There’s a clear distinction between being a morning person and having a high level of discipline in your morning routine.
The difference is all about habits. Waking up early alone doesn’t cut it, it’s what you do with that morning time that truly matters.
Having disciplined morning habits sets the tone for the whole day, prepping your mind and body for success. And guess what? There are certain tell-tale habits that are common among those with an iron-clad morning routine.
Here are some morning habits to consider adopting if you’re striving for higher discipline.
Let’s get started.
1) Early risers
One of the most common traits among disciplined people? They’re early birds.
Yes, getting up at the crack of dawn might sound like a brutal punishment to some, but to the disciplined, it’s a golden opportunity.
Remember, discipline isn’t about punishment, it’s about optimizing your time and energy. And what better way to do this than by starting your day while others are still snoozing?
Rising early gives you a head start on the day. It’s a chunk of quiet, uninterrupted time that can be used for planning, reflecting or getting a jump on your tasks.
But remember, it’s not just about getting up early. It’s about what you do with that time that truly indicates discipline.
2) Starting with a workout
Not everyone’s a fan of morning workouts. I get it. The thought of jumping jacks or burpees before breakfast might make you cringe.
But here’s the thing, I used to feel the same way. Until I gave it a shot.
A few years back, I decided to experiment with my morning routine. Instead of hitting snooze and dragging myself out of bed at the last possible minute, I decided to start my day with a workout.
I won’t lie. The first few days were tough. But as I stuck with it, I began to notice changes. Not just physical ones, but mental and emotional shifts too.
Starting my day with physical activity helped me feel more alert, energized and ready to tackle my day. It also gave me a sense of accomplishment right off the bat – a feeling that carried through the rest of my day.
Now, morning workouts are a non-negotiable part of my routine. And let me tell you, as someone who wasn’t a morning person before, this switch has been a game changer.
3) Healthy breakfast
We’ve all heard it before, breakfast is the most important meal of the day. But did you know that skipping breakfast can actually hinder your productivity?
That’s right. Your brain uses a lot of energy, and after a night of fasting, it needs fuel to function optimally. This is where breakfast comes in.
A healthy breakfast kickstarts your metabolism and provides your brain with the nutrients it needs to stay focused and sharp throughout the day. It’s why highly disciplined people rarely skip this meal.
When you’re rushing out the door with just a cup of coffee in hand, remember, a few extra minutes spent preparing a nutritious breakfast can pay off in a big way.
4) Morning planning
Disciplined people know the power of planning. They don’t just dive headfirst into their day; they take a moment to map it out.
Morning planning is a habit that sets the stage for a productive day. It involves reviewing your tasks, setting priorities, and establishing clear goals for the day.
This practice brings clarity, focus, and direction. It helps you avoid wasted time and ensures you’re working on what’s truly important.
If you’re aiming for a higher level of discipline, consider dedicating some of your morning to planning your day. You might be surprised at how much more productive and controlled your days become.
5) Mindfulness practice
We live in a fast-paced world that often leaves us feeling stressed and scattered. But disciplined people have a secret weapon – mindfulness.
Practicing mindfulness in the morning, through meditation or quiet reflection, can set a positive tone for the day. It allows you to center yourself, clear your mind, and approach the day with calm and clarity.
And the best part? It doesn’t require a huge time commitment. Even just a few minutes of focused breathing or quiet reflection can make a significant difference in your mental state.
It might just be the calming influence you need to navigate your day with grace and efficiency.
6) Gratitude journaling
Maintaining a high level of discipline often requires a positive mindset. And one of the most powerful tools for cultivating positivity is gratitude.
Gratitude journaling, especially in the morning, can set a positive tone for the day. Taking a moment to write down what you’re grateful for helps you start your day on a positive note. It reminds you of all the good things in your life, big and small.
This practice can be transformative. It’s a reminder that even on tough days, there’s still plenty to be thankful for.
If you’re aiming to boost your discipline, consider starting your day with a dose of gratitude. It’s a heartfelt practice that can enrich your life in more ways than one.
7) Tackling the toughest task first
We all have that one task. The one we dread, the one we keep pushing to the bottom of our to-do list. For me, it was always writing reports. I’d find every excuse to put it off until the last possible moment.
But then, I stumbled upon a productivity strategy called ‘Eat That Frog’, popularized by Brian Tracy. The idea is simple: tackle your most challenging task first thing in the morning.
I decided to give it a shot. Instead of avoiding that dreaded report, I started my day with it. And guess what? It wasn’t as bad as I thought.
In fact, getting it out of the way first thing made me feel accomplished and relieved. It freed up mental space and energy for the rest of my tasks.
8) Consistent routine
Ever notice that the most disciplined people tend to have a consistent morning routine? There’s a reason for that.
Routine brings structure and predictability, reducing decision fatigue and making it easier to stick to healthy habits. It’s why successful people like Steve Jobs and Mark Zuckerberg wore the same outfit every day – reducing unnecessary decisions frees up mental energy for more important tasks.
If you’re seeking to enhance your discipline, consider developing a consistent morning routine. Whether it’s exercise, meditation, or simply enjoying a cup of coffee in silence, find what works for you and stick with it. The consistency can bring a sense of calm and control to your mornings, setting a positive tone for the rest of your day.
9) Self-reflection
At the heart of discipline lies self-awareness. It’s about understanding your strengths, your weaknesses, and your motivations. And nothing cultivates self-awareness quite like self-reflection.
Taking a few moments each morning to reflect can give you invaluable insights into your actions and decisions. It helps you understand why you do what you do and how you can improve.
If you’re serious about developing discipline, make self-reflection a part of your morning routine. It’s not just about doing the right things; it’s about understanding why you’re doing them. That knowledge is power, and it’s the key to true self-discipline.
Final thoughts: It’s a journey
Developing discipline isn’t about overnight transformation or rigid adherence to a set of rules. It’s about growth, consistency, and self-improvement.
It’s about recognizing that every morning presents a fresh opportunity to become a better version of yourself. And these habits? They’re just tools to help you make the most of that opportunity.
Whether it’s rising early, exercising, or practicing mindfulness, each habit serves a purpose in fostering discipline. But remember, it’s not about perfection. It’s about progress.
So as you embark on this journey towards discipline, keep in mind that it’s okay to stumble, to falter, and to adjust your routine as needed. What matters is that you keep moving forward.
Because at the end of the day, discipline is less about what you do in the morning and more about who you become in the process.
