Wake Up With Sam Cutler

Sam Cutler, the founder of MINDFULL and the creator behind The Fit Fatale wakes up intentionally and carries that mindset through the entire day. Before she starts guiding women toward body acceptance and better wellness habits, she takes time for herself so she can show up as her very best.

WAKE UP WITH SAM CUTLER

Upon Waking

I need 8 hours of sleep to function and feel my best, so I wake up between 6 and 7 am. I use a Hatch alarm that mimics daylight, so I wake up slowly and naturally. It’s so much better than a blaring phone alarm.

The first thing I reach for is my Five Minute Journal. I’ve been doing it for over five years now, and it’s one of the things I credit most with shifting my mindset from victim to one of gratitude. I write down what I’m grateful for, what would make the day great, and an affirmation to anchor me.

Then I’ll play a track of affirmations or a hypnosis I created after working with a hypnotherapist on leveling up as a CEO. It helps me step into the version of myself I’m growing into as a founder, a creator, and a leader.

I listen to it while I do my skincare and make my morning matcha. At MINDFULL, we talk a lot about your “starter,” that little boost of protein first thing. For me, that’s usually a hard-boiled egg or a scoop of Gut Instinct, our MINDFULL plant-based gut protein, blended into nut milk or straight into my matcha. It helps with digestion, inflammation, and muscle recovery. Then by 7:30, I’m out the door and headed to the gym.

BREAKFAST & SUPPLEMENTS

After the gym, I stretch and then sauna or cold plunge. Right after I get my morning Instagram and TikTok post up for The Fit Fatale. That’s how I mentally close the first chapter of my day and shift into founder mode.

Breakfast always follows. It’s protein-rich, with healthy fats and fiber. I often use Gut Instinct in a smoothie or bowl. I also take a probiotic, magnesium, and creatine after I work out. If I’m feeling a little off, I’ll add B12 or vitamin C. I try to stay really intuitive with supplements, the same way I do with food.

MOVEMENT

Strength training is my main focus five days a week. But I also walk every day. I walk at least 30 minutes to an hour every day, no matter what. It’s not just physical for me, it’s emotional and energetic. I really believe when we don’t move enough, that stuck energy builds up in our bodies and becomes anxiety. Walking helps me clear that. Some days I’ll even take a second walk if the day feels intense.

I’ll throw in Pilates once or twice a week, but weekends are more for fun and relaxed movement. A beach walk with my husband, a hike, just something playful to keep my body moving.

SKINCARE, MAKEUP & CLOTHES

Skincare is definitely more my thing than heavy makeup. I don’t usually wear makeup during the day, so taking care of my skin is non-negotiable. I’m obsessed with The Skinny Confidential Caffeinated Sunscreen. It gives my skin a glow and light tint while protecting me from the Florida sun. I also use the ice roller every morning and do a quick face massage. Even if it’s just a minute or two, it makes a huge difference. I treat my skin like I treat my body. You have to work with it, considering what it needs that day, not just layer on products and hope for the best.

I live in activewear, but I like to feel good in what I’m wearing. Years ago, when I was stuck in that toxic gym mindset, I’d just throw on oversized t-shirts and baggy shorts and hope no one noticed me. I didn’t brush my hair, I didn’t care. It felt like a chore. Now, I wear sets I love, I slick back my hair, brush my brows, embracing my sassy side. Those tiny things help me show up with confidence, and that confidence keeps me showing up.

After the gym and my morning walk, I’ll change into something comfy but polished. In my 30s, I’ve really stopped trying to fit into anyone else’s aesthetic. My style now is comfy, cool, and a little preppy. But mostly, it’s just what makes me feel like me instead of fitting into a seasonal trend.

STARTING THE WORK DAY

I work from home, in my office, and every morning our team sends out a daily priority list. I make a weekly master list on Mondays and then break it down into daily goals. It’s how I stay on track when everything gets chaotic. And let’s be real, it does.

I loosely time-block. I avoid external meetings in the mornings and try not to take calls on Mondays or Fridays unless they’re necessary. That way, I can actually get real work done. My best ideas come from having space to think and create and connect with our community. I am in it with our customer and having space to do that is truly my value as a founder.

I’ve worked hard to build systems and a team that allow me to protect that space. I try to remind myself I don’t need to be everything to everyone 24/7. My job is to lead. Not to micromanage or burn out. Protecting my time is part of protecting my creativity.

On a good day, I take real breaks, eat lunch outside with my phone away and let my face hit the sun. Some days I’ll go for a walk or catch up with a friend on the phone. 

Remember, your energy is your most valuable asset.

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Be sure to follow @thefitfatale and check out MINDFULL for meal plans and a community that will support you on your transformation journey.