How do the world’s greatest minds find inspiration? It all starts with a simple morning routine…
On a cold day on May 8th, 1945, Winston Churchill stood on the balcony at Whitehall and addressed the crowd below. “In our long history,” he said, “we have never seen a greater day than this.” Churchill had stood against Hitler, and won. However, his days preceding the war were perhaps a little less stimulating.
While staying at the family home at Chartwell, in Kent, Churchill’s daily routine changed little. He woke up 7:30am, and remained in bed for a substantial breakfast, before reading all the national newspapers. For the next couple of hours – while remaining in bed – he worked, mostly by dictating to his secretaries.
He would rise at 11am, and after a quick wash would take the first of his trademark beverages (mixed with a little soda) to his study. At lunch time, he would join guests and family for a three-course lunch, with a bottle of Pol Roger and cigars.
After lunch, he would work until five in the afternoon before having an hour and a half nap (he said this siesta, a habit picked up in Cuba, made him extra productive).
Dinner was a focal point, often involving multiple courses and a good many drinks. But after the guests had left, and the drinks dry, Churchill would once again go back to his study – trusty cigar in hand – and work through the early hours of the morning.
