It’s been said that we don’t rise to the level of our goals. We fall to the level of our systems.

Last week I had lunch with a friend who’s a startup CEO. Despite experiencing constant pressure and increasing challenges to his business, he’s been able to operate effectively with a manageable level of stress.

He told me his routine is everything. He now wakes up at the same time every day, works for an hour, spends time with his kids then takes them to school every day, exercises, and then is fully ready to dig in on the day’s work.

My friend has found a daily practice that sustains him. These daily habits allow him to show up consistently.

For me, my daily practice consists of three core activities. I’ve found that if I read a spiritual or inspirational text, exercise, and journal, I’m already 95% of the way to having a good day. This daily practice helps me show up as my best self.

I invite you to answer for yourself: what’s my daily practice?