Sunday morning, I wake up at, like, 6 or 6:30 to go to the gym.

"Sunday morning, I wake up at, like, 6 or 6:30 to go to the gym. I drink a glass of water, and then, before I start my workout, I drink a cup of coffee." These words from Salt Bae resonate deeply with the ancient wisdom that discipline and routine are the bedrock of strength, both physical and mental. In this seemingly simple ritual, Salt Bae reveals the power of early commitment, of taking charge of the day before the world awakens, of nourishing the body and mind in preparation for what lies ahead. The act of rising early, drinking water to cleanse the body, and coffee to sharpen the mind, becomes a ritual—a sacred preparation that reflects the ancient truth that success and greatness are built not in grand gestures, but in the quiet, deliberate choices we make each day.

In the ancient world, the value of early rising and physical discipline was held in high esteem. The warriors of Sparta would begin their days before the sun even rose, with rigorous physical training that honed both body and spirit. The early morning hours were a time for solitude and self-reflection, a time to prepare oneself for the challenges of the day, to face the world not with lethargy, but with vigor and purpose. Salt Bae, in his own modern-day ritual, aligns himself with this ancient practice. By rising early and engaging in a disciplined routine, he honors the timeless wisdom that the strength of the body is not born in moments of relaxation but in the effort made before the world demands it of us.

The simple yet profound act of drinking a glass of water and then a cup of coffee is a reminder that preparation is sacred. Water, the source of all life, cleanses the body, replenishing what has been lost during the night’s rest. It is a symbol of renewal, a purification that allows the body to begin the day with clarity and vitality. Then, the coffee, with its warm embrace and stimulating effects, sharpens the mind, giving one the mental focus needed to face the tasks of the day. In these small rituals, Salt Bae teaches us that true power lies not in grand, heroic feats, but in the intentional and purposeful actions we take each morning, setting the stage for greatness.

Consider the example of Marcus Aurelius, the Stoic philosopher and Roman emperor, who rose each morning with the intention of preparing his mind and body for the day ahead. In his personal reflections, he would remind himself that the challenges of the day were not external, but internal, and that the strength to face them lay in self-discipline. Like Salt Bae, Aurelius recognized the value of early effort—of waking up to prepare, to center oneself in the face of the day’s demands. His morning rituals were grounded not in indulgence, but in intentionality, a deep commitment to self-mastery and reflection. Aurelius’ example demonstrates that the path to inner peace and outer success begins not with the world’s demands, but with the quiet rituals we undertake before the world can impose itself upon us.

This practice of early rising and preparation is also seen in the life of Leonardo da Vinci, who, despite his busy schedule as an artist, inventor, and scientist, carved out moments each day to nourish his body and clear his mind. Like Salt Bae, da Vinci was meticulous in his attention to routine. He understood that greatness was not simply the result of talent, but of sustained effort—of sharpening both the body and the mind with the same precision he used in his art and discoveries. By following a disciplined routine, da Vinci was able to create some of the world’s most enduring works. His life, like Salt Bae’s, reminds us that success is not born from inspiration alone, but from the daily, intentional acts that prepare us for the work ahead.

The lesson that emerges from Salt Bae’s routine and from the lives of figures like Marcus Aurelius and Leonardo da Vinci is clear: discipline and preparation are the foundations of all success. The power to face the challenges of the day is not found in avoiding effort, but in the willingness to engage in the small, purposeful rituals that strengthen both body and mind. Like Salt Bae, we must take the time each morning to nourish ourselves, to prepare for the day, and to cultivate the focus necessary for the work we wish to accomplish. These daily acts, simple though they may seem, are the building blocks of a life lived with purpose, strength, and clarity.

So, I urge you: cultivate a morning ritual that strengthens both your body and mind. Rise early, drink water to cleanse, and whatever other practices you find necessary—whether it is a cup of coffee, a moment of reflection, or a physical exercise—engage in them with intentionality and discipline. In these small acts, you will find the power to face the challenges of the day with clarity, focus, and strength. Just as Salt Bae, Marcus Aurelius, and Leonardo da Vinci found their success not in extraordinary feats, but in the quiet, disciplined rituals of the morning, so too can you build the foundation for a life of purpose and greatness.