There’s a subtle art to getting ahead in the world, and it often starts with the smallest decisions we make each day.

Hey, it’s Lachlan Brown here, founder of Hack Spirit and a bit of a mindfulness and Buddhism nerd. I’ve learned that the key to success isn’t always in grand gestures, but more often found in tiny, daily habits.

Starting your morning right is like setting the tone for a symphony. It can influence how the rest of your day unfolds. And imagine what could happen if you keep this up for 10 years?

In this piece, I’m going to share with you 10 little habits to start incorporating into your morning routine. They’re simple, they’re manageable, and believe me, they can make an outsized impact on your life in the long run. Trust me, I’ve seen it happen.

Let’s get started. 

1) Mindful awakening

Getting ahead of everyone else doesn’t start with a mad dash in the morning. It begins with a calm, mindful awakening.

As someone who’s deeply into mindfulness and Buddhism, I can’t stress enough the benefits of starting your day with a moment of stillness. Before you reach for your phone or start thinking about the day’s tasks, take a few minutes to simply lie in bed and be present.

Feel the weight of your body on the mattress, listen to the sounds around you, and pay attention to your breathing. This simple act can help to ground you, reduce stress, and set a peaceful tone for the rest of your day.

This practice may seem insignificant, but it’s about training your mind to remain calm amidst the chaos. And let’s face it, in our fast-paced world, that’s a superpower.

2) Gratitude practice

Next up, make a habit of starting your day with gratitude. I’ve found this to be a game-changer in my personal routine, and it’s a habit that reverberates positivity throughout your day.

Each morning, take a few moments to jot down three things you’re grateful for. They don’t have to be grand or profound – sometimes the simplest things bring the most joy.

As Thich Nhat Hanh, a renowned mindfulness and Buddhism expert, once said, “The miracle is not to walk on water. The miracle is to walk on the green earth, dwelling deeply in the present moment and feeling truly alive.”

This practice encourages you to appreciate the little things and helps you start your day with a positive mindset. It reminds you of what really matters and sets a positive tone for the rest of your day.

3) Energizing exercise

I’ll be honest here. I used to dread morning exercise. The thought of getting out of a warm, cozy bed to do push-ups or go for a run seemed like a cruel form of punishment. But trust me, as someone who has made this a non-negotiable part of my morning routine, I can vouch for its benefits.

Physical activity in the morning does more than just wake up your body – it wakes up your mind too. It gets the blood flowing, boosts your mood, and can even enhance your focus and productivity throughout the day.

It doesn’t have to be anything intense – a brisk walk, some yoga stretches, or even a quick dance around your living room (my personal favorite on cold mornings) can do the trick.

4) Nourishing breakfast

You’ve probably heard the old saying, “Breakfast is the most important meal of the day.” While it might sound cliche, it’s a piece of wisdom that holds true.

A healthy and nourishing breakfast fuels your body and mind for the day ahead. It helps maintain your energy levels, keeps you focused, and can even influence your mood.

As Virginia Woolf once said, “One cannot think well, love well, sleep well, if one has not dined well.” And this starts with a good breakfast.

Choose foods that are rich in protein, fiber, and healthy fats. Think whole grains, fruits, nuts – foods that release energy slowly and keep you satisfied till lunch. And remember to hydrate! A glass of water first thing in the morning helps kickstart your metabolism and aids in digestion.

Incorporate this habit into your morning routine for a healthier body and sharper mind. It’s not just about getting ahead; it’s about taking care of yourself while doing so.

5) Intention setting

This is something I’ve recently started doing and it’s made a world of difference in my life. Setting your intentions for the day creates a roadmap for where you want to go and how you plan to get there.

Each morning, spend a few minutes visualizing your day ahead. What are your key tasks? How do you want to feel by the end of the day? What can you do to make your day meaningful?

In her book, A Toolkit for Building a Happier Life in a Messy World, Life Transition coach Jeanette Brown discusses the power of intention setting in detail. She emphasizes the importance of aligning your daily actions with your overall life goals.

