The Morning Routine Of A Chief Success Officer And Founder Of The JW Method
Have you ever wondered what the morning routine of a successful consultant and founder is like?
Featured in Business Insider,Jacqueline Relkeis thefounder of the JW Method and Gen Z sales consultant who managed over $700,000,000 on the trading floor during her corporate finance career. Now, she consults with corporate financial institutions and mentors women so they can grow in their careers and business and shatter the glass ceiling.
What time do you wake up in the morning, and how do you wake up?
I wake up at 6:45 am to my alarm on my Apple Watch. I love it because it is a gentle vibration that wakes you up gently versus a blaring alarm. Talk about a non-relaxing way to wake up with the latter!
How do you like your coffee?
I brew fresh black coffee from a local coffee shop, Irving Farm, every morning in a percolator and enjoy it was a splash of hazelnut creamer. I used to not do this to save “liquid calories,” but life is too short, and it brings so much joy to my morning. Don’t miss out on 95% of life to weigh 5% less.
What’s on your bedside table?
There is nothing other than lavender essential oil spray, phone charger, humidifier, and hand lotion (hi, dry skin). I am a slight clean freak, so less is more.
Do you prepare for your mornings the night before? If so, how?
I do not prepare only because I have such a rock-solid morning routine now. If I have a lot going on and my mind won’t turn off, I will do a “brain dump” – a list of everything I need to do the next day/week so my brain can turn off and go to sleep. However, if I am going to a 7:30 am pilates class, I will set up my gym clothes outside of our bedroom, so I don’t wake up AW ruffling around for a sports bra.
What are your skincare/body care rituals?
Oh god… I am the queen of skincare/body care rituals as I have extremely dry skin. Here we go:
AM:
– I always rinse with water then do a light glow peel pad to get rid of dry skin. I use Dr. Dennis Gross 1x a week and Facial Radiance Pads in between
– Sunscreen is non-negotiable. I have been loving Supergoop Glowscreen lately for that summer glow
PM:
– Farmacy Green Clean Makeup Balm is my absolute fave. I have tried every makeup remover balm in the market, and this is by far the best. Hydrating and gentle.
– Retina/Retinol … I can not express the need for this in your skincare routine enough. I use prescription-grade retina, but in-between prescriptions, I keep it up with Skin Medica 1.0 Retinol and this amazing eye stick from peace out – so fun and easy to use.
– 100% Castor Oil on eyelashes and brows. People always ask me if my lashes/brows are real. Yes, yes they are, all thanks to 4 years of consistent use of this magic.
– I cannot express how much exfoliating mitts have saved my dry skin. Probably TMI, but my dry skin literally rolls off my body when I use these. I have tried many and am not wedded to one brand, so Google it, hit purchase, and thank me later.
6:45 am: Wake up (and realistically hit snooze on my Apple Watch once [or twice]…)
7:00 am: Make coffee + set up for morning routine (journal, to-do list, candle, AirPods + music, coffee)
7:00 am-7:30 am: Complete 5x5x5 Journal Method (5 things I am grateful for, 5 things I need to get done today that are non-negotiable, and 5 things I am manifesting) + anything else that pops up during this time. If I wake up on the wrong side of the bed, I add in 3-5 things I want to “release.” I write down what movement/workout I am committing to today, my meals, and my water intake. I will also note any “house” items I need to complete (groceries, returns, laundry, cleaning, etc.). Then I write out my to-do list – all personal, M$W/JW method internal to do’s, client deliverables, call prep/debriefs, etc. I then prioritize these (L1 = top priority, needs to get done today. L3 = Low priority, or needs to get done by EOW).
7:30 am-8:00 am: This is when I open my computer and begin starting my day. I look at my schedule, see what calls I have, and ensure my workout is scheduled for the day (if it is not a rest day). I then check in with my team, followed by all of my private clients on WhatsApp. I will also pop into M$Workspace to make sure the ladies are 100% supported. Finally, I go through my email and delete any newsletters/spam because #ocd, and respond to emails I am behind on (my email is a black hole).
8:00 am-8:30 am: If I am in the morning movement groove (I find it ebbs and flows), this is where I will do 20 minutes of yoga, pilates, stretching, or bodyweight band exercises. I have fallen off this train because my life has been a hot mess lately; however, I am committing to getting back on because it makes me feel like a totally new person.
8:30 am/9:00 am onward: Pour a second (or third) cup of coffee and dive into work (while looking forward to my 10:30 am/12 pm pilates break).
When do you kick off your workday? And do you have any starting-work rituals?
My workday starts immediately after my morning routine. I typically do my morning routine 7-8 am, then will work 8-10 am, then go to a 10:30 am pilates before jumping on calls for the day. I am my most productive in the morning, so I waste no time diving in.
How does your morning routine change on the weekends?
I give myself grace on weekends. I actually do not have much of a morning routine at all! I sleep in, and AW makes coffee on the weekend. I wake up, and we watch Formula 1 or soccer. I will either read a chapter of a book or tie up a few loose ends from the week, then head to a late morning pilates session. I try to do no morning work on Sundays, but I will prep my entire next week in the afternoon.
What’s non-negotiable vs. what does an extra-luxurious morning look like?
Every weekday is a non-negotiable for my morning routine. Coffee, candle, gratitude, to-do’s, non-negotiables, prioritization of tasks, and scheduling workings/wellness have to happen. I try to infuse luxury into every morning. Extra-luxurious is diving more into journalling, letting thoughts flow, and working more on high-level M$W/JW Method things instead of client work. But to be honest with my client load lately, that happens on weekends now because #clientsfirst.
What would you like to improve with your mornings?
More consistent morning movement. It makes me feel SO good, but unfortunately, with a growing 7-figure business and an insane client load, it is usually the first thing to go. I have to continuously remind myself that by prioritizing my boundaries and health, my clients will do the same.
What’s your #1 recommendation to others who struggle with mornings?
Release expectations that it has to be this GRAND morning routine. Start small. Adapt your routine to what YOU want it to be. Everyone will tell you what works for them, but the only thing that matters is you start and find what works best for you. The best morning routine is the one that you can consistently stick to.
