Get All Access for $5/mo

The Most Important Hour of the Day for Entrepreneurs Isn't What You'd Think To lead a business well, one hour daily is essential to maintain energy, focus and effectiveness.

By Ken Gosnell Edited by Russell Sicklick

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

Leading a business can be difficult and life-consuming, from the time the alarm clock rings until your head hits the pillow. A leader's day can be filled with solving problems, overcoming issues and making tough decisions. Many leaders are unprepared for what it takes to lead a business well.

One hour is more essential to the leader than others for the leader to maintain energy, focus and effectiveness. That hour consists of two thirty-minute blocks of time, one in the morning and one at the end of the day.

That hour should be filled with inspirational reading, time reflecting, capturing ideas and focused thinking. All of which will help the leader grow in their understanding of themselves and the world in which they live. Small habits can have a big impact on a leader and on the organization that they lead.

Related: Time Management Hacks That Very Successful People Practice Daily

Developing a motivating morning routine

The leader's first 30 minutes of the day is one of the most critical blocks of time. Many make the mistake of checking emails, looking at the news or reviewing social media as one of the first habits of the day. These actions will often have one respond to the emergencies of others rather than working on their priorities. The above activities can also drain the leader's energy rather than give them the power to start the day with effectiveness and focus.

Here is a powerful morning routine process that will help any leader start the day with the right frame of mind:

  • 10 minutes reading motivational and inspiring content
  • Four minutes meditating on a life principle or thought
  • 10 minutes writing their thoughts and ideas in a journal
  • Four minutes reviewing their top priorities of the day
  • Two minutes repeating a fundamental affirmation for the day

Related: 10 Time Management Tips That Work

Developing an engaging evening routine

The last 30 minutes of the day are also essential for the life of a leader. How one finishes a day can determine how well they sleep and how effectively they prepare for the next day. Many leaders struggle with getting good sleep, which will show up in their energy level, decision-making and attitudes towards their peers over time. Developing an effective end-of-the-day routine can be essential to leading a business well. The right last 30 minutes of every day can give the leader peace, focus and energy to grow their passion and vision for their organization.

Here is a process for an engaging evening routine that will help any leader end the day with the right frame of mind:

  • 10 minutes reading thoughtful and peaceful content
  • Four minutes reviewing their breakthroughs or wins of the day
  • 10 minutes writing their thoughts and ideas in a journal
  • Four minutes establishing their top goals for the next day
  • Two minutes practicing their listening by being quiet and silent

This 10-4-2 model for morning and evening routines can change the life of a leader. The proper morning and evening routine will help them gain momentum, grow energy and gain wisdom to lead themselves and their team even in the most challenging times.

Related: 9 Rules for Successful Time Management

Business Strategies, Entrepreneurial Advice & Inspiring Stories are all in one place. Explore the new Entrepreneur Bookstore.

Ken Gosnell

Entrepreneur Leadership Network® Contributor

Founder of CEO Experience

Ken Gosnell is the founder of CEO Experience and the publisher of the CXP CEO Executive Guide. Gosnell is a keynote speaker, executive coach and author of the book Well Done: 12 Biblical Business Principles for Leaders to Grow Their Business with Kingdom Impact.

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Living

These Are the 'Wealthiest and Safest' Places to Retire in the U.S. None of Them Are in Florida — and 2 States Swept the List.

More than 338,000 U.S. residents retired to a new home in 2023 — a 44% increase year over year.

Growing a Business

Why Business Growth Plateaus — and 4 Proven Tips for Quickly Overcoming It

Is your business stuck in a frustrating plateau, with growth stalled and no clear path forward? Discover the surprising reasons why most companies hit this wall — and the game-changing strategies you need to break through and start scaling again!

Business News

Prime Bank: Empowering Growth as Kenya's Premier Banking Partner

Established in 1992, Prime Bank is one of Kenya's leading banks and a trusted partner for individuals, businesses, and communities across the country. With a nationwide network of 24 branches, Prime Bank offers clients a comprehensive suite of banking products and services tailored to meet their specific needs. The bank is also present in several regional markets, including Malawi, Mozambique, Botswana, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

Leadership

How Entrepreneurs Can Create a More Inclusive Office Space

When you want your office to feel more inclusive, remember to consider the roles of design and layout.

Starting a Business

He Started a Business That Surpassed $100 Million in Under 3 Years: 'Consistent Revenue Right Out of the Gate'

Ryan Close, founder and CEO of Bartesian, had run a few small businesses on the side — but none of them excited him as much as the idea for a home cocktail machine.

Leadership

10 Ways My Leadership Has Changed in 10 Years

Reflecting on the ways my approach to leadership has transformed over the past decade and the key lessons I've learned along the way.