There’s a phrase I often come back to: “Start your day with a win.”
For me, that win is as simple as making my bed.
Okay — not every day, but it’s close.
This small, consistent act has become more than just a habit. It’s a reset, a signal to myself that I’m intentional about how I begin. It grounds me, especially in seasons when work moves fast, challenges compound, and leadership requires more focus than ever.
There was a chapter in my career that pushed me hard — high stakes, high speed, high complexity. From the outside, everything was functioning. But internally, I knew I was drifting too far into reaction mode. Meetings blurred together. Strategic thinking was replaced by constant triage. And although I wouldn’t describe it as burnout, the signs were there: diminished clarity, reduced energy, and a sense of disconnection from the “why” behind the work.
I knew I needed to re-center — not with a dramatic overhaul, but by returning to small disciplines that help me lead from a place of clarity and control.
That’s where making the bed came back in. A simple act, completed before my first meeting, that reminded me: I can create order. I can set the tone. I can lead my day, rather than let it lead me.
From there, the process extended: reclaiming control of my calendar, re-aligning priorities, resetting boundaries, and reengaging with what drives performance in myself and my teams.
This may sound basic — and that’s the point. Leadership, at any level, isn’t about grand gestures every day. It’s about showing up with consistency and intention. It’s about building momentum through small, repeatable actions that reflect your values.
In the MarTech world, we thrive on data, speed, and measurable outcomes. But beneath all of that is the human side of leadership — and it requires structure, energy, and resilience.
Making the bed doesn’t solve everything. But it’s a reminder that success often starts with small wins — the kind that build confidence, clarity, and control. And from there, the bigger shifts become possible.
This is what works for me.
Your version might look different — a morning walk, five minutes of journaling, time with family, a quiet coffee alone. Whatever it is, I encourage you to find the habit that anchors your day.
Not for productivity’s sake — but for presence. For mindset. For leadership.
Because how we start, shapes how we lead.
How can you create a ‘small win’ habit that brings you back to center when things feel overwhelming?