The Series

Those moments between turning off the alarm and getting into our work routine can be the most defining 60 minutes of our day. Benjamin Franklin set a day's worth of plans by 5 am and Steve Jobs asked a simple question: "If today were the last day of my life, would I want to do what I am about to do today?" Whether it's exercise, time spent with the family or simply enjoying a cup of coffee, our rituals are a reflection of us. So we've ventured out to discover how some of our most influential and fruitful peers get started.

Fallis has an envy-inducing outdoor shower ... in Manhattan.

My Morning Routine

Brendan Fallis

Brendan Fallis is a busy man. As one of the most sought-after DJs in the world, a partner at talent management firm, Pre.veyor, along with two start-ups that are pulling their own weight, it's hard to believe he has time for anything else other than work. But a look at his popular Instagram feed proves that this guy knows how to make the most of his downtime, no matter how infrequent. Oh, and he also just got married to the beautiful and equally successful Hannah Bronfman in Marrakesh. It begs the question: how does someone with so much going on at such a high level make it all look so damn easy? Well, a positive, healthy lifestyle is a start, and like many of the people we feature here, his mornings play a vital role in keeping the Fallis engine running.

My Routine

I try and wake up at 8 am everyday. [Editor's note: For someone whose typical set doesn't even kick off until midnight or so, this is impressive.]

Life obviously gets in the way sometimes, but I target eight hours. If I can't get the full eight, I'll try to sneak in a nap at some point throughout the day.

The first hour of my day is pretty straightforward. Wake up and check texts to make sure nothing is too serious and needs to be handled right away. I always have a full glass of water as soon as I get to the kitchen—it's important before you eat. If I'm not working out, I'll shower.

Regardless of a full workout, I try to get 100 push-ups in before the shower, but, I'll be honest, I'm not as consistent these days.

I usually eat 2-3 eggs with spinach and avocado and take my supplements. That's my go-to breakfast. But I do love ice-cold almond milk with a great granola and frozen blueberries, although that's a rare one for me.

Taking a moment in the morning to make sure I'm nourished properly is important. Food is fuel, so if I miss that part of my morning, my day is already off on the wrong foot.

Caffeine and I aren't daily friends. I don't drink coffee too regularly. If I'm really drained or on some jet lag, I'll drink it. But otherwise it's not part of my daily routine.

I've been getting more and more into meditation. I wish that I could say it's part of my daily routine, but it's not ... yet. It's definitely been helping me prepare for my day so well when I can manage to do it. Besides that, though, my calendar app is my bible, and that keeps me on task for the day.

 

When it comes to grooming, my routine's pretty simple.

Saturdays molding paste for my hair. Ernest Supplies face wash daily and Maxellence Black Moisturizer (worth every penny). I also use a scrub in the shower now and then. I like to keep a shadow of a beard and use clippers rather then a blade shave. I use a little razor called the Peanut. It's not a go-to for anyone I know except for myself. It's battery-operated, so with all my travel, no adapters are needed.

Facial
Scrub,
$19 by
Baxter of
California

Swiss made pocket comb,
$21 by Mason Pearson

Maxellence
dual concentrate,
$225 by Lab Series

Soap-free gel
face wash,
$29 by
Ernest Supplies

Clay pomade,
$24 by
Saturdays
NYC

Peanut
cordless trimmer,
$49.12 by Wahl

Clockwise, from top left:
Facial Scrub, $19 by Baxter of California; Swiss made pocket comb, $21 by Mason Pearson; Maxellence dual concentrate, $225 by Lab Series; Soap-free gel face wash, $29 by Ernest Supplies; Clay pomade, $24 by Saturdays NYC; Peanut cordless trimmer, $49.12 by Wahl

Clockwise, from top left:
Facial Scrub, $19 by Baxter of California; Swiss made pocket comb, $21 by Mason Pearson; Maxellence dual concentrate, $225 by Lab Series; Soap-free gel face wash, $29 by Ernest Supplies; Clay pomade, $24 by Saturdays NYC; Peanut cordless trimmer, $49.12 by Wahl

 
 

In terms of getting dressed, lately I've been trying to find things "on the bottom" of my closet. Things I haven't worn in a while. I start with those and build off of them. And if I can't find a way to wear them well, I get rid of them! Minimal living is an obsession, so it's truly a part of my routine.

Listen
Up

Looking to update your gym playlist or need a little inspiring music to make the work day less draining? Subscribe to Fallis' Soundcloud for a sampling of his work and some impressive and addictive mixes.