Do This Daily: Marcus Aureliusâ€™s Routine

Imagine waking up each morning as Marcus Aurelius, the philosopher-emperor of Rome. He ruled over one of the greatest empires in history, but more importantly, he ruled over himself with discipline and clarity. How did Marcus Aurelius start his day? And what can we learn from his daily habits, almost two thousand years later?

Let’s step into his sandals for a moment. Marcus believed every day was a fresh beginning—a chance to shape not only the circumstances around him, but more critically, his own mind. As dawn broke over Rome, Marcus would wake up early. This wasn’t easy, not even for an emperor. In his Meditations, he chided himself, reminding that nature made him to get up and do his work, not to lie warm beneath the covers.

He understood that how you begin the day sets the tone for everything that follows. Marcus started his mornings with a moment of solitude. Before meeting anyone, before consulting generals or writing decrees, he’d reflect quietly, sometimes journaling his thoughts. This is where he would rehearse what the day might bring: rudeness, ingratitude, impatience. Instead of resenting this, he prepared himself. People will be difficult, he wrote, but I can choose my response. That’s a nugget you can use—even now, a quick check-in before emails or breakfast. What might test your patience today? Are you ready to handle it, calmly and with purpose?

Next, Marcus reminded himself of his duties—not just as a ruler, but as a human being. His routine wasn’t about luxury. It was about doing what needed to be done, with justice and perseverance. He practiced gratitude, appreciating the simple gift of being alive. Take a page from his book: Start the day by asking, “What good can I do? What is mine to improve, however small?”

Throughout the day, Marcus would return to his inner dialogue. He resisted anger, envy, and distraction. Whenever stress or frustration threatened, he anchored himself with reason and perspective. Remember, he’d say, neither pleasure nor pain lasts forever. You can try this too. Pause, take a breath, and observe your reactions before acting.

At night, Marcus would journal again. He’d reflect on what went well, what didn’t, and how he could be better tomorrow. It was less about judgment, more about self-understanding.

So, do this daily: Rise with purpose. Face others with patience. Serve with integrity. Reflect without harshness. These are the habits that made Marcus Aurelius resilient in chaos—and they can fortify you, too. Do this daily, and perhaps you’ll discover the same inner fortress Marcus built for himself, one morning at a time