The Daily Habits that Top CEO’s Swear By

It’s natural for us mere mortals to obsess over the behaviours of high-achieving individuals, and what most come to realise, is this pursuit leads us to explore the ideation of the habits that help top CEOs succeed in their every-day. As we explore in this article, it is through these habits that such individuals manage to maximize the productivity of their busy schedules.

However, developing a habit is a more complex and discipline-intensive process than it initially appears. This complexity is often the reason why well-intended goals do not always materialize into lasting habits. The widespread belief that a habit can be formed in a mere 21 days stems from a statement made by Dr. Maxwell in 1960. Despite its popularity, this notion oversimplifies the process. A more nuanced understanding was presented in 2012 by the British Journal of General Practice, which defined habits as “actions automatically triggered in response to contextual cues”. These cues train the brain to perform certain actions instinctively, like automatically fastening a seatbelt upon entering a car.

The ease of forming habits varies, as explained by the National Institute of Health (NIH). Habits associated with leisure activities, which trigger the release of dopamine in the brain, are often easier to develop and maintain. Consequently, breaking habits like the morning coffee ritual might be more challenging than first anticipated.

Examining the habits of successful CEOs offers valuable insights. Laxman Narasimhan, CEO of Starbucks, shared in a Fortune interview his commitment to daily meditation, with sessions in the morning and before bedtime. This practice, he believes, enhances his attentiveness and engagement. Narasimhan also prioritizes a work-life balance, ensuring he is available for his family by limiting late evening meetings. Additionally, he incorporates a weekly exercise routine, targeting 250 minutes of activity, which he finds crucial for stress reduction.

Anna Wintour, Editor-in-Chief at Vogue, maintains a disciplined schedule as detailed in a Forbes interview. Her day begins between 4-5:30 am with reading the latest news and playing tennis. She also adopts a consistent wardrobe to minimize decision fatigue, allowing her to focus on the more important things, like her goals for the business day ahead.

Other notable figures like Jeff Bezos and Oprah Winfrey practice the habit of waking up early without an alarm, aiming for a natural conclusion to an 8-hour sleep cycle. Bill Gates, too, subscribes to a morning routine that combines exercise and staying abreast of the latest news and events.

Daniel Ek, co-founder and CEO of Spotify, advocates for scheduling time specifically for creative pursuits, rather than waiting for inspiration to strike. Similarly, Arianna Huffington, founder of the Huffington Post, emphasizes the importance of rest and wellness. She avoids late nights and the morning intrusion of electronic devices, as she discussed with CNBC, to enhance productivity and start her day on a positive note.

The formation of habits, as per NIH, can take anywhere from 18 to 254 days to materialise, varying based on the habit, its implementation, and individual differences. These habits, once established, contribute to a consistent behavioral pattern that aids in achieving goals, such as waking up a few minutes earlier each day. It’s crucial to view habits as integral components of one’s routine, akin to daily activities like brushing teeth.

In conclusion, the selection and integration of specific habits into one’s daily life are vital steps towards building a productive routine tailored to both personal and professional success.