The Ritual Within: Discovering the Perfect Daily Practice for You

In early 2019, I found myself sitting across from my meditation teacher, Scott, pouring out my frustrations. Despite trying everything my mentors suggested—solo backpacking through Southeast Asia to study with healers, attending transformational seminars, and even diving into biohacking techniques—I still felt lost, depressed, and overwhelmed.

Scott listened patiently and then delivered a simple truth that changed everything: “Stas, you’re doing way too many things.”

His words hit me like a bucket of cold water. While I thought I was building inner peace, I was actually creating chaos with an overload of practices meant to inspire calm. His advice was revolutionary in its simplicity: stop doing so much and commit to just one practice.

Scott prescribed a single ritual—a 15-minute morning breathing exercise. Skeptical but desperate, I gave it a try. Every morning, I woke up and dedicated myself to this exercise. The results were profound.

The Transformative Power of One Ritual

What happened next was surprising. By simplifying my approach and committing to one ritual, I found clarity and focus. I became more present and energized, and for the first time, I began to feel aligned with my purpose.

More importantly, I stopped outsourcing my transformation to therapists, doctors, and energy workers. Instead, the daily ritual became a signal to my subconscious that I was serious about my inner growth. It reinforced my belief in my ability to heal and transform.

Why Rituals Are the Secret to Success

Most successful people—whether they’re artists, athletes, entrepreneurs, or entertainers—have rituals that set them up for success. These practices help them enter a creative flow state and connect with the source of their inspiration.

They don’t leave their success to a chance. Instead, they generate it daily through deliberate actions. From meditation and journaling to watching the sunrise or repeating affirmations, rituals are the foundation of their consistency and progress.

Choosing the Right Ritual for You

If you’re wondering how to start, begin by asking yourself: What do I struggle with the most?

Is it low energy, stress, anxiety, brain fog, depression, or a lack of purpose? Identifying your core struggle is the first step.

Then, accept that these challenges may not disappear entirely but can be managed with the right tools. Rituals are those tools—they help you generate your best self each day.

Building Your Ritual

Just like brushing your teeth every morning, your ritual should become second nature. You don’t negotiate or procrastinate; you just do it. Start small and keep it simple. Once your first ritual feels natural, you can expand or evolve it to suit your growth.

Here are a few impactful practices you can consider for your daily ritual. Start by choosing just one:

1. Meditation

Meditation has been practiced for thousands of years for good reason. It quiets the mind and creates space for inspiration to flow. When we calm our “monkey mind,” we make room for larger, creative forces to come through.

2. Gratitude Journaling

Gratitude has the power to override anxiety and fear. When you focus on what you’re thankful for—whether it’s your cozy bed, a loving family, or a supportive community—you shift your mindset from scarcity to abundance. Write it down or simply reflect on it to start your day on a positive note.

3. Inspirational Reading

The content you consume shapes your mindset. Prioritize reading something uplifting or thought-provoking in the morning instead of catching up on the news. This will prime your mind for creativity and focus instead of filling it with negativity or distractions.

4. 5-Minute Tabata Workout

After a night of stillness, your body needs activation. A short, high-intensity Tabata workout jumpstarts your metabolism, energizes your nervous system, and prepares you for the day ahead.

5. Grounding Exercise

Walking barefoot on natural ground or using a grounding mat helps release stress and connect with the earth’s energy. Even a simple tennis ball massage under your feet can improve your confidence and posture.

6. Cold Shower

Known as Ishnaan in ancient traditions, a cold shower stimulates your circulatory system, strengthens your nervous system, and leaves you feeling refreshed. Start with a few seconds of cold water at the end of your shower and gradually increase the duration.

Your Turn

What could a ritual do for you? If you’re ready to embrace change, start with one practice that resonates with you. Perhaps it’s five minutes of meditation, a gratitude list, or a simple stretch. Whatever it is, commit to it daily. Over time, you may choose to incorporate additional practices into your daily ritual, but there’s no need to rush. Focus on quality over quantity. Consistency is the key to lasting results.

Remember, the key is consistency. Rituals aren’t about perfection—they’re about progress. As you integrate your chosen practice, you’ll notice a ripple effect across every area of your life.

So, what will your first ritual be? This simple step could mark the beginning of a transformative journey. Take it—you won’t regret it.