Success doesn’t happen by accident. It’s the result of consistent habits, unwavering dedication, and a sprinkle of luck.
However, if you’ve ever wondered how some people seem to make it look so effortless, you’re not alone. The secret might lie in how they start their day.
In this article, we’ll peel back the curtain and reveal eight things highly successful people do every morning.
Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a student, or someone just looking for ways to optimize your routine, these tips could be your ticket to a more productive and fulfilling life.
Let’s get started.
1. Wake Up Early:
The early bird truly does catch the worm. Many successful people are known to rise with the sun, or even before it.
Apple CEO, Tim Cook, for instance, reportedly wakes up at 3:45 a.m. each morning. This might seem extreme, but waking up early allows these high achievers to get a head start on the day, tackle important tasks when it’s quiet, and have some uninterrupted time to themselves.
While you don’t have to be up before the crack of dawn, consider setting your alarm just 30 minutes earlier than usual, and see how that extra time can set a positive tone for the rest of your day.
2. Exercise Regularly:
A 7 a.m. workout might not sound appealing to everyone but it’s a common part of many successful peoples’ routines.
Exercise is not only good for the body, but also for the mind. It boosts your mood, sharpens your focus, and provides energy for the day ahead.
Just look at Richard Branson, billionaire founder of Virgin Group, who claims his morning exercise routine gives him an extra four hours of productivity each day!
Now, I’m not saying you should sign up for a marathon tomorrow, but incorporating some form of physical activity into your morning routine, whether that’s a brisk walk, a quick yoga session, or even some jumping jacks in your living room, can work wonders for your overall productivity and wellbeing.
Trust me, I’ve tried it and it works!
3. Practice Mindfulness:
In the hustle and bustle of life, it’s easy to get caught up in the chaos and forget to take a moment to just breathe.
Highly successful people, however, understand the importance of maintaining mental health and clarity.
They often dedicate time each morning to mindfulness practices such as meditation, deep breathing, or simply sitting in silence.
Oprah Winfrey, a firm believer in mindfulness, starts each day with twenty minutes of meditation.
As someone who has tried to incorporate this practice into my own routine, I can confirm it’s not always easy.
Some days my mind wanders incessantly and finding that ‘inner peace’ feels like an uphill battle.
But on the days when I do manage to quiet my thoughts, even for a few minutes, I feel more centered and ready to tackle whatever the day throws at me.
4. Embrace Procrastination:
Wait, what? Procrastination and successful people? Yes, you read that right. But before you get excited and put off your tasks for tomorrow, let me clarify.
Successful people practice ‘strategic procrastination.’ Instead of diving headfirst into their to-do list, they take some time in the morning to prioritize their tasks.
They understand that not everything is equally important and sometimes, delaying a task can lead to better insights and ideas.
LinkedIn CEO Jeff Weiner swears by this practice and schedules up to two hours of ‘buffer’ time each day to think and strategize.
When you find yourself procrastinating, don’t beat yourself up. Instead, use that time to reflect on your tasks and priorities for the day.
5. Fuel Their Bodies:
Breakfast is often called the most important meal of the day, and successful people seem to agree.
They understand that what they put into their bodies first thing in the morning sets the tone for the rest of the day.
Rather than reaching for a quick sugar-filled pastry or skipping breakfast altogether, they opt for nutritious meals that provide sustained energy.
Amazon CEO, Jeff Bezos, for instance, never schedules early morning meetings so he can enjoy a healthy breakfast with his family.
Now, I’ll admit, I’ve had my fair share of rushed mornings with just a cup of coffee for breakfast. But when I do take time to fuel my body with something wholesome and nutritious, like a bowl of oatmeal with fruits or a green smoothie, I notice a significant difference in my energy levels and productivity throughout the day.
Even if you’re in a rush, try to grab at least a piece of fruit or a yogurt – your body (and brain) will thank you!
6. Avoid Digital Distractions:
Here’s a brutal truth: the way you’ve been starting your day, scrolling through social media or checking emails before you even get out of bed, is killing your productivity and focus.
Successful people understand the destructive potential of digital distractions, especially in the morning. Instead of letting the digital world dictate their morning mood, they take control of their time.
Arianna Huffington, co-founder of The Huffington Post, has a strict no-devices-in-the-bedroom policy to avoid starting her day with emails and messages.
If you’re serious about success, make an honest assessment of your digital consumption, especially in the morning. It might be tough initially to resist the urge to ‘quickly check’ your phone, but remember – every minute you spend on mindless scrolling is a minute not spent on achieving your goals.
7. Set Clear Goals:
Highly successful individuals don’t leave their day to chance. They set clear, actionable goals every morning to ensure they’re moving in the right direction.
As the motivational speaker Zig Ziglar once said, “A goal properly set is halfway reached.”
By defining what they want to achieve each day, successful people are already one step closer to accomplishing it. It could be as simple as writing down three key tasks for the day or setting a specific, measurable target in their work.
Goal setting provides a roadmap for the day and increases focus, productivity, and satisfaction.
So before you dive into your daily routine, take a few moments each morning to define what success looks like for you that day. You might be surprised at how much more you can achieve with a little bit of planning.
8. Cultivate Gratitude:
It may seem like a soft touch in a world driven by hard facts and bottom lines, but successful people often start their day by cultivating a sense of gratitude.
They understand that success is not just about accumulating wealth or achieving goals, but also about appreciating the journey and recognizing the good in their lives.
Take Oprah Winfrey, for instance, who keeps a daily gratitude journal to remind herself of all the positive things in her life.
I’ve tried this practice myself and can honestly say it’s a game-changer. Taking a few minutes each morning to jot down what I’m grateful for has helped me start the day on a positive note, and that upbeat mindset carries through the rest of the day.
