I Tried the Morning Routines of the World’s Most Successful People for a Week… and Here’s What Happened

Will Tennyson, known for his witty yet insightful explorations of health and fitness, has taken on a bold new challenge.

In his latest YouTube video, he dives headfirst into the morning routines of some of the world’s most successful figures.

From Elon Musk to Cristiano Ronaldo, these routines are often touted as the secret to high performance and productivity.

The question: Can adopting these habits transform an ordinary day into an extraordinary one?

The Night Before: Setting Up for Morning Success

Tennyson begins by exploring the nighttime rituals of achievers like Richard Branson, who leaves his blinds open to let the sun wake him naturally. However, as a Canadian enduring winter’s long darkness, Tennyson relies on a backup: retired Navy SEAL Jocko Willink’s escalating alarm, set to the heavy tones of “Iron Swan.”

The result? A jolting, no-snooze wake-up call that left Tennyson wide-eyed and questioning his life choices.

Early Physical Challenges: Push-Ups and Cold Showers

First on the agenda was Simon Cowell’s signature 150 push-ups. While grueling, the routine left Tennyson with a surprising sense of accomplishment.

The next hurdle was Cristiano Ronaldo’s favorite wake-up ritual: a cold shower. Though widely praised for its health benefits, Tennyson described the icy plunge as sheer torture. Still, the shock to his system provided a burst of energy he couldn’t deny.

Even the simplest acts, like making the bed—recommended by productivity experts—felt unexpectedly satisfying.

Morning Drinks: From Cocoa Coffee to Coca-Cola

Tennyson explored the varied and sometimes unconventional beverage choices of successful individuals.

• Ed Catmull’s Cocoa Coffee: A mix of three espresso shots and cocoa powder, this drink was described as “rocket fuel” that might be more effective at preventing withdrawal than enhancing focus.
• Warren Buffett’s Coca-Cola Habit: Tennyson noted the billionaire’s unapologetic preference for a can of Coke to start his day, a reminder that personal preference often trumps convention.

Both beverages pushed the limits of caffeine consumption but highlighted the role of routine in mental and physical readiness.

Getting Moving: Running and Weightlifting

Physical activity plays a crucial role in the mornings of high achievers, and Tennyson put this to the test.

Inspired by Kevin Hart, he took on a two-mile run in the biting cold. While challenging at first, he eventually found a rhythm, experiencing the mental clarity that often accompanies exercise.

Tennyson also hit the gym, following Jeff Bezos’ dedication to a 45-minute strength-training session. While he admitted the workout wasn’t his strongest, completing it early freed up his mental space for the rest of the day.

Mental Focus: Time Management and Mindfulness

To sharpen his focus, Tennyson adopted the Pomodoro Technique, favored by Elon Musk and Bill Gates. This method, which breaks tasks into focused five-minute slots, helped him tackle emails and organize his day efficiently.

While sipping Tim Ferris’ “Titanium Tea,” a blend of green tea, black tea, turmeric, and ginger, he noted its subtle boost to cognition and metabolism.

Adding a Creative Twist: Dancing and Breakfast

Channeling Rihanna, Tennyson danced in his kitchen before heading off to work. While it felt awkward at first, the burst of joy set a positive tone for the day.

For breakfast, he replicated Taylor Swift’s go-to meal: buckwheat crepes with ham, egg, and cheese. Although his version lacked the finesse of a professional chef, Tennyson found the meal satisfying and energizing.

The Results: A Day of Productivity and Reflection

With his morning off to a strong start, Tennyson powered through meetings, tackled his to-do list, and even found time for a little holiday shopping for his dog.

Reflecting on the experience, he admitted that while many of the routines were extreme, they offered valuable insights into starting the day with intention.

The Verdict: Are Morning Routines the Key to Success?

Tennyson concluded that while not every ritual was sustainable, the core idea was clear: a strong morning routine sets the tone for the day.

Rather than mimicking the exact habits of celebrities, he encouraged viewers to create their own routines that feel purposeful and achievable. After all, success is personal, and the best routine is the one that works for you.

You can catch Will Tennyson’s full experiment—and all the laughs and lessons along the way—on his latest YouTube video.