The Routine

Why a Morning Routine is a Game-Changer for Leaders

Starting your day with a routine isn’t just about being organized; it’s about owning your mindset, energy, and focus before the world starts pulling at you. A strong morning routine helps leaders shift from reactive to proactive. Instead of chasing the day, you start leading it.

That’s leadership fuel.

A routine creates consistency. Consistency creates confidence. And confidence allows you to coach, decide, delegate, and lead at a high level.

The Bryce Harper Parallel: A Lesson in Preparation

Let’s take a page out of Bryce Harper’s playbook. You’ll notice that every time he steps into the batter’s box, he does the exact same thing, same number of taps, same footwork, same breath, same look up at the pitcher. Some fans think it's superstition. But it’s not superstition, it’s ritual.

Bryce isn’t just “warming up.” He’s signaling to his body and mind: I’m locked in. I’m in control. I’m ready to hit.

His routine tells his brain, “This is what we do when it’s time to perform.” That ritual is his reset. It drowns out the noise, calms the nerves, and centers him in the moment.

Isn’t that exactly what new managers need when they walk into their metaphorical batter’s box each morning?

Your Leadership Batting Box: Start the Day Like a Pro

Imagine if every morning, instead of rolling into work, reacting checking emails, rushing through your to-do list, you stepped into your day like Bryce steps into the box. Calm. Focused. Ready to lead.

Here’s a simple example of a “leadership routine”:

• Center yourself – 3 minutes of quiet reflection or journaling.

• Set your MVP (Most Valuable Priority) – What’s the one thing that will move the needle today?

• MBWA Moment – Plan who you’ll check in with. People before tasks.

• Review your calendar intentionally – Don’t be owned by it, own it.

You do this every day? You’re training your brain to perform. You’re not just going through the motions, you’re preparing to coach ‘em up.

Final Thought: Ritual Over Random

Whether you’re in a stadium with 40,000 fans or in a morning team huddle with three direct reports, how you start matters. Routine is the difference between “showing up” and “showing up ready.”

So, ask yourself:

What’s your leadership batting stance?

Because when you find it and repeat it, you’ll start crushing the day before it has a chance to throw you a curveball.

Go coach 'em up and make it a great day! 🟡⚾💼