By setting daily intentions, you create a purpose-driven life, one that’s less about racing ahead and more about building a happier, more fulfilling existence.

6) Digital detox

In today’s hyper-connected world, it’s easy to start the day with an onslaught of emails, social media updates, and news headlines. But trust me, your morning time is better spent elsewhere.

Make a habit of staying away from your digital devices for the first hour or so after waking up. This digital detox allows your mind to wake up slowly and focus on the day ahead without any external noise.

Instead of reaching for your phone first thing in the morning, use that time to engage in other enriching activities such as reading, journaling, or simply enjoying a quiet cup of coffee.

This simple habit can help reduce stress, improve focus, and make you more productive throughout the day. So give it a try and see the difference it makes in your daily routine.

7) Mini meditation

I’ve been a big fan of meditation for years now, and I can’t recommend it enough. It’s like a mini-vacation for your mind, a way to start your day with clarity and calm.

Each morning, take five to ten minutes to sit quietly and focus on your breath. If your mind wanders (and it will), gently bring it back without judgment. This isn’t about achieving some sort of zen state; it’s about training yourself to be more mindful and present.

Incorporating this mini-meditation into your morning routine can help reduce stress, increase focus, and boost your overall mood. It’s a small investment of time that can pay off big in the long run.

Mindfulness isn’t just about being present; it’s also about cultivating a deeper understanding of ourselves. And there’s no better way to start that journey than with a few quiet moments each morning.

8) Positive affirmations

Positive affirmations can be powerful tools for changing your mindset and shaping your reality. They’re short, positive statements that you repeat to yourself, serving as reminders of your worth, potential, and capabilities.

Each morning, look at yourself in the mirror and repeat a few affirmations. They can be simple statements like “I am capable,” “I am worthy,” or “Today will be a great day.”

As Muhammad Ali famously said, “It’s the repetition of affirmations that leads to belief. And once that belief becomes a deep conviction, things begin to happen.”

9) Embrace downtime

This one might sound counterintuitive. After all, aren’t mornings supposed to be all about productivity and getting things done? Well, not necessarily.

One habit I’ve found incredibly beneficial is embracing a bit of downtime each morning. Instead of rushing from one task to another, I take a few minutes to simply do nothing. No tasks, no distractions – just me and my thoughts.

This quiet time can be spent sipping your coffee, watching the sunrise, or simply daydreaming. It’s about giving yourself permission to slow down and enjoy the moment before the day gets busy.

Getting ahead doesn’t always mean doing more; sometimes it’s about doing less and giving your mind a chance to refresh and reset. So embrace a bit of downtime each morning – your mind will thank you for it.

10) Plan the day

Lastly, take a few minutes each morning to plan out your day. Having a clear roadmap can do wonders for your productivity and stress levels.

Jot down your tasks for the day, prioritize them, and schedule your time accordingly. This not only gives you a clear vision of what needs to be done but also helps you manage your time more effectively.

Remember, it’s not about cramming as many tasks as possible into your day. It’s about focusing on what’s important and making sure you allocate time for it.

This simple practice can make your day run much more smoothly and help you stay focused on your goals. So give it a try and see how a little planning can go a long way.

In conclusion, getting ahead in life isn’t just about big, sweeping actions. Often, it’s the little habits we cultivate that make the biggest impact.

Conclusion

Each of these morning habits may seem small on their own, but when combined and practiced consistently over time, they can set you up for long-term success and a happier life.

It’s not about racing ahead at all costs but building a life that aligns with your values and brings you joy. As Jeanette Brown emphasizes in her book, A Toolkit for Building a Happier Life in a Messy World, happiness is not a destination but a process that involves mindful living and self-care.

Start small. Pick one or two habits to incorporate into your morning routine and see how they impact your day. Over time, you might just find that these little habits are your secret to getting ahead of everyone else in 10 years.