10 Things Every Founder/CEO Should Start Doing Today.

Heck, everyone should start doing today...

(I wish I did 3, 4, and 5 much much earlier in life)

1) Exercising any way you can… daily

→ Ditch the rigid routine, mix it up, and remember, doing anything is better than nothing.

Find ways to make exercise social, like the rise of pickleball, and consider taking a 10-minute walk break for a world of good.

2) Sleeping like your life depends on it

→ Establishing a consistent sleep schedule has changed lives. Implement five ways to sleep better: avoid food and drink two hours before bedtime, stay away from screens an hour before bed, enjoy a warm bath just before bed, ensure complete darkness in the bedroom, and maintain a cool temperature.

3) Eating slowly, simply and mindfully

→ Consider access to top-quality food as a sign of wealth.

Stay mindful of your eating environment, avoid caffeine after 10 am, and remember that food exists to power your interactions, not just to comfort you when you’re down.

4) Meditating in a way that works for you

→ Find confidence and calmness within yourself through meditation. Incorporate less formal “snap meditation” into your day, even if it’s just a few seconds of calmness and centering in stressful situations.

5) Develop passions that have nothing to do with your work

→ The best CEOs are often deeply passionate about something outside of work. Explore non-exercise-related passions like reading, music, or cooking.

These interests, such as birdwatching, allow for quiet observation and attunement to your surroundings.

6) Opening your door more

→ While many CEOs claim to have an open-door policy, few truly practice it.

Excellent CEOs spend time listening and taking action based on what they hear, despite the challenges of accessibility as companies grow.

7) Responding instead of reacting

→ Practice responding rather than reacting in conversations.

Remember that snap reactions often stem from preconceived notions, and take a moment to understand the other person’s perspective before responding.

8) Acting like an ambassador

→ Recognize that as a CEO, you represent more than just yourself - you are the brand.

Prepare for public interactions with calmness and consideration, reflecting the interests of your employees, shareholders, suppliers, partners, and customers.

9) Communicating even more

→ Avoid assuming that everyone understands company strategy and operations.

Communicate openly and regularly with employees through various formal and informal channels, and consider conducting regular “ask me anything” sessions.

10) Showing your humanity

→ Embrace vulnerability and authenticity in your interactions with your team.

Let them see your humanity by expressing emotions and building trust and belief in your leadership. Remember, your team should know the real you - a human.

Which ones of these do you already do? Which one will you start doing today?