins to wake not only your body but your mind as well.
Schedule 20 minutes for some light exercise. Stack it with another habit. For example, walk around your neighborhood as you pray for your family, neighbors, and the day ahead.
The American Psychological Association reports that regular morning movement improves decision-making and reduces stress by up to 40%.
Fuel with Wisdom
What you put in your body and mind affects what comes out
Fuel your morning with physical nourishment and mental inspiration. A healthy breakfast of protein and healthy fat combined with five minutes of looking over or listening to a leadership principle dramatically improves clarity and focus.
My favorite breakfast is eggs, chicken sausage, toast, avocado, and coffee. Yum!
Harvard research shows leaders who eat breakfast are 61% more productive and make 30% fewer errors before lunch.
Final Thought
Leaders often give to everyone else, but success begins with taking care of yourself. You can only give what you have. Morning habits will not only change your day but also model a leadership legacy for others to incorporate into their lives.
Written by: Rod Whitlock, Coach, Invest Leadership Initiative
