Over the past year, I've been able to really clarify what an optimal day looks like for me. I preach “life mastery,” because I believe in a life of balance and progress towards all areas of life.
With time being a depreciating and limiting asset, I've been able to identify the MOST IMPORTANT things for me to do and focus on every day that brings me the most success and fulfillment in all areas of my life. You can't do it all – only a few critical things and make them count.
Today was a really productive day for me that I strive to have more of as much as possible. While it'd be “boring” to live the exact same day every day, I try to make sure I stick with these habits consistently as they yield the best results for where I'm at.
For those that are interested, I decided to summarize and break down my day in detail (while in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic).
6:00AM – I woke up, drank water and got ready.
6:10AM – Jumped on the treadmill at the gym in my hotel. Started to walk for 5 minutes to warm-up, then did a “speed-walk” on an incline for 40 minutes (worked out legs yesterday – they're sore, otherwise I go for a run), then a 5-minute cooldown.
While doing this, I engage in my “morning ritual activities”, such as gratitude, self-love & love for others, visualization, watching & consuming motivational or educational videos, etc…
Doesn't hurt that the view at this gym is unreal, overlooking the Caribbean sea (check my Instagram pics to see what I'm talking about!).
7:00AM – Breakfast with my girlfriend at the hotel restaurant. I had fresh watermelon juice, a salad, mashed plantains and an omelette.
7:30AM – I ALWAYS start my work day focusing on the MOST IMPORTANT things that only *I* can do in my business.
I've identified my “Vital 3” – these are the highest leverage things that bring the biggest returns. They are: creating content (articles, videos, podcasts), coaching/interviews/webinars, and ideas/strategies/managing team.
E-mails, checking my social media, comments, etc… these are all tasks that aren't as urgent and important and don't require as much “willpower” or focus to complete. They always find a way to get done and are typically left for later in the day when I'm winding things down. These are also dangerous distractions that are to be avoided at all costs, as they can lead down a deep hole of “WTF did I just do the last few hours!?”
Today I recorded videos. Lots of them. Content is king and it's the #1 way that I can reach and impact the most amount of people in the shortest period of time. It gives me the ability to leverage myself and reach thousands, if not millions of people.
It's always what I find to be the most rewarding and fun, as it allows me to enter a creative flow state that puts me in the ZONE. It's amazing what you're capable of when accessing a peak state.
11:00AM – The maid usually comes to clean our hotel room around 11 or 12. This is when I go to the gym and do my weight workout. Today was shoulders for about 45 minutes.
11:45AM – Plant-based protein shake + banana.
12:30PM – Back to work. More recording today. It's amazing how time just disappears, because before I knew it was 5:00PM and I didn't even notice it.
I absolutely love the feeling when you completed something BIG and IMPORTANT. It gives you a sense of pride, self-esteem and confidence that creates momentum. You can check the box for a “successful day” because you know that if you do NOTHING ELSE for the rest of the day or even week, that you are still making significant progress towards your goals and in your life.
4:30PM – Quick protein shake or snack. I hate wasting time when I'm in that flow state. I want to stay in my flow state as long as possible and get every ounce out of myself that I can when I'm in it. If I take too long of a break, I get out of it and have to get back into it. That's why I just quickly fuel my body and get back to work.
5:00PM – Getting caught up on e-mails, messages, social media, comments, etc… checking in on team and sending off work for team to edit videos/content.
It's always a great feeling hearing good news from your team. I love seeing how they're on top of things, making progress and moving forward with projects. Everything is accelerated. Progress is constant, regardless of whether I'm asleep or awake.
It's always great to FLOOD YOURSELF with all the love, support, positivity, feedback, testimonials, etc… that you get at the end of a work day. I received an awesome message today from someone that shared how my Kindle course changed their life and in 2014 they built a passive income of $3000/month and they quit their job, grew it to $4500/month and then traveled for 14 months financially free.
I'm also able to see all the great comments on YouTube, social media, the blog, etc… and all the positive feedback and love for the work that I do every day. This re-fuels me after a long day and reminds me WHY I'm doing what I do. It strengthens my purpose and desire.
7:00PM – Work day is done – now time to eat and relax after a productive day.
For dinner, my girlfriend and I ordered a smoked salmon sandwich from room service. Was pretty good and healthy.
One of the best feelings is being able to relax after a productive day. It feels like you EARNED it and I always view it as a well-deserved reward.
To close on a near-perfect day for me is spend time with the girlfriend, watch and catch up on sports, watch something entertaining/funny (maybe a movie or a show or something on YouTube). Just to re-charge and do whatever the heck I want, because I earned and deserve it.
10:00PM – I'll go to sleep tonight BETTER than I was when I woke up this morning.
But also knowing that I contributed something of meaning and value today. Serving the greater good – that is what my life is about.
This, to me, is a great day. A day in my life.