I was on a podcast recently and the host asked me about my daily rituals.

He wanted to know what I focus on personally to make each day the best it can be.

I have been fortunate to spend time with great leaders over the years.

Here are some things I’ve observed and adopted into my own daily practices.

1. Learn Something: Leaders are learners. They work harder on themselves than anything else. They know that they cannot give what they do not have. Every day I read and consume information. I had a mentor when I was young who taught me that a page a day can change your life. He was right.

2. Create Something: Leaders are the consummate producers. They are always tinkering with and trying new ideas. They imagine, they write, they ask questions, and explore.

3. Do Something Physical: It takes strength to be a great leader. Physical fitness is an important part of my daily routine. I live on the road. I must be disciplined when it comes to diet and exercise. Physical strength is important when it comes to handling the stress and pressures of business and life.

4. Think About Something Positive: I like quotes. Each day I find a positive quote and let that be my thought for the day. I meditate on the words and let them linger in my mind. It’s a daily guidepost to keep my brain focused on good things.

5. Be Grateful for Something: Gratitude is something that can change everything. When we view life and each other through the lens of thankfulness it reminds us of the things that are truly important. In this life, we don’t HAVE to do anything but rather we GET to do something, be something, and experience something each day. What an amazing gift we have in today.

6. Give Something to Others: Generosity is a superpower. Every day I want to try to give something away. It could be a kind word. It might be a big tip. It might be something I learned that someone else needed to hear. It doesn’t matter what it is, the very gesture of giving something to someone else always gives us more in return. If you want to be filled full, pour what you have into others.

7. Encourage Someone: Lifting people up is the hallmark of great humans. We love to be around people who see the best in us. Those who can pick us up when life knocks us down. Being a light to those around us not only lifts them up but it brightens our day as well.

These are some of the things that I focus on each day. You can add or subtract to make your list work for you. The point is consistency. Stacking small wins on top of each other is how great things get done.

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