In order to achieve any big win, you must first achieve the prerequisitory* small wins which compound to make the big win.

Think about it… A painting is a series of brushstrokes, a war is a series of battles and a sports game is a series of plays.

Likewise, your life is a series of days. So consequently, you maximize your life by maximizing each day.

“To affect the quality of the day, that is the highest of arts.” – Henry David Thoreau

If you want to have a good day, you must proactively create a good day.

If you want to be successful at anything, you need to know what you want and apply persistence towards it. On a day-to-day basis, this persistence takes the form of a ritual, routine or system.

I’ve stopped thinking about goals, in favor of systems (which are basically interchangeable with routines and rituals). Systems are more effective than goals, especially regarding any major undertaking. Systems are more easily implementable, they take you in the right direction, and they’re flexible. While lofty goals can become irrelevant as you get closer to them, systems can unfold as dynamically as your life unfolds. You can adjust a system to hit any target.

Which is more effective?
Doing some form of exercise every day, or having an ambiguous goal of “losing weight”?
Implementing a system of writing a page a day, or having the goal of writing a novel?

Obviously, the former is much more effective in both cases. What do they have in common? The establishment of a daily ritual.

A major commonality between all successful people is that they all have daily rituals. And not obsessive or neurotic rituals done out of fear. I’m talking about routines which are consciously implemented to keep you moving in a desired direction.

“The secret of your future is hidden in your daily routine.” – Mike Murdock

The most effective rituals are morning rituals. Why? Your morning is your pivot point which the rest of the day hinges upon. The morning is your origin point of momentum for the day.

And you don’t need to be obsessive about a morning routine. If you don’t partake in a morning ritual one day, it’s not the end of the world. It’s about consistency, not perfection.

“Don’t judge each day by the harvest you reap but by the seeds that you plant.” – Robert Louis Stevenson

In one of his latest podcasts, Tim Ferriss shared his 5 morning rituals. I found this particularly insightful and validating, as it’s very similar to My Carpe Diem Morning Ritual. Establishing a morning ritual has been a powerful, success-propelling force in my life. And it’s wonderful to know that I’m in good company.

1. Make the bed
The first thing that Tim does when he wakes up is that he makes his bed. (This is something I need to incorporate.)

Why it’s effective:

• Gives you a sense of control, no matter what else happens that day.
• Start your day on the right foot. Plus, you come back to that accomplishment at the end of the day.
• Creates an organized environment that limits distraction.

“If you see distraction externally, you end up creating an internally distracted state.” – Tim Ferriss

2. Meditation
Tim does 21 minutes of transcendental meditation every morning (one minute to get settled and twenty minutes of actual meditation). He also emphasizes the fact that meditation is a common routine among almost every ultra-successful person he’s spoken with.

Why it’s effective:

• Clears your mind
• Strengthens how you deal with distraction
• Tim states that he gets 30-50% more done on the days he meditates. I can attest to this phenomenon as well.

For more about meditation, read my Introduction to Meditation.

3. Hanging
He hangs from a pullup bar for a few minutes.

Why it’s effective:

• Decompresses the spine
• Improves grip strength

4. Tea
Tim makes what he jokingly refers to as “titanium tea.”

Why it’s effective:

• Caffeine (And it benefits like cognitive enhancement and alertness)
• It tastes good

5. 5 Minute Journal
The last part of Tim Ferriss’ routine is writing in his 5 Minute Journal, which I personally use as well.

Why it’s effective:

• Helps you focus on your most important tasks for the day
• Cultivates gratitude

Check out the podcast HERE.

So there you have it. You don’t necessarily have to copy Tim or myself, but these habits will give you an idea of ways to help you win the day.

READER CHALLENGE: Pick one ritual and start it tomorrow morning.

“Make each day your masterpiece.” – John Wooden

Stay feelin’ good feelin’ great.

– Stevie P!

*I’m not sure if “prerequisitory” is even a word, but it sounds cool and gets the point across.