There’s something truly special about those individuals who are highly successful. They seem to do things differently, and that’s especially true when it comes to their morning routines.

Ever wondered what they do before 8am that sets them apart? According to psychology, there’re some specific actions that contribute to their success.

To help you understand, I’ve compiled a list of nine things highly successful people do before the sun is high in the sky. It’s time to take a page out of their book and see if you can replicate some of their habits in your own life.

So, let’s dive in and explore these morning rituals of success, backed by psychology.

1) They wake up early

It’s no secret that highly successful people are early risers. There’s something about beating the sun that gives them a head start on the day and the world.

The science backs this up too. According to psychology, waking up early kick-starts your day with a surge of productivity and focus. This golden period, free from distractions and interruptions, is often used by successful individuals to plan their day, set their goals, and start working on their priorities.

For example, Apple CEO Tim Cook reportedly starts his day at 3:45 am. That’s a lot of uninterrupted time before 8am rolls around!

So if you’re serious about success, it might be time to reconsider hitting that snooze button. Remember, the early bird catches the worm!

2) They exercise

A common trait among successful people is that they prioritize their health, and that often involves a morning workout.

Psychology tells us that exercise boosts our energy levels and enhances our mood by releasing endorphins – the body’s natural feel-good chemicals. This sets a positive tone for the rest of the day.

I can personally attest to this. A few years ago, I decided to incorporate a morning run into my routine. At first, the struggle to get out of bed was real, but once I hit the pavement and felt the crisp morning air, it was totally worth it.

Now, my day feels incomplete without my morning workout. It not only energizes me but also provides a sense of accomplishment before 8am. Whether it’s a run, yoga, or a gym workout, find an exercise routine you love and make it a part of your mornings.

Trust me – your body and mind will thank you.

3) They meditate

Meditation is another morning ritual that’s popular amongst the highly successful. It’s a powerful tool for clearing the mind, reducing stress, and promoting mental clarity.

In fact, according to a study, regular meditation can physically change the brain’s gray matter to improve functions such as memory, empathy, and stress management.

Take Oprah Winfrey, for instance. She’s a huge advocate for meditation and attributes much of her success to this practice. The quiet moments of mindfulness in the morning help set a calm and focused tone for the day ahead.

So, if you want to start your day like many highly successful people do, you might want to consider incorporating some form of meditation or mindfulness practice into your morning routine.

4) They practice gratitude

Starting the day with a sense of gratitude is a common practice among successful people. It sets a positive tone and helps maintain an optimistic outlook, which is crucial for overcoming challenges throughout the day.

A core principle of Buddhism is to cultivate gratitude as a way of life. This idea of acknowledging and appreciating what we have rather than focusing on what we lack can have profound effects on our mental well-being.

In my book, “Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego“, I delve deeper into the importance of gratitude as well as other Buddhist principles that can enhance your life.

For instance, Oprah Winfrey begins each day by jotting down five things she’s grateful for. This practice not only aligns with Buddhist teachings but also has been shown by research to improve overall happiness and well-being.

So, if you’re looking for ways to bring more success into your life, starting each day with a simple gratitude practice could be a game-changer. And if you’re interested in discovering more about how the principles of Buddhism can boost your success, be sure to check out my book here.

5) They eat a healthy breakfast

Breakfast is often called the most important meal of the day, and successful people take this seriously. Fueling the body with the right nutrients after a night’s sleep is crucial for maintaining energy levels and concentration throughout the day.

I’ve found this to be true in my own life. There was a time when I struggled with energy slumps and difficulty focusing. After some research, I realized my breakfast – or lack thereof – was the culprit. I wasn’t giving my body the fuel it needed to function optimally.

Switching to a healthier breakfast routine made all the difference. Now, I start my day with a balanced meal that usually includes whole grains, protein, and fruits. It provides me with sustained energy and helps me stay focused on my tasks.

Remember, what works for one person might not work for another. The key is to find a breakfast routine that suits your body’s needs and supports your goals for success.

6) They embrace silence

In our fast-paced, always-connected world, it might seem counter-intuitive to seek out silence. But for many successful people, carving out time for quiet reflection is a non-negotiable part of their morning routine.

According to psychology, silence has been found to stimulate brain growth by promoting the creation of new cells in the hippocampus, the region of the brain associated with learning, memory, and emotions.

So while the world is still quiet, successful individuals take advantage of this time to reflect, plan, and visualize their success. This might involve sitting quietly with a cup of coffee or spending some time in nature.

In essence, they understand the power of silence and see it not as empty space but as a fertile ground for growth and creativity. So if you’re striving for success, consider embracing the power of silence in your mornings.

7) They avoid digital distractions

In the digital age, it’s all too easy to start the day by reaching for our smartphones. But many successful people choose to delay this habit. Instead of diving into the flood of emails, social media notifications, and news updates, they dedicate their first hours to more mindful activities.

Psychology suggests that starting the day with digital distractions can lead to increased stress levels and decreased productivity. It also robs us of the opportunity to set our own intentions for the day, as we immediately become reactive to external demands.

Successful individuals understand this and consciously create boundaries around their morning screen time. This allows them to begin their day with focus and intention, setting a positive and productive tone for the hours to come.

So if you’re looking to emulate the habits of highly successful people, consider keeping your mornings as a digital-free zone. You might be surprised at how much more calm and focused you feel.

8) They connect with their loved ones

In our desire achieving success, it’s easy to lose sight of what truly matters – our relationships. Many successful people make it a point to connect with their loved ones in the morning.

For me, this is a non-negotiable part of my morning routine. Whether it’s a quick chat with my wife over breakfast, a morning walk with my dog, or a video call with my family who live overseas, starting my day surrounded by love and positive vibes sets the right tone for the rest of the day.

This simple ritual not only fosters stronger relationships but it also serves as a reminder of why we work hard and strive for success in the first place.

9) They set clear goals for the day

The most successful people don’t simply drift into their day. They start with a clear plan and specific goals. This act of goal-setting provides a roadmap for the day ahead, ensuring they stay focused and productive.

Effective goal-setting isn’t about creating a long to-do list, but identifying the most important tasks that will move them closer to their larger objectives. By doing this first thing in the morning, they’re able to prioritize these tasks and ensure they get done.

Psychology supports this practice, indicating that setting clear, achievable goals increases motivation and self-confidence, leading to greater success.

So if there’s one thing to take away from the morning routines of highly successful people, it’s this: Start your day with purpose. Know what you want to achieve and set a plan in motion to make it happen.

Final thoughts: It’s about creating a framework

Success isn’t random. It’s often the result of consciously cultivated habits and routines that set the stage for productive days, weeks, months, and years.

The morning routines of highly successful people are not about rigidity, but about creating a framework to start each day on a positive and productive note. Regardless of the specific activities, the common thread is intentionality.

In my book, “Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego“, I discuss concepts like mindfulness and gratitude, which can be integral parts of this morning framework.

Remember, these routines are not a one-size-fits-all solution. Everyone has different rhythms and preferences, and the key is to find what works best for you.