Mine is from 7am to 9am, prepare breakfast, wake up children, dress them up, take them to school, clean a diper, change my clothes again after sweating, ride to work, turn on the laptop, wait 10 minutes for software updates, have a coffee, start a Teams meeting in which I have little to say…😅 It is not 1M$ definitely.
We’ve moved from Social Media to Interest Media, that’s for sure and I’m glad because now when someone reads your newsletter it’s because that’s the content/niche that they’re interested in.
What I liked best was having a routine to release cognitive load. This is an amazing piece. For those who want a routine, but aren’t necessarily writing— but still want to maximize their day, here’s an article on daily routines: https://unorthodoxy.substack.com/p/how-you-can-create-your-world-through
Hi Dan-interesting post-quite possibly unrealistic financially for many people but a good opportunity for people to review their own routines. I run a sanctuary for animals-6 cats left to me by an old friend who became homeless last year, 4 dogs (two special needs), and 17 horses (several special needs.) My morning starts at 4 AM (I am a grandmother so add weekly visits from my grandchildren to the following!) -I take four dogs out (My Great Pyrenees requires supervision when out since she has the capacity to jump the fence), feed two in the southern part of the house and two in the bedroom to avoid food disputes. Our Cavachon gets an insulin shot and extra treats- (around 5 AM) and then I proceed upstairs to feed the six felines who get both wet and dry food. Five cat boxes are cleaned at this point and I do some vacuuming, knowing there will be more later. Cat litter is removed and taken out to the garbage and then I can pour my coffee. I then use a DayTimer to write my intentions and tasks for the day,referencing anything from the previous day that didn't get done. Once complete I get some exercise in and check my email (and Substack, etc!). I answer inquiries about my horsemanship program, negotiate with the NJ Div of Disabilities if necessary over payments for my special needs students , do laundry, dishes, and then dress and head to the horse property. Generally I get there (around the corner) at about 7-I put 100 lbs of feed in a cart and wheel it across a 1.5 acre paddock to start feeding through the fenceline all 17 horses. If there is a 6000 lb hay delivery scheduled for that day the delivery takes place at around 7:30 AM- I get the truck into the pasture by controlling the Herd's access to the front gate using gestures and ropes-in this way can keep the guys from running through the gate as the truck comes in. Once everyone has grain I give one of my ponies diabetes meds and a chemo skin treatment if required and our lovely Morgan horse with a permanent hock fracture gets an antiinflammatory. If lessons are occurring that morning I get one or two horses out into the front paddock and saddles out-along with our 40 yr old Arabian who gets extra feed to maintain his weight. I check all water tanks-fill if necessary and generally come back to the house to take our Great Pyr out one more time before starting either lessons or training on the horse property. My husband is disabled so cannot manage the dogs by himself.
If the day is rainy, I could absolutely put in 90 minutes of writing at this point-with the caveat that the horses brought out from the Herd for extra grain will have to be returned to the Herd within two hours. I appreciate your suggestion!
My two children are grown-but I have complete sympathy for those who are managing childcare, special needs children or spouses, or , like me, have chosen to step up for homeless animals. Lots of variations of lifestyles. Not neccessarily a million dollars in most peoples' futures but I will take your goals in writing this piece as well-intentioned. Sarah Mognoni (Ollie Mognoni) https://www.ahavahfarmcolorfullivingstudio.com
You realistically don't even need 2 hours. Just a couple things to get you going, some physical activity (walk, cold shower), something to ready your mind for the day (journaling, meditation) and whatever else you want to throw in there.
There is nothing more powerful than starting the day with a form of reflection (journaling, meditation, sitting, etc), movement, and your highest value priority task.
As always I found this both inspiring and insightful as someone who's had a similar morning routine (even before I knew it was called that) for 9 years now.
The few seasons I've moved away from these practices have been the darkest. When I'm in sync with them everything else feels more possible and smooth.
Thanks for the peek into your brain Dan. Great way to start my morning. Cheers. ✊🏾
We saw the death of newspapers and the birth of fake media while reduced attention span has been great for Tik Tok and Instagram.. We have the imposed uniform mediocrity if AU generated loads if content!! With vicabularies and attention and comprehension going down the tubes and everything is being summarized i guess there will be money to be paid if simeone ciyld summarize even yiur content and then the consumer would summarize that.
I notice a lack of coffee and the following bowl movement in your morning routine - please explain?
Fr I need to know about his caffeine intake.
haha fr
Mine is from 7am to 9am, prepare breakfast, wake up children, dress them up, take them to school, clean a diper, change my clothes again after sweating, ride to work, turn on the laptop, wait 10 minutes for software updates, have a coffee, start a Teams meeting in which I have little to say…😅 It is not 1M$ definitely.
We’ve moved from Social Media to Interest Media, that’s for sure and I’m glad because now when someone reads your newsletter it’s because that’s the content/niche that they’re interested in.
DK, Is your writing routine always morning based?
