Was he in his words, “The greatest of all time?” I think the argument could definitely be made. At a minimum I think we can all agree Muhammad Ali was a badass.

It wasn’t just his fancy almost weightless footwork or his never ending bragging. It was the fact the footwork was effective and he backed up the bragging. What’s more is Ali was incredibly disciplined. The bragging was strategic. The dancing in the ring was rehearsed every day. The seemingly unending stamina was conditioned-daily.

Below is Ali’s daily schedule during his prime:

Up at 4:30 for shower, prayer and 6 mile run

Next was breakfast-pretty much the same thing every day-eggs, bacon and some toast with lots of water

9a.m. a movie

12:30 train

4 p.m. massage

5 p.m. dinner lots of protein and veggies

That was it. He was in the bed at the same time every night no matter what. He was religious about keeping his bedtime. He never smoked and he never drank. After a big fight he would celebrate with a glass of cold orange juice then get to bed.

I think routines are the rules for our daily cadence. Do them long enough and we become slave to them. It’s a type of slavery I personally don’t mind. When it’s time to get up and get in a cold shower I don’t particularly look forward to it, however I’m the slave. Actually my mind is the slave and I’m the master. We are all slaves to habits of some kind. I prefer to create rituals, which are habits of my choosing I will gladly submit to. They make me better. They create the rythm of my life.

Routines should become rituals. This is different than a habit. This is spiritual. This is deep. This is, “If I don’t do this I’m a loser and I’ve failed. While no one else may notice I do. I let myself down”

What are you a slave to? Is it the day as it comes or your habits and rituals? It’s up to you to decide. “I hope you decide to float like a butterfly and sting like a bee,” because we only live once and I want you to be the best you that you can possibly be.

You rule!

JW