My Morning Routine by Benjamin Spall & Michael Xander Summary

My Morning Routine explores the morning habits of 64 high achievers, from Olympic athletes to CEOs, revealing how intentional routines boost productivity and fulfillment. The book emphasizes customization over rigid formulas, offering actionable strategies like starting small, using triggers, and rewarding progress. Key themes include balancing self-care with productivity and adapting rituals to evolving lifestyles.

This book is ideal for professionals, entrepreneurs, and anyone seeking to optimize their mornings for success. It’s particularly valuable for non-morning people struggling with consistency, parents managing hectic schedules, or individuals craving structured yet flexible daily rituals. The mix of case studies and practical advice appeals to self-improvement enthusiasts and productivity hackers alike.

Yes—it combines real-world examples with adaptable frameworks, making it a standout in the productivity genre. Unlike theoretical guides, it provides diverse perspectives (e.g., Marie Kondo’s tidying ritual, Ed Catmull’s espresso-cocoa blend) and actionable steps like the “1-2 week trial” for new habits. Readers gain tools to design routines that align with their unique needs and goals.

• Customization is critical: No single routine works for everyone.
• Start small: Begin with 5-minute habits to build momentum.
• Leverage triggers: Use waking up or completing a task to cue the next action.
• Embrace flexibility: Adapt rituals to life changes, like parenting or career shifts.

While Atomic Habits focuses on habit-forming science, My Morning Routine emphasizes practical application through real-life case studies. Spall’s book offers tangible examples (e.g., Twitter cofounder Biz Stone’s routine) rather than theoretical frameworks, making it a complementary read for those seeking inspiration over systems.

• “Mastering your morning routine will take time”: Highlights the trial-and-error process of habit-building.
• “It’s difficult to have a good day without starting your morning with intention”: Underscores the psychological power of deliberate mornings.
• “Your mornings are a blank slate”: Encourages treating each day as a fresh opportunity.

The book links morning rituals to professional achievement by showcasing leaders like General Stanley McChrystal, who use early hours for strategic planning. Tips like “prioritize ‘me-time’ before work” or “avoid digital distractions” help readers cultivate focus and resilience.

Some may find the lack of a one-size-fits-all solution frustrating. The reliance on anecdotal evidence (e.g., Sheena Brady’s tea rituals) over empirical data could limit scalability for readers seeking rigid guidelines. However, its flexibility is also a strength for personalized adaptation.

As founder of the My Morning Routine blog, Spall’s expertise in interviewing high performers shines through. His journalistic approach ensures diverse, relatable examples—from Shopify executives to fitness experts—grounded in real-world experimentation.

Yes. The book features non-morning people who crafted rituals around their natural rhythms, such as writing late at night or exercising midday. It advocates for “morning” routines tailored to individual chronotypes rather than forcing early wake-ups.

• “Jenga stack”: Mornings form the foundation for daily productivity.
• “Reset button”: Routines help mentally prepare for challenges.
• “Blank slate”: Each morning offers renewal opportunities.

While not included in the book, Spall recommends writing down routines, specifying triggers, and tracking progress via journals. The “1-2 week trial” framework acts as a built-in template for testing habits like meditation or exercise.