Dan, from one of the”writer” to another, I made sure I took the time to read this…and it was worth the read, thanks!
Everything you said on walking is factual and when you break down what walking is, it’s when you let the mind wander. That’s KEY: https://unorthodoxy.substack.com/p/what-happens-when-your-brain-has
What I liked best was having a routine to release cognitive load. This is an amazing piece. For those who want a routine, but aren’t necessarily writing— but still want to maximize their day, here’s an article on daily routines: https://unorthodoxy.substack.com/p/how-you-can-create-your-world-through
Meh. Add an hour of correct meditation/pranayama before the writing/walking to access deeper levels. It's not just money that compounds with time.
On top of the deeper layer, you can then do the writing and walking which will lead to the $10 million.
If the morning routine is the single most important element in overall wellbeing, it's worth getting it correct and optimizing it well.
Brilliant article.
Ok. I’ll start doing this:
- Low friction walk 30min.
- 30min on writing tweeets
- 60min writing my newsletter
I need to lead with long-term purpose in the morning (which is my own brand, not client work).
i didn’t even know you had a youtube, until yesterday… been following you for a solid month. suffice to say i check my email.
Hi Dan-interesting post-quite possibly unrealistic financially for many people but a good opportunity for people to review their own routines. I run a sanctuary for animals-6 cats left to me by an old friend who became homeless last year, 4 dogs (two special needs), and 17 horses (several special needs.) My morning starts at 4 AM (I am a grandmother so add weekly visits from my grandchildren to the following!) -I take four dogs out (My Great Pyrenees requires supervision when out since she has the capacity to jump the fence), feed two in the southern part of the house and two in the bedroom to avoid food disputes. Our Cavachon gets an insulin shot and extra treats- (around 5 AM) and then I proceed upstairs to feed the six felines who get both wet and dry food. Five cat boxes are cleaned at this point and I do some vacuuming, knowing there will be more later. Cat litter is removed and taken out to the garbage and then I can pour my coffee. I then use a DayTimer to write my intentions and tasks for the day,referencing anything from the previous day that didn't get done. Once complete I get some exercise in and check my email (and Substack, etc!). I answer inquiries about my horsemanship program, negotiate with the NJ Div of Disabilities if necessary over payments for my special needs students , do laundry, dishes, and then dress and head to the horse property. Generally I get there (around the corner) at about 7-I put 100 lbs of feed in a cart and wheel it across a 1.5 acre paddock to start feeding through the fenceline all 17 horses. If there is a 6000 lb hay delivery scheduled for that day the delivery takes place at around 7:30 AM- I get the truck into the pasture by controlling the Herd's access to the front gate using gestures and ropes-in this way can keep the guys from running through the gate as the truck comes in. Once everyone has grain I give one of my ponies diabetes meds and a chemo skin treatment if required and our lovely Morgan horse with a permanent hock fracture gets an antiinflammatory. If lessons are occurring that morning I get one or two horses out into the front paddock and saddles out-along with our 40 yr old Arabian who gets extra feed to maintain his weight. I check all water tanks-fill if necessary and generally come back to the house to take our Great Pyr out one more time before starting either lessons or training on the horse property. My husband is disabled so cannot manage the dogs by himself.
If the day is rainy, I could absolutely put in 90 minutes of writing at this point-with the caveat that the horses brought out from the Herd for extra grain will have to be returned to the Herd within two hours. I appreciate your suggestion!
My two children are grown-but I have complete sympathy for those who are managing childcare, special needs children or spouses, or , like me, have chosen to step up for homeless animals. Lots of variations of lifestyles. Not neccessarily a million dollars in most peoples' futures but I will take your goals in writing this piece as well-intentioned. Sarah Mognoni (Ollie Mognoni) https://www.ahavahfarmcolorfullivingstudio.com
I love this post VERY much. Thank you I will refine my morning routine’
Reusing long form content in smart ways, to leverage growth. I like this
👏🙏
You realistically don't even need 2 hours. Just a couple things to get you going, some physical activity (walk, cold shower), something to ready your mind for the day (journaling, meditation) and whatever else you want to throw in there.
There is nothing more powerful than starting the day with a form of reflection (journaling, meditation, sitting, etc), movement, and your highest value priority task.
As always I found this both inspiring and insightful as someone who's had a similar morning routine (even before I knew it was called that) for 9 years now.
The few seasons I've moved away from these practices have been the darkest. When I'm in sync with them everything else feels more possible and smooth.
Thanks for the peek into your brain Dan. Great way to start my morning. Cheers. ✊🏾
I don't know Dan…
We saw the death of newspapers and the birth of fake media while reduced attention span has been great for Tik Tok and Instagram.. We have the imposed uniform mediocrity if AU generated loads if content!! With vicabularies and attention and comprehension going down the tubes and everything is being summarized i guess there will be money to be paid if simeone ciyld summarize even yiur content and then the consumer would summarize that.
Walking + a bonus of sunlight exposure helps a ton