My ultimate productivity hack: Not your typical morning routine

Many books have been written about morning routines that often come with a list of activities: waking up early, meditation, gratitude exercises, journaling, and working out. While these routines work for some, I’m sure. I’ve discovered a more straightforward, focused approach that has revolutionized my productivity.

My #1 productivity tip is my morning routine, and it’s not what you might expect. I wake up at 4:55 AM, head straight to my desk at home, and dive into work on my most important tasks—no distractions, no delays. This focused morning time has been a game-changer for me, and I want to share how it can change your life too, whether you’re a an MSP owner or a vCIO.

The Power of Early Morning Deep Work

This routine is built on prioritizing Q2 tasks—important but not urgent, as outlined in The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey. These tasks move the needle but often get overshadowed by day-to-day fires.

From 5:00 AM to 8:45 AM, I work on my most critical, high-impact projects. By the time I join my team’s morning huddle, I’ve already logged 3.75 hours of deep, uninterrupted work. It’s the most productive part of my day, free from emails, meetings, and other distractions.

Why This Works

• Distraction-Free Zone: Early mornings are quiet. The world isn’t awake yet, so there are no calls, notifications, or interruptions.
• Fresh Mental Energy: Your brain is at its peak after a full night’s rest, making this the perfect time for creative and strategic work.
• Momentum for the Day: Starting the day with a win—progress on your most important tasks—gives you a sense of accomplishment and sets a positive tone for the rest of the day.

Adjusting My Routine for Maximum Impact

I used to exercise first thing in the morning, but I’ve shifted my workouts to later. This adjustment allows me to dedicate those precious early hours to deep work.

Another key element of this routine is finishing work earlier. This change has been transformative—not only for my productivity but also for my personal life. Wrapping up my day earlier means I have more quality time with my family, which is more important than work.

Of course, this requires discipline in other areas, mainly going to bed early. Adequate sleep is non-negotiable to maintain focus and energy levels.

How This Can Work for You

Whether you’re a MSP owner or a vCIO this routine is adaptable to your life and goals. Here’s how you can get started:

1. Identify Your Q2 Tasks: Take some time to define the important-but-not-urgent tasks that will have the biggest impact on your business or role.
2. Set Your Morning Routine: Decide on your wake-up time and commit to starting your day with focused work. Avoid distractions like emails or social media during this time.
3. Plan Your Day for Balance: Schedule exercise, meetings, and other activities for later in the day. Reserve mornings exclusively for deep work.
4. Prioritize Sleep: To sustain this routine, aim for at least 7–8 hours of sleep. Going to bed early is key to waking up energized and ready to tackle the day.

Why This Matters

Starting your day with deep work doesn’t just boost productivity—it enhances your overall quality of life. By focusing on what truly matters in the morning, you free up mental space and time to enjoy the other aspects of your day, whether it’s leading your team, solving client challenges, or spending time with loved ones.

I cannot recommend this enough. Whether you’re a seasoned business owner or just starting out, this simple shift in how you start your mornings can transform your productivity and your life.

So tomorrow morning, skip the extra steps in your routine, head straight to your desk, and see what you can accomplish. It might just change everything.