Sean Conlon
Sean Conlon is an Irish-American real estate entrepreneur, investor, television personality, and the host of CNBC’s The Deed: Chicago. Sean currently lives in Chicago, Illinois.
What is your morning routine?
My internal alarm goes off every morning between 5:30 and 6:00am, and I immediately check my emails. Because I work in many different time zones, it’s imperative to start my day on top of any tasks or issues.
Once I feel confident that all time-sensitive issues are addressed, I have my morning treat of a Dunkin’ Donuts coffee and an outdoor activity, if weather permits. Since I’m constantly on the move, and especially since I started traveling so much, it’s became more important for me to have this morning routine. I get the work done to eliminate some stress, have a jolt of caffeine, and then take time to appreciate the beauty of my environment regardless of where in the world I am that day.
How long have you stuck with this routine so far?
I’ve stuck to this same routine since 1993, and it has only gotten more complicated as my life has gotten more complicated.
How has your morning routine changed over recent years?
Over recent years I’ve incorporated yoga or a morning run or hike into my morning routine, and it has become an absolute must! Due to my busy schedule, integrating exercise into my routine is important so I can start off feeling great and ready to take on the day.
I practice CorePower Yoga. It’s a very physical and intense practice and a great way to strengthen my body and mind. I always feel more energized, focused, and alive after a class. There are locations all over the country, but if I’m traveling to a city where there isn’t one, I like to find a hot, vinyasa-style yoga class (not Bikram).
What time do you go to sleep?
Usually around half-past midnight, if I’m lucky! Because I’m constantly traveling and always on the go, I often find myself too busy working to go to bed any earlier.
Do you use an alarm to wake you up in the morning, and if so do you ever hit the snooze button?
I have my own internal alarm that goes off every morning. No matter what time zone I am in, I always seem to wake up on my own. As a result, I’ve never needed to use an alarm.
How soon after waking up do you have breakfast, and what do you typically have?
I typically don’t have breakfast, just a coffee from Dunkin’ Donuts in the morning. There’s nothing better than a hot cup of coffee to kick-start my day!
Do you have a morning workout routine?
Yes, a run along the Chicago lakefront, a yoga session, or a long hike when I’m in Malibu. There is nothing more beautiful and relaxing than being able to enjoy Malibu’s ocean views while working out. Any chance I have to be outside, I take.
Do you answer email first thing in the morning or leave it until later in the day?
Unfortunately, I answer them first thing! Every morning, regardless of where I am, I always dive straight into work.
Do you use any apps or products to enhance your sleep or morning routine?
Due to the different time zones I work in, I occasionally take a melatonin to help me go to sleep.
How soon do you check your phone in the morning?
Immediately! With so many different projects and company endeavors going on all at once, I make sure to stay on top of any email or phone calls first thing in the morning. It’s important for me to be in constant communication with my team.
What and when is your first drink in the morning?
Some days it should probably be a whiskey, but just the coffee, usually by 6:00am.
Do you also follow this routine on weekends, or do you change some steps?
No, my routine generally stays the same on the weekend. I try to call just the people I want to on the weekend, versus calling the people I have to during the week! From my travels, I’ve made some great, lifelong friends whom I make sure to keep in touch with when I’m in town, and the weekend is the perfect time for me to catch up with them, as well as with my family.
On days you’re not settled in your home, are you able to adapt your routine to fit in with a different environment?
I’m quite adaptable and will stick to my routine in whatever city I happen to be in. The more I started to travel, the more comfortable and disciplined I was able to become in remaining consistent with my routine every day.
What do you do if you fail to follow your morning routine, and how does this influence the rest of your day?
It doesn’t happen often, but when I am not able to complete my morning routine, I tell everyone around me to keep their heads down that day!
Photo of Sean by CNBC.
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