What the Most Successful People Do Before Breakfast

A Short Guide to Making Over Your Mornings—and Life

By: Laura Vanderkam

Narrated by: Laura Vanderkam

Length: 1 hr and 3 mins

Publisher's summary

Mornings are a madcap time for many of us. We wake up in a haze—often after hitting snooze a few times. Then we rush around to get ready and out the door so we can officially start the day. Before we know it, hours have slipped by without us accomplishing anything beyond downing a cup of coffee, dashing off a few emails, and dishing with our coworkers around the water cooler. By the time the workday wraps up, we’re so exhausted and defeated that any motivation to accomplish something in the evening has vanished.

But according to time management expert Laura Vanderkam, mornings hold the key to taking control of our schedules. If we use them wisely, we can build habits that will allow us to lead happier, more productive lives.

Drawing on real-life anecdotes and scientific research that shows why the early hours of the day are so important, Vanderkam reveals how successful people use mornings to help them accomplish things that are often impossible to take care of later in the day. While many of us are still in bed, these folks are scoring daily victories to improve their health, careers, and personal lives without sacrificing their sanity. For instance, former PepsiCo chairman and CEO Steve Reinemund would rise at 5:00 a.m., run four miles, pray, and eat breakfast with his family before heading to work to run a Fortune 500 company.

What the Most Successful People Do Before Breakfast is a fun, practical guide that will inspire you to rethink your morning routine and jump-start your life before the day has even begun.

©2012 Laura Vanderkam. (P)2012 Gildan Media LLC

Not bad

Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?

May be

What was the most interesting aspect of this story? The least interesting?

Stories

What three words best describe Laura Vanderkam’s performance?

Average

If this book were a movie would you go see it?

NO

Any additional comments?

NO

Powerful and short enough to listen to over and ov

Would you listen to What the Most Successful People Do Before Breakfast again? Why?

I already have listened to it again. I am not a natural early riser so I have listened to it a few times to re-energize my motivation as I build this new habit.

Great advice!

It is very well presented and easy to follow along. The author uses real-world examples that are relateable. Awesome, quick listen.

Seems obvious, but it wasn't...

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes! I absolutely would. It is read in a tone that is easy to understand, follow, and feels like the author speaks from experience. She teaches you to not only make-over your mornings to find that time, but also makes it seem very possible, no matter how busy you are.

What was one of the most memorable moments of What the Most Successful People Do Before Breakfast?

The list of what you can do with your time was the most memorable as it gave ideas of ways to use your time in the mornings in ways you may not think of.

Which scene was your favorite?

There isn't a particular scene that was my favorite, however I really enjoyed the success stories of individuals that have made over their mornings and have integrated the tools into their lives successfully.

What’s an idea from the book that you will remember?

It's important to make healthy choices and changes in your life for yourself first. If you don't have a daily ritual that you look forward to, you won't be as productive.

Quick and Perfect

Not very long, but packed with great ways to transform the morning and make it great!

Enjoyable

What I enjoyed most about this book was it was short and direct. There were moments when the book repeated itself but it's alright. Incorporating what Vanderkam discusses will be challenging for me as sometimes I have to be at work at 5:15am; I think she would agree that waking at 3:00am is a little much. My schedule varies from week to week so I will have to do what I can to make this happen.
She offered up many lists with tons of examples so I think I will have to go back with a pen and paper to get down some of the points that stuck out the most.

Love the simple approach to her books

I've always been a night owl but after reading this book I'm starting to wonder...

Quick motivation!

Would you consider the audio edition of What the Most Successful People Do Before Breakfast to be better than the print version?

Only reviewed audio, but see no clear benefit to a print version.

What other book might you compare What the Most Successful People Do Before Breakfast to and why?

I have started to listen to her 168 Hours book which I didn't realize was hers, so of course similar.

Which character – as performed by Laura Vanderkam – was your favorite?

I honestly don't remember.

What insight do you think you’ll apply from What the Most Successful People Do Before Breakfast?

Use my time more efficiently and seriously consider if our family could switch from night orientation to morning. Seems like a big switch. Motivating and helps you choose you're life, rather than just let it happen.

Any additional comments?

Not sure the mornings work for all families. There are time constraints in the morning that are not so present at night. Of course maybe we'd use it more effectively and not 'drag' at night...? Also, maybe we wouldn't be grouchy in the morning if we got to bed earlier. Yes, we 'know' a lot of this, but unless we're doing all of it, we apparently need to be reminded!

removes excuses

short and to the point. removes the excuse about not having time. clearly makes the argument for getting up and doing the important things.

Short and sweet.

If you could sum up What the Most Successful People Do Before Breakfast in three words, what would they be?

Reflection, Movement, Meditation

What other book might you compare What the Most Successful People Do Before Breakfast to and why?

Walking Meditation. This book also contains reflection, movement, and meditation.

What about Laura Vanderkam’s performance did you like?

Great performance. Her voice kept my attention.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

No extreme reaction, but certainly confirmed my thoughts about starting the day from a source of power.

Any additional comments?

Great listen.