If you study successful people as closely I have, it’s pretty easy to realize a few things.

• They aren’t all rocket scientists. In fact, some of them didn’t ever graduate college (i.e. Steve Jobs, Bill Gates, etc.)
• They aren’t afraid to fail. Actually, they love failure as it’s a way to succeed faster.
• Lastly, they all have great habits. And one of those habits is creating a winning morning routine.

As the legendary motivational speaker and author Brian Tracy said, “Successful people are simply those with successful habits.” And he’s right. Especially when it comes to winning the morning.

One of the ways to do this is known as the hour of power. The hour of power routine has a few different versions but all have a lot in common.  

Hour of Power: Create Your Powerful Morning Routine

Jack Canfield’s Hour of Power

Jack Canfield, author of the Chicken Soup for the Soul Series and The Success Principles, love his hour of power. His version includes:

• 20 minutes of exercise
• 20 minutes of meditation
• And 20 minutes of reading or watching something positive and/or inspirational

Each of these helps him start the morning off with gratitude, movement, and inspired. One common thing among ultra-successful people is avoiding your phone for the first hour of the day. Give yourself a digital detox.

Besides, how many times have looking at your phone in the morning actually made your day better?

If you’re like most people its just a distraction and easy to end up on the vortex of social media.

Tony Robbins’s Hour of Power

Tony Robbins is another huge proponent of morning routines and has several different rituals, depending on the amount of time you have available. While the hour of the power of is good in theory, not everyone always has a full 60 minutes each day.

In this case, it’s important to have a variety of 15 and 30-minute versions instead of skipping altogether. Here’s what Tony’s 15-minute ritual looks like:

15 Minutes of Fulfillment

1. Move and Breathe (5 minutes): As Tony says, “Motion creates emotion.” Use some sort of diaphragm breathing or short burst of exercise to wake up your nervous system once you wake up.
2. Gratitude Exercise (5 minutes): Go to any Tony Robbins seminar and you’ll instantly understand the importance of gratitude. In this exercise, focus on three things you’re grateful for in life. Nothing is too small or big.
3. Incantations (5 minutes): Incantations are a form of affirmations in which you use your body and breath more than simply reading positive statements. Tony’s said in several interviews he used to shout incantations at max volume while driving in his car. He’s said that they’ve helped rewire his subconscious and help him achieve more.

Start Your Hour of Power

If you’re ready to start your hour of power for the new year here are some easy rituals to add to your routine:

• Writing in a gratitude journal or expressing gratitude outwardly
• Journaling your goals and future plans
• Exercising, yoga, stretching or going for a brisk walk
• Watching or reading something inspirational or uplifting
• Having a healthy breakfast and preparing a healthy lunch

Remember, you can always change the terms of your hour. It is your Hour of Power. But have fun with it, and know that it’s extremely effective in centering you, uplifting you, and helping you create a powerful, positive day.