8 morning habits of successful people who always move forward in life

Avatar by Lachlan Brown | September 11, 2024, 3:30 pm

There’s no secret sauce to success, but there are certainly patterns of behavior.

One such pattern that’s come to my attention is the morning habits of people who continue to thrive in their lives. These aren’t just your average Joe and Jane, but individuals who find ways to keep moving forward, no matter what life throws at them.

I’ve spent years studying mindfulness and Buddhism, and what I’ve found is that these successful folks have a certain rhythm to their mornings. A rhythm that sets the tone for their entire day.

In this article, I’ll share with you 8 morning habits these individuals swear by. These are simple yet powerful practices that could potentially change your life.

Let’s get started. 

1) Embracing the dawn

There’s something magical about the early morning hours. Successful people know this, and they leverage it.

Many of us hit the snooze button and drag ourselves out of bed at the last minute. But those who are consistently moving forward in life, they’re up and about, embracing the dawn.

Why so early? It’s not just about getting a head start on the day. It’s about setting the tone.

In my years of studying mindfulness, I’ve found that how you start your day often sets the tone for how the rest of it will go. Starting your day in a state of peace and calm is much more likely to lead to a peaceful and productive day than starting it in a mad rush.

Successful people get this. They rise early, not because they have to, but because they want to. They appreciate the stillness, the quiet, and the potential that each new dawn brings.

But remember, this isn’t about waking up at some ungodly hour just for the sake of it. It’s about waking up early enough to have some quiet time for yourself before the rest of the world wakes up.

2) Meditation and mindfulness

This one is personal to me. As someone who’s been studying and practicing mindfulness and Buddhism for years, I can’t emphasize enough the power of meditation.

Successful people understand that their mindset is crucial to their ability to move forward. And they often start their day with a few moments of silence to clear their minds and set their intentions.

Thich Nhat Hanh, a renowned Buddhist monk and mindfulness expert, once said, “Meditation is not evasion; it is a serene encounter with reality.”

And that’s exactly what it is. It’s not about escaping reality but meeting it head-on with a clear mind and open heart.

Personally, I start every morning with a 15-minute meditation session. It helps me stay grounded, focused, and prepared for the day ahead.

If you’re new to meditation, don’t worry. It’s not about achieving some mystical state. It’s about being present, being aware of your thoughts and feelings without judgment.

Before you dive into your day, consider spending some time in stillness. Even just a few minutes can make a huge difference. Meditation might just be the missing piece you need to keep moving forward in life.

3) Letting go of yesterday

Moving forward in life is as much about letting go as it is about striving ahead. It’s a concept deeply rooted in Buddhism wisdom.

Successful people understand that each day is a new beginning, a fresh start. They don’t let yesterday’s failures or successes dictate their actions today.

Buddhism teaches us the impermanence of all things. Yesterday has passed, and while its experiences can offer valuable lessons, it should not shackle us.

It can be hard, I know. We’ve all had days where we’ve been stuck in a loop of past mistakes or victories, unable to focus on the current moment.

But remember, it’s not about ignoring or forgetting what happened. It’s about acknowledging it, learning from it, and then letting it go.

Each morning, make a conscious decision to start fresh. Leave yesterday where it belongs—in the past. Acknowledge it, learn from it, but don’t let it hold you back.

This practice of letting go can free up mental space for new ideas and opportunities to flourish. So start your day unburdened by the past and ready to embrace the present.

4) Setting intentions for the day

Mindfulness isn’t just about being present; it’s also about knowing where you’re heading. Successful people not only plan their day, but they consciously set their intentions each morning.

Think of it as a roadmap for your day. You’re not just aimlessly going through tasks, but you’re doing them with a specific goal or intention in mind.

Being honest, this can be tough. We all have those days where we wake up feeling aimless or overwhelmed by the amount of work on our plates.

But that’s exactly when setting intentions can be most powerful. It helps bring focus to your day and reminds you of your bigger goals.

Mindfulness encourages us to be intentional in all we do. It’s about being present, yes, but also about moving forward with clarity and purpose.

Start your day with mindfulness and purpose, and you’ll find it much easier to keep moving forward, no matter what comes your way.

