Since moving to the New York metropolitan area in January 2024, I have been striving to establish a productive morning routine that will help me excel in my transition to adulthood. As a recent college graduate, I was warned about the challenges of the 9-5 life, and so far, I have found it to be an adjustment. While I haven’t quite reached the same levels of existentialism as some of my fellow Gen Zers (give me time), I have definitely felt that I will never finish my never-ending to-do list. During my first week at work, I was ready to sleep by 8 p.m., and honestly couldn’t fathom how anyone had the motivation or energy to work out, let alone raise families or be social, which prompted an empathetic phone call to my parents.
Since then, I have found a better rhythm and started thinking about what kind of productive person could inspire me to achieve my goals more effectively. CEOs are renowned for their extensive industry knowledge, packed Google calendars, and ability to lead others. As someone just starting my career, I couldn’t think of a better position to aspire towards. Apple CEO Tim Cook is one such individual whose morning routine has caught my attention. His daily routine starts with waking up early – 4 to 5 am – responding to emails, doing strength training several times a week and then showering and getting ready before having some coffee and maybe a light breakfast. While his early wake-up time is not something I can relate to, his approachable routine seems very achievable for someone like me who wants to incorporate healthier habits into their life without feeling overwhelmed.
With this decision made, I embarked on a weeklong challenge to see if copying Cook’s routine would help kick-start my own productivity journey. The results were mixed; while it was challenging at first – especially waking up early – as the days went by, I began noticing how much more productive I was becoming. By incorporating strength training into my daily routine and drinking coffee in the morning instead of hitting snooze button multiple times over the weekend mornings; I felt energized and focused throughout the day. Moreover, by following Cook’s footsteps with regard
