One thing
What do a founding father, a legendary composer, and a tech entrepreneur have in common?
They all swear by daily rituals as the fuel for their creativity and success.
Most people struggle to stick with a new habit for more than a few weeks, so I’m fascinated by people able to maintain a daily practice for years and years.
Here are some of my favorite rituals from some of my favorite people:
- Keith Rabois: has attended a Barry’s class every morning for >1,000 consecutive days
- Fred Wilson: writes an essay every weekday since 2003
- Truman: started each morning with a shot of bourbon and a large glass of orange juice
- Dickens: walked at least 12 miles a day, and by some reports more than 20
- Bach: drank 30 cups of coffee a day
- Balzac: often drank upwards of 50 cups a day
- Franklin: took an "air bath" at 5 a.m. sharp every morning—windows wide open, sitting in the nude, simply enjoying the breeze
- Einstein: played the violin, usually Mozart and Bach, at least once a day
- Agatha Christie: bathed every morning while eating apples and dreaming up book ideas
- Seinfeld: meditates daily
- Anna Wintour: wakes at 5:30 a.m. and plays an hour of tennis before doing her hair/makeup
The point is not so much about the habits themselves (although a few of these really are delightful!)—more so that for each of these people their "one thing" provides a powerful foundation for excelling in their primary pursuits.
Consistency is a massively underrated virtue.
We should all endeavor to find a daily practice that helps us fulfill our potential. And if it's weird or quirky, not to worry—you’ll be in excellent company.