Ariel Schiffer is a 6-figure CEO and Founder of Dreampro, the host of The Dreamers Lounge Podcast, and holds a Masters in Industrial-Organizational Psychology. After working with large corporations like Diesel and Lowe’s, Ariel shifted her career from the corporate world to the online business space.
She offers expertise in creating courses and programs with a mission to improve the quality of education and offerings in the online space. She has successfully served over 200 entrepreneurs by developing binge-worthy courses through her detailed service offerings.
What time do you wake up in the morning, and how do you wake up?
Usually, between 7:00 and 7:30 am every morning. It depends on what I have going on that day, as I love to sleep in when I can! I set the alarm on my phone.
How do you like your coffee?
Black with a sprinkle of cinnamon powder!
What’s on your bedside table?
The book I am reading, an essential oils diffuser, my phone charger, and a big water bottle.
Do you prepare for your mornings the night before? If so, how?
At the end of every workday, I make sure my home office space is clean and ready for the next day. I take into account what I have planned so I can also mentally prepare and feel ready to go for my day. I put anything important that I know I need to get accomplished on my calendar, so I already have the time allocated to do it.
What are your skincare/body care rituals?
I follow the skincare routine my esthetician provided me! I use all Osmosis products to cleanse, exfoliate, moisturize, and hydrate my skin.
What does your morning routine flow look like?
After waking up, my husband and I have a cup of coffee and talk about what our plans are for the day and how we want our day to be. He works from home as well (and does some work for Dreampro, too!), so we get to spend a lot of time together. After waking up a bit, we take our dogs on a long walk around our neighborhood which also gives me a ton of energy. We make breakfast, which is usually eggs, sometimes bacon, and bagels. Afterward, I get dressed and ready for the day, usually run my Roomba to clean, and head into my home office.
When do you kick off your workday? And do you have any starting-work rituals?
I am usually in my office and ready to work around 9:00 or 9:30 am. I am most productive and creative in the morning, so I quickly get into my work. I spend about half an hour reviewing what I have planned for the day and centering myself. I love to listen to Dave Matthews Band radio or Leon Bridges radio on low in the background!
How does your morning routine change on the weekends?
On the weekends, I take a lot more time, long walks, and my husband and I usually make bigger breakfasts! Taking it slow helps me recharge.
What does your mindset look like at the beginning of the day? Do you have any tips or tools for getting in a good mindset?
How you start your morning really does affect the way you approach your entire day. I always wake up grateful that I have created my life, and taking ownership over what I have on my calendar or to-do’s always puts me in a positive mood. If I know it is going to be a busy or somewhat stressful day, I usually give myself a little pep-talk to get excited, rather than let the thought of it drain me – because let’s be honest, not every day as an entrepreneur is slow-moving or relaxed!
What’s non-negotiable vs. what does an extra-luxurious morning look like?
Non-negotiables are definitely taking care of my dogs and coffee. Some days, breakfast just comes later in the morning. Extra-luxurious mornings are definitely when my day is planned to start later. I typically spend more time outside, read, or sometimes even play video games with my husband! We love to spend time together, so having some fun throughout the day keeps things different.
What would you like to improve with your mornings?
I would love to wake up earlier to have more time. I used to wake up later, so we’re getting there! 6:00 am would be ideal. This time of year, I would also love to watch the sunrise.
What’s your #1 recommendation to others who struggle with mornings?
Start slow. Don’t try to completely change your routine overnight. Add one thing at a time or change the time you wake up incrementally. There isn’t a one-size-fits-all. Create a morning (and life!) based on what you value the most.
