It will make you healthier, happier, and better able to sleep; it can boost your memory, concentration, and mental sharpness.
What is the habit? EXERCISE
High level leaders know this and exercise. Here are a few examples...
- The President exercises 6 days a week, 45 minutes a day.
- Richard Branson swims, does rock climbing, running, and weightlifting. He says it gives him at least four additional hours of productivity each day.
- Anna Wintour, editor-in-chief of American Vogue, wakes up every morning at 5:45 a.m. to play tennis.
- Panera Bread CEO, Ron Shaich, confessed to being "a couch potato," but said he "made a commitment to lose weight and increase his fitness level" in his 50s to "keep up mentally and physically with the demands of a growing business." To force himself to work out, Shaich employs a trainer. The workout consists of running or swimming in his indoor or outdoor pool for one hour, two to three times a week.
- Nick Woodman, CEO of Go Pro, is an avid surfer, snowboarder, and mountain biker.
- Frits van Paaschen, chief of Starwood Hotels & Resorts, gets up at 6:00 am to run 10 miles every day.
- Michael Corbat, CEO of Citigroup, works out with weights to stay sharp.
- Kat Cole, CEO of Focus Brands, gets up at 5:30 am to exercise.
- Aaron Patzer, founder of mint.com, lifts weights, runs, and rock climbs to stay fit.
If you aren't exercising, I want to encourage you to consider starting. You'll be glad you did.
If you exercise, inspire others to start by listing what you do in the comment section below.