There’s a certain magic to starting your day right. Successful people know this and have developed routines that set them up for a productive day.
You might be wondering, what are these routines? Well, they’re not so secret after all. In fact, psychology has some insights into the things successful people do at the start of every day.
Want to know what these are? I’ve outlined 9 habits that successful folks swear by each morning. And no, it’s not rocket science, but simple things you can incorporate into your daily routine.
Let’s dive in.
1) Rise and shine early
Let’s start with the most clichéd but also the most persistent habit of successful people – waking up early.
Why, you may ask? Well, psychology has an answer for that. It’s all about taking control of your day before it controls you.
When you wake up early, you get a head start on your day. It’s quiet, peaceful and free from distractions and interruptions. This is the perfect time to focus on your goals, strategize or just enjoy some ‘me’ time.
Successful people understand this. They know that these precious morning hours set the tone for the rest of the day.
If you want to join the club of successful folks, consider setting your alarm clock a bit earlier. You might just find that it makes a world of difference.
This isn’t about losing sleep but about adjusting your bedtime to ensure you’re still getting enough rest. After all, a rested mind is a productive one!
2) Exercise to kickstart the day
Now, this is something I can attest to personally. Incorporating exercise into my morning routine has been a game-changer.
We’ve all heard of the physical benefits of exercise. But did you know it can also give you a psychological boost?
Physical activity releases endorphins, those feel-good chemicals that act as natural mood lifters. It’s like getting a shot of positivity to start your day.
I remember when I started hitting the gym first thing in the morning. Initially, it was a struggle. But soon, I began to notice changes. My mind felt sharper, my mood was improved, and I was more energetic throughout the day.
Successful people understand this connection between physical activity and mental acuity. That’s why many of them make it a point to kickstart their day with some form of exercise, be it yoga, running or even a brisk walk.
If you’re looking to emulate the habits of successful folks, consider adding some exercise to your morning routine. Trust me; your body and your brain will thank you for it.
3) Prioritize their tasks
Did you know that Mark Twain once said, “If it’s your job to eat a frog, it’s best to do it first thing in the morning. And If it’s your job to eat two frogs, it’s best to eat the biggest one first”?
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This quirky quote is all about tackling your most challenging task first thing in the morning. The ‘frog’ symbolizes your biggest, hardest task – the one you’re most likely to procrastinate on.
Successful people apply this concept regularly. They prioritize their tasks and go after the most significant or most challenging one when their energy and concentration levels are at their peak – usually, at the start of the day.
By doing this, they ensure they’re making progress on important projects and not just ticking off easy tasks. This strategy not only enhances productivity but also boosts self-confidence and creates a sense of accomplishment.
4) Practice mindfulness
In this fast-paced world, it’s easy to get lost in the rush of daily tasks. Successful people, however, understand the importance of staying present and connected with their inner selves.
Mindfulness is the practice of focusing one’s awareness on the present moment, while calmly acknowledging and accepting one’s feelings, thoughts, and bodily sensations. It’s a form of meditation that’s been linked to reduced stress, improved focus, and better mental health.
Many successful people start their day with a quick mindfulness session. It could be five minutes of focused breathing, a short guided meditation, or even a mindful cup of coffee where they’re fully present in the moment and not planning their day or checking their emails.
By incorporating mindfulness into their morning routine, they’re setting a calm and focused tone for the day ahead. This not only improves their productivity but also their overall well-being.
5) Nourish their bodies
You’ve probably heard the saying, “you are what you eat.” Well, successful people take this to heart, especially when it comes to starting their day.
They understand that breakfast is an essential meal because it breaks the overnight fasting period and replenishes the supply of glucose in your body to boost your energy levels and alertness.
Rather than grabbing a sugary cereal bar or skipping breakfast altogether, successful people often opt for nutritious, balanced meals. Think whole grains, lean proteins, fruits and vegetables, and healthy fats. These foods provide long-lasting energy and help them stay focused throughout the morning.
6) Express gratitude
In the rush of life, it’s easy to overlook the simple things that bring us joy. But successful people make it a point to start their day by expressing gratitude.
Gratitude isn’t just about acknowledging the good in your life. It’s about recognizing the beauty in the small moments, the everyday occurrences that we take for granted.
Maybe it’s the warmth of the sun on your face, the smell of fresh coffee, or a kind message from a friend. By taking a moment each morning to appreciate these little things, successful people cultivate a positive mindset that carries them through the day.
Scientifically speaking, practicing gratitude has been linked to increased happiness, reduced depression, and better relationships. It’s a small habit that can have a huge impact on your well-being.
7) Set intentions for the day
There was a time when my days seemed to just blend together in a whirl of tasks and responsibilities. I felt like I was just going through the motions without a clear sense of purpose. Then, I stumbled upon the practice of setting daily intentions.
Successful people don’t leave their day to chance. They deliberately set out what they want to achieve, how they want to behave, and how they want to feel. This isn’t about creating a rigid plan but rather establishing a guiding principle for the day.
For instance, your intention could be as simple as “Today, I will prioritize self-care” or as specific as “Today, I will finish the project proposal.”
Setting an intention gives your day direction and purpose. It acts as a reminder of what’s important to you and helps you stay focused amidst distractions.
Ever since I started setting daily intentions, my days have become more meaningful and productive. So if you’re feeling a bit lost in your daily grind, try setting an intention tomorrow morning. It might just give you the clarity you need.
8) Avoid digital distractions
We live in a digital age where our phones are often the first thing we reach for in the morning. While technology has its benefits, it can also be incredibly distracting.
Successful people understand this. That’s why many of them make a conscious effort to avoid digital distractions, especially in the morning.
Instead of starting their day by scrolling through social media or checking emails, they focus on mindful activities that set a positive tone for the day. This could be reading, journaling, meditating or even spending time with family.
By doing this, they’re able to start their day with a clear mind, free from the stress and anxieties that often come with our digital lives.
So tomorrow morning, why not give it a try? Resist the urge to reach for your phone and spend the first few moments of your day doing something that brings you joy.
9) Reflect on their mission
Successful people don’t just have goals. They have a mission, a purpose that drives them. And they don’t let a day go by without reminding themselves of this mission.
This could be a personal mission, like becoming the best version of themselves. Or it could be a professional mission, like creating innovative solutions to pressing problems.
By reflecting on their mission each morning, they keep their focus sharp and their motivation high. It acts as a compass, guiding their decisions and actions throughout the day.
Success is not an accident. It’s the result of intentional actions driven by a clear sense of purpose. So, take a moment each morning to remind yourself of your mission. It could be the key to unlocking your own success.
Stepping into success
Success doesn’t happen overnight. It’s the result of consistent habits and deliberate actions that align with your goals and vision for yourself.
These nine things that successful people do at the start of every day are more than just habits. They’re a testament to an understanding of how our minds work, how we can harness our energy, and how we can set the tone for a productive day.
From waking up early to setting intentions, avoiding digital distractions to reflecting on their mission, these practices are rooted in psychology and have the power to transform not just your mornings, but your entire life.
Remember the words of Aristotle: “We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.”
So as you reflect on these practices, ask yourself: What habits can I start cultivating today to step into my version of success?