5) Reading and learning

Knowledge is power, and successful people know this. They always keep learning, keep growing. And one of the best ways to do this is through reading.

I’ve always been an avid reader myself. Books have opened up new worlds to me, given me insights into different disciplines, and have taught me invaluable lessons.

In fact, I’ve been so moved by the wisdom found in books that I decided to write one myself. It’s called Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego.

In the book, I delve into the teachings of Buddhism, explaining how they can help us live more fulfilling lives, with a stronger impact on the world around us and less driven by our egos.

Many successful people I know have a habit of starting their day with some reading. It helps them stay informed, open-minded, and ready to face any challenge that comes their way.

Consider dedicating a part of your morning to learning something new. It can be a book, an article, a podcast—anything that sparks your curiosity and expands your knowledge. You never know where it might lead you.

6) Cultivating gratitude

Gratitude might sound like a buzzword these days, but the truth is, it’s a powerful practice rooted in both Buddhism and mindfulness.

Successful people understand the importance of starting their day with a sense of gratitude. Why? Because gratitude shifts your mindset. It takes you away from focusing on what’s missing in your life and helps you appreciate what you have.

Let’s be real; it’s easy to get caught up in the pursuit of more—more success, more money, more recognition. But this constant striving can leave us feeling empty and unfulfilled.

Buddhism teaches us to value contentment and gratitude. It reminds us that happiness doesn’t come from external achievements but from an inner sense of peace and fulfillment.

Each morning, take a few moments to reflect on what you’re grateful for. It could be as simple as a hot cup of coffee or as profound as the love of your family.

Starting your day with a heart full of gratitude can set a positive tone for the rest of your day, making it easier to move forward and face any challenges that come your way.

7) Physical movement

It’s no secret that physical health impacts our mental and emotional wellbeing. Successful people tend to incorporate some form of physical movement into their morning routine.

Now, I’m not saying you need to start running marathons or hitting the gym for hours every morning. It can be as simple as a walk around the block, some gentle stretches, or a quick yoga sequence.

The mindfulness expert Jon Kabat-Zinn said, “As long as you are breathing, there is more right with you than wrong with you.”

And that’s exactly it. Physical movement isn’t just about staying fit; it’s about connecting with your body, appreciating it, and acknowledging all the amazing things it does for you.

Some mornings, it’s easy to get up and move. Other mornings, it feels like the last thing you want to do. But on those tough mornings, remember Kabat-Zinn’s words. Remember that your body is an incredible machine, and it deserves your care and attention.

Commit to moving your body each morning in a way that feels good for you, and watch how it impacts the rest of your day.

8) Embracing stillness

In a world that glorifies busyness, this might seem counterintuitive. But successful people understand the power of stillness.

Mindfulness teaches us that there’s strength in silence, in simply being. It’s not about always doing more, but about being present in what we’re doing.

Our mornings can often be rushed—jumping from one task to another, our minds already on the day ahead. But what if we took a moment to just be still?

Stillness allows us to connect with ourselves, to check in and see how we’re feeling. It brings clarity and calm, preparing us for the day ahead.

So instead of rushing through your morning routine, consider setting aside a few moments for stillness. Sit quietly with your coffee, watch the sunrise, or simply enjoy the peace before the day begins.

Embrace the counterintuitive power of stillness and see how it transforms your mornings—and your ability to move forward in life.

Conclusion

There you have it—eight habits that successful people use to start their day and keep moving forward in life. These aren’t just routines; they’re mindful practices that set the tone for the rest of the day.

Remember, it’s not about adopting all these habits at once. Start with one that resonates with you, and build from there. The key is consistency and mindfulness.

If you found this helpful and want to delve deeper into the teachings of Buddhism and mindfulness that can help you live a more fulfilling life, consider checking out my book Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego.

In it, I share insights gleaned from years of studying these ancient practices and how they can be applied to our modern lives.

Ultimately, moving forward in life isn’t just about achieving success; it’s about living with purpose and presence. And I believe that these morning habits can help you do just that. Here’s to your journey towards a more mindful and fulfilling life.

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