There’s a huge gap between being a high achiever and just going through the motions.
The difference? It’s all about the morning routine.
High achievers understand that the way they start their day can set the tone for everything that follows. They’re meticulous and conscious in their choices, avoiding certain activities that can derail their focus and productivity.
Psychologists back this up too, pointing out specific things that high achievers avoid doing in the morning.
In this article, we’ll explore 7 things high achievers never do in the morning.
Ready to kick-start your day like a champion?
Let’s dive in.
High achievers understand that every minute in the morning counts.
We’ve all been there, the alarm goes off, and it’s so tempting to hit that snooze button just to snatch a few more minutes of sleep. But high achievers resist this temptation.
Hitting the snooze button can disrupt your sleep cycle and make you feel groggy throughout the day – a state known as sleep inertia.
High achievers recognize this. They value their sleep and understand that those extra few minutes won’t make them feel more rested. Instead, they get up as soon as the alarm rings, starting their day on their terms, not on the terms of a tempting snooze button.
2) Skip breakfast
I’ve learned this one the hard way.
In my early career, I thought skipping breakfast would save me time, and I could use those extra minutes to get ahead on my work. The reality? It backfired.
Breakfast is not just about filling your stomach; it’s about fueling your brain. Without a nutritious start, you’re essentially running on empty, and that can impact your cognitive functions and overall productivity.
High achievers know this. They prioritize a balanced breakfast to kickstart their day. It doesn’t have to be a feast – even a quick smoothie or a bowl of oatmeal can do the trick.
Now, I never miss my morning meal, and the difference in my energy levels and focus is remarkable. It’s a habit I wish I’d adopted sooner, and one that high achievers swear by.
3) Check emails immediately
Here’s something that might surprise you: high achievers don’t check their emails first thing in the morning.
It seems counterintuitive, right? But there’s a solid reasoning behind it. Diving straight into emails can clutter your mind with tasks and other people’s priorities, causing your own important tasks to take a backseat.
High achievers use their fresh, morning minds to focus on their most important tasks first, saving emails for later when they’ve accomplished the key actions of their day.
This strategy not only boosts productivity but also ensures that they are driving their own agenda rather than being driven by others.
4) Ignore physical activity
High achievers never underestimate the power of morning exercise.
Physical activity, even in small amounts, can have a significant impact on your mental well-being. It helps clear your mind, reduces stress, and boosts your mood, preparing you for the challenges of the day ahead.
A Harvard study found that regular exercise can help improve memory and cognitive function. It’s like a natural cup of coffee that wakes up your brain without any caffeine.
High achievers incorporate some form of exercise into their morning routine. It might be a brisk walk around the block, a quick yoga session, or a gym workout. The key is to get the body moving and the blood flowing early in the day.
If you want to start your day like a high achiever, make sure you don’t ignore physical activity in the morning.
5) Dwell on yesterday’s failures
High achievers have a knack for letting go of yesterday’s disappointments.
Once, I had a day where everything went wrong. I missed a deadline, botched a presentation, and dropped the ball on an important meeting. I went to bed feeling like a failure.
But the next morning, I realized that dwelling on my mistakes wasn’t going to make today any better. High achievers don’t let yesterday’s failures dictate today’s actions. They acknowledge their mistakes, learn from them, and then move on.
They wake up with a fresh perspective every morning, focusing on what they can do today, not what they failed to do yesterday. This mindset allows them to approach each day with a clean slate and renewed energy to tackle their goals.
6) Start the day without a plan
High achievers never dive into their day without a clear roadmap.
Starting your day without a plan is like sailing a ship without a compass – you’ll end up going in circles. High achievers understand this and make it a point to plan their day each morning.
They identify their most important tasks, set clear goals, and create a schedule to keep them on track. This not only boosts productivity but also ensures they stay focused on what matters most.
Without a clear plan, it’s easy to get caught up in less important tasks and distractions. But with a well-defined roadmap, high achievers stay focused on their path to success.
7) Neglect self-reflection
High achievers understand the power of self-reflection.
They carve out time in their morning routine for quiet contemplation. This could be meditation, journaling, or simply sitting in silence with their thoughts.
This practice helps them tune in to their goals, assess their progress, and set their intentions for the day. It’s a powerful tool for personal growth and a common habit among successful people.
Self-reflection breeds self-awareness, and self-awareness is the cornerstone of success. It’s not just about achieving goals, but about understanding oneself and one’s journey.
Final thoughts: It’s about consistency
The secret to success isn’t found in a single moment of brilliance, but in the quiet consistency of daily habits.
High achievers understand this. They value their morning routines not as a means to immediate success, but as a vehicle for sustained growth and progress over time.
The choices they make each morning – from avoiding the snooze button to embracing self-reflection – are all geared towards setting themselves up for a productive day. These habits become the backbone of their success.
It’s not about being perfect. Even high achievers have their off days. But it’s about understanding that every morning brings a new opportunity to make choices that align with your goals.
