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Like many remote professionals, I’ve developed daily rituals that help me feel grounded, focused, and motivated. Headway has become a meaningful part of that rhythm, seamlessly fitting into my mornings and supporting my passion for continuous growth.
How I start my mornings with intention
On a typical weekday, I work remotely from home and have built a morning routine that helps me ease into the day. I start with coffee and a bit of learning, including Headway, and then head out for a short walk around the neighborhood. I love getting some early sun because it gives me a nice boost in mood and energy, and it’s an easy way to get some vitamin D. By 9 am, I’m at my desk and ready to start the workday.
Stubby and Billie, my two cats, usually join me in my office. There’s a bird feeder outside the window that keeps them entertained, and Billie has a habit of jumping on my desk and occasionally making surprise appearances during Zoom calls.
Why I replaced social media with Headway summaries
I’ve tried using Headway at different times throughout the day, but I’ve found that mornings work best for me. I’m most consistent when I use it as part of my morning routine before my workday starts. Reading a summary first thing helps me set a thoughtful tone and gives me something meaningful to carry into the rest of the day.
Before discovering Headway, I would usually scroll through social media or watch TV during my coffee time. Switching to focused reading turned that moment into something more rewarding. It’s a small change, but it’s helped me feel more intentional and purposeful from the very beginning of the day.
How I choose what to read and apply it
When it comes to picking what to read, I usually go with one of the “Challenges” Headway recommends. I love that they’re curated around a specific theme or goal, which makes it easy to stay consistent. Right now, I’m working through the 21-day Wellness Challenge. I appreciate that the Challenges sometimes include topics or titles I might not have picked on my own — it’s a great way to broaden my perspective while still staying aligned with my interests.
The insights I get from Headway often come back to me during the day. Sometimes, it’s a new perspective that helps me approach a work challenge differently. Other times, it’s a more personal reminder — like staying present or breaking out of a habit loop. Even when I don’t consciously apply everything I’ve read, the ideas linger and make me more thoughtful throughout the day.
Stacking Headway with other good habits
After I finish a Headway summary (and my coffee), I usually follow it with 10 minutes of Spanish practice using Duolingo. I’ll often do this while wearing my Omnilux red light face mask — it’s a bit of a habit stack: something for the mind and something for self-care. This combination makes the start of my day feel productive and balanced, even before I open my laptop.
I usually prefer reading the summaries, but sometimes I’ll listen to the audio while following along with the text. It depends on my mood — if I’m feeling a little low in energy, listening helps me stay engaged without feeling like I’m forcing it. I like having the flexibility to choose what works best in the moment.
How Headway helps me stay productive and focused
Headway has helped me shift into a more productive mindset at the start of the day. Replacing passive habits with a few minutes of focused reading makes me feel more energized and driven. That sense of momentum often carries into the rest of the day — I feel like I’ve already done something valuable before I even open my laptop.
The book summary that made the biggest impact on me
I recently read the summary of ‘Make Your Bed’ by Admiral William H. McRaven, and it really resonated with me. The part that stuck with me most was how small actions, like making your bed, can give you a quick win and set the tone for a productive day. That really aligns with how I approach my mornings — starting with coffee, some quick learnings, and a walk to get some sun and movement in before work.
The summary also reinforced that life is not always fair, and sometimes you just have to keep pushing, even when things aren’t going your way. I liked the reminder that setbacks can build resilience and that showing up as your best self in tough moments really matters. It was a quick read but full of perspective, and it left me wanting to dive into the full book.
