Let’s talk about Ashton Hall.

The guy’s morning routine went viral for being… intense. We’re talking mouth tape, 4 a.m. wake-ups, Bible readings, ice water facials (with mandatory Saratoga spring water), treadmill sprints, banana peel skincare, and a pool plunge—all before breakfast.

Millions watched in awe, confusion, and second-hand exhaustion.

But here’s the thing: you don’t need to wake up at 3:52 am, slam John 3:16, and rub banana peels on your cheeks to get your life together. What matters is intentionality.

Here’s how you can build a routine that makes sense for you, not for the algorithm.

1. Stop copying routines. start creating systems.

Trying to follow someone else’s routine is like wearing shoes two sizes too small—tight, uncomfortable, and not built for your journey.

Just because Ashton Hall does 74 things before sunrise doesn’t mean you should. What's the problem with copying routines? They’re context-dependent. They’re built around someone else’s energy levels, goals, and schedule.

Instead, build a system. Create a simple, repeatable structure that helps you win your day no matter what. Systems don’t rely on motivation. They’re automatic. Systems remove decision fatigue and make good habits the default, not the struggle.

What to do:

Always work out right after your first meal = no mental debate

Phone stays on airplane mode until after you’ve moved, eaten, or journaled = protect your brain from chaos

First 15 minutes = stretch, hydrate, and plan your top 1–3 priorities

2. Stack simple wins, daily

Forget marathon morning routines. You don’t need to cram in six hours of cold plunges, journaling, gratitude, yoga, and a three-part skincare ritual. What you need is momentum. And that comes from small, simple wins done consistently—even on the days you feel off. 

Wake up at the same time every day (and no, 4 a.m. is not mandatory). Move your body, even if it's just a walk or ten pushups. Eat real food—start with protein and water. Keep your phone off until after breakfast so your mind doesn’t get hijacked by dopamine loops. Do one thing that makes you slightly uncomfortable. 

These five simple actions done daily can beat out the most “optimized” routines, because you’re building a foundation that’s sustainable. Momentum always trumps intensity.

3. Use triggers, not willpower

Willpower fades. Triggers build consistency.

See,  your brain is lazy by design—and that’s not a bad thing. It’s wired to conserve energy and follow the path of least resistance. That’s why environment design is a cheat code. 

Dr. Wendy Wood, a professor of psychology at USC and author of Good Habits, Bad Habits, found that nearly 43% of daily actions are done out of habit. Her research shows that adjusting your surroundings is often more powerful than relying on willpower alone.

Here are some examples:

Set out your clothes the night before = trigger to workout

Leave your journal on your pillow = trigger to reflect at night

Alarm label = “Drink water & 5 pushups”

Design your surroundings to make the right choice easy.

4. Design the “First 60” and “Final 30”

If nothing else, control the first 60 minutes of your day and the final 30 before bed. These windows act as anchors, shaping the energy, focus, and mindset of everything in between.

In the morning, keep it simple: wake up, hydrate, move your body, and plan your day. 

In the evening, ditch the screens, journal even one line, prep your space for tomorrow, and get to sleep. 

You don’t need a 12-step protocol—just rhythm and consistency. Bookend your day with intention, and you’ll find the middle naturally starts to fall into place.

5. Make it about identity, not just habits

Anyone can wake up early for a week. Anyone can grind out a few cold showers, green smoothies, or Instagrammable morning routines. But if your habits are just surface-level hacks with no deeper reason behind them, they won’t last.

The real transformation doesn’t come from who you believe you are. If your identity is “the guy who’s trying to get his life together,” you’ll keep starting over. But when you start seeing yourself as “the guy who shows up, even on off days,” that’s when things actually stick.

So, who do you want to be?

“I’m the kind of guy who takes care of his mind and body.”

“I’m someone who finishes what he starts.”

“I’m becoming a man who earns respect through action, not talk.”

That mindset? More powerful than a cold plunge.

No banana peels required

You don’t need mouth tape, banana facials, or ice water from a glass bottle. You need a routine that fits your life, builds your character, and stacks wins daily.

Ashton Hall may have gone viral—but the real flex is staying consistent when no one’s watching. 

Want more real-life strategies to upgrade your health, style, and mindset? Stick around. We keep it simple, smart, and zero BS.

- Forte team