There’s a distinct difference between high-achievers and underachievers. This difference often starts at the beginning of each day.

Underachievers, for example, tend to start their day off with certain habits, actions or even non-actions that set the tone for the rest of their day.

As I’ve observed, these habits can make or break your productivity, success and even happiness. If you’re consistently underperforming, you may not even realize you’re stuck in these patterns.

In this article, I’m going to share with you the 9 things underachievers tend to do at the start of every day.

It’s not to judge or criticize, but to bring awareness so we can make better choices for ourselves.

Let’s dive in.

1) They hit snooze

One thing I’ve noticed about underachievers? They love the snooze button.

Starting the day off by delaying it might seem harmless, but it sets a negative tone for the rest of the day. It’s like saying “I’d rather be sleeping than seizing the day and getting things done.”

Hitting snooze can also throw off your body’s internal clock, leading to feeling groggy and unproductive for most of the day.

This is not to say that everyone who hits snooze is an underachiever. But if you’re consistently delaying the start of your day, it might be worth reconsidering your morning routine.

How you start your morning often sets the tone for the rest of your day.

So instead of hitting snooze, try getting up and starting your day with something positive and productive.

2) They skip breakfast

I’ll confess something – I used to be one of those people who would skip breakfast. I’d rush out the door, coffee in hand, and wouldn’t eat anything until lunch.

I thought I was saving time, but in reality, I was setting myself up for a day of low energy and poor concentration. It’s no secret that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Yet, many of us underachievers tend to overlook it.

Skipping breakfast not only leads to mid-morning hunger pangs and distraction but it also means we’re not fueling our bodies for the day ahead.

Once I started making time for a healthy breakfast, I noticed a significant increase in my productivity levels and overall mood.

If you’re an underachiever starting your day on an empty stomach, it’s time to make a change. Trust me, your brain and body will thank you for it.

3) They don’t make their bed

Surprisingly, making your bed in the morning can have a profound impact on your productivity throughout the day.

It’s a small task, but completing it gives you a sense of accomplishment first thing in the morning. This sets a positive precedent for the rest of the day, making you more likely to complete other tasks.

On the other hand, leaving your bed messy might seem insignificant, but it can contribute to a disorganized mind and environment. Underachievers often overlook this small but meaningful task.

Admiral William H. McRaven, a retired U.S. Navy four-star admiral, even mentioned this in his commencement speech at the University of Texas.

He said that if you make your bed every morning, you will have accomplished the first task of the day, leading to better productivity and discipline.

Tomorrow morning, take those extra couple of minutes to make your bed. It might just kickstart a more productive day!

4) They avoid exercise

Exercise in the morning? For many underachievers, that’s a hard pass.

But the truth is, starting your day with physical activity has been shown to boost energy levels, improve mood, and increase productivity. Even a short walk or some gentle yoga can make a big difference.

On the flip side, underachievers often skip morning exercise in favor of more sleep or a leisurely start to the day. They might justify it by saying they’ll work out later, but as the day goes on, it’s easy for other responsibilities and distractions to push exercise off the agenda.

Instead of putting off exercise, try incorporating some form of physical activity into your morning routine. You might be surprised at how it changes the trajectory of your day!

5) They start their day in a rush

Underachievers often find themselves starting the day in a state of panic. Instead of having a structured morning routine, they prefer to sleep in until the last possible moment and then rush to get ready.

Starting your day in a rush not only increases stress levels but also leaves little time for any productive or relaxing morning activities. This chaotic start often spills over into the rest of the day, resulting in disorganization and lower productivity.

High-achievers, on the other hand, understand the importance of a calm and structured start to their day. They wake up early enough to avoid rushing and have time for activities that set a positive tone for their day.

If your mornings typically involve rushing around, it might be time to reassess your routine. A calm and collected start to the day can make a huge difference in your overall productivity and success.

6) They neglect self-reflection

One thing that underachievers often overlook is the power of self-reflection.

Taking a few moments each morning to check in with yourself, to understand your feelings and to set your intentions for the day can be incredibly powerful. It allows you to start the day with clarity and purpose.

Many underachievers, however, rush into their day without sparing a thought for their mental and emotional well-being. They may view such practices as unnecessary or unproductive.

But here’s the thing – we’re not machines. We’re human beings with thoughts, feelings, and emotions. And taking care of our mental and emotional health is just as important as any other task on our to-do list.

Start your day with a moment of quiet reflection. It doesn’t have to be long or complicated – even a few minutes can make a difference. Over time, you might just find that this small habit has a big impact on your overall well-being and productivity.

7) They don’t set goals for the day

I remember a time when I would dive into my day without a clear plan or set goals. I thought I was being efficient, tackling tasks as they came up. But in reality, I was just reacting to the day instead of proactively shaping it.

Underachievers often start their day without clear goals in mind. They react to situations as they arise, which can lead to feeling overwhelmed and out of control.

Setting goals for the day allows you to prioritize your tasks and gives you a roadmap to follow. It gives you a sense of purpose and direction, making it easier to stay focused and productive.

Since I started setting goals each morning, I’ve found that I’m not only more productive but also more satisfied with my work. So, before you start your day, take a few minutes to set your goals. It’s a game-changer.

8) They check their phone first thing

It’s a common habit among underachievers – waking up and immediately reaching for the phone.

Whether it’s checking emails, scrolling through social media, or reading the news, this habit can quickly consume precious morning time and fill your mind with unnecessary noise.

Starting your day with technology can lead to a reactive mindset, as you’re immediately thrown into responding to other people’s demands or absorbing external information.

Instead, try to begin your day with activities that promote a positive and proactive mindset. This could be anything from meditation to exercise, reading a book, or even just enjoying a quiet cup of coffee.

Save checking your phone for later in the morning when you’ve had some time to wake up and set your intentions for the day. Trust me, those emails and notifications can wait.

9) They don’t take time for gratitude

Underachievers often overlook one of the most powerful ways to start the day – with gratitude.

Taking a few moments each morning to reflect on what you’re grateful for can significantly shift your mindset and set a positive tone for the day. It helps you focus on the good things in life, rather than getting caught up in negativity or stress.

However, underachievers often skip this practice, diving straight into the day’s tasks without taking a moment to appreciate their blessings.

Incorporating gratitude into your morning routine can change your perspective, boost your mood, and even improve your overall well-being. So tomorrow morning, before you do anything else, take a moment to reflect on what you’re grateful for. It might just be the best thing you do all day.

Final thought: A matter of choice

At the heart of it all, our daily habits and actions boil down to choices we make.

Whether you’re an underachiever, overachiever, or somewhere in between, the power to change your daily routine lies within you. The transformation from an underachiever to a high achiever isn’t a matter of intelligence or talent, but one of habits and mindset.

It’s about choosing to wake up a little earlier, deciding to make your bed, opting to fuel your body with a healthy breakfast, and setting goals for the day. It’s about being intentional with your time and choosing actions that lead to productivity and success.

Remember, small changes in your daily routine can lead to significant improvements in your life. It’s never too late to start making better choices. So tomorrow morning, as you wake up, remember – the choice is yours.