Waking up on the right side of the bed takes on a whole new meaning when you’re striving for success. The way you start your day can have a surprisingly significant impact on the hours that follow.

Psychology tells us that our morning routines play a significant role in setting the tone for the rest of the day. The first hour after waking up is often referred to as the ‘golden hour’, and it turns out that highly successful people use this time wisely.

In this article, we’re going to delve into seven things that highly successful people do shortly after waking up each morning.

You might be surprised to learn how subtle shifts in your morning can lead to big changes in your life. So, grab your coffee, sit back, and let’s dive in!

1) Early risers

Success starts when the alarm clock rings.

One of the most common habits of highly successful people is getting up early in the morning. It’s not just about being a proverbial early bird catching the worm, it’s about taking control of your day before it starts to control you.

Rising early allows for undistracted time to focus, plan and get a head start on the day. It’s a time when you can invest in yourself, whether that’s through exercise, reading or simply planning your day.

This habit also aligns with our natural circadian rhythms, which have been shown to peak productivity in the early hours of the day.

Renowned psychologist Daniel Kahneman, in his book ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow‘, points out that our cognitive energy is at its peak in the morning. He writes, “The best time for tasks requiring sustained attention or careful thinking is soon after we wake up.”

So, while hitting that snooze button might be tempting, remember that those successful individuals are already up and running. And maybe tomorrow, you will be too.

2) Mindful meditation

I’ve found that starting my day with a moment of mindfulness can change the entire course of my day. It’s like a reset button that helps me stay focused and grounded, no matter what comes my way.

When I started incorporating meditation into my morning routine, I was skeptical. But after a few days, I noticed a significant shift in my mood and overall productivity. Now, it’s an essential part of my morning ritual.

Mindfulness meditation is also a staple in the lives of many successful individuals. It’s not about transforming into a zen master. It’s about taking a few minutes each morning to clear your mind and set a positive tone for your day.

This practice helps us awaken to our potential each morning, setting a clear vision for the day ahead. So don’t underestimate the power of a few quiet moments with your thoughts. It could be the key to unlocking your success.

3) Embracing failure

Ever experienced a setback that felt like the end of the world? You’re not alone.

In fact, failure is a fundamental part of every success story. What sets highly successful people apart is not their ability to avoid failure, but their resilience in facing it head-on.

I’ve found that the most successful people are not only unafraid of failure, but they actually welcome it. They understand that every mistake, every setback is an opportunity to learn and grow.

Psychologist Carol Dweck, known for her work on “growth mindset“, explains this beautifully. She says, “In a growth mindset, challenges are exciting rather than threatening. So rather than thinking, oh, I’m going to reveal my weaknesses, you say, wow, here’s a chance to grow.”

So next time you face a setback, remember this – it’s not about avoiding failures but about embracing them as stepping stones on your path to success.

4) Regular exercise

It’s no secret that exercise is good for your body, but did you know it’s also crucial for your success?

From my personal experience, I’ve found that a morning workout not only boosts my energy levels but also improves my mental clarity. It sets a positive tone for the rest of the day and makes me feel like I’ve accomplished something right off the bat.

But don’t just take my word for it. A study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine found that morning exercise improves attention, visual learning, and decision-making.

In the study, participants who exercised in the morning performed better in tests of attention, visual learning, and decision-making compared to when they didn’t exercise.

If you’re looking to kickstart your day on a high note, consider incorporating some form of physical activity into your morning routine. Whether it’s a brisk walk, a quick jog, or a full gym session, every bit counts towards paving your way to success.

5) Positive affirmations

If there’s one thing I’ve learned on my journey, it’s that the way we speak to ourselves matters.

It’s all too easy to fall into the trap of negative self-talk, especially when things don’t go as planned. But successful people know the power of positive affirmations in overcoming obstacles and reaching their goals.

Affirmations are positive statements that can help you challenge and overcome self-sabotaging thoughts. When you repeat them often and believe in them, you start to make positive changes in your life.

This is precisely what affirmations do. They help us change our perception of ourselves and our capabilities.

Starting your day with a positive affirmation can set the tone for a successful day. It could be as simple as saying, “I am capable and ready to conquer the day.” Trust me, it makes a difference.

6) Unplugging from technology

In today’s digital age, this might seem counterintuitive. But hear me out.

While technology has its benefits, it also has a sneaky way of taking over our lives. Ever caught yourself mindlessly scrolling through social media first thing in the morning? I know I have.

Successful people understand the importance of starting their day free from digital distractions. They know that those first hours are best spent on meaningful activities that set the tone for the rest of the day.

Consider this: instead of reaching for your phone first thing in the morning, reach for a book or go for a walk. Allow yourself to connect with the world around you and with your own thoughts before diving into the digital world. And who knows? You might just find it liberating.

7) Gratitude

Gratitude is an often overlooked, yet powerful tool that successful people utilize daily.

By acknowledging the good things in life, no matter how small, we start our day on a positive note. This practice has the power to shift our mindset and keep us grounded through the ups and downs of life.

As psychologist William James put it, “The greatest discovery of my generation is that a human being can alter his life by altering his attitudes of mind.”

Starting your day with a simple thank you can make all the difference. So give it a try; you might just find more to be thankful for than you thought.

Wrapping up

The path to success is as unique as we are, with twists and turns that shape us into the individuals we become. It’s a collective journey of small, intentional steps taken each day, starting with the moment we wake up.

The habits we’ve explored aren’t silver bullets or magical shortcuts to success. Rather, they are simple practices embraced by those who have paved the way before us.

From rising early to practicing gratitude, these habits serve as reminders that success isn’t merely about relentless hustle. It’s also about nurturing a positive mindset, embracing challenges, and investing in our well-being.

As you reflect on these habits, consider which ones resonate with you. Maybe you’ll find inspiration to tweak your morning routine or perhaps it will affirm that you’re already on the right track.

Remember, every morning is a fresh start and another chance to set the tone for a successful day. So here’s to making the most of those early hours – your journey towards success starts now.