For years, I was stuck in the rat race, trying to get ahead but feeling like I was always playing catch up.

You know the drill:

– Scrambling to get ready in the morning

– Guzzling coffee on the go

– Drowning in emails before the day even started

I felt like I was constantly on my back foot, reactive instead of proactive. It was exhausting.

Then, I discovered something that changed my whole approach – a morning routine.

A few years ago, I came across some fascinating research about how successful people start their day.

Seven key things they do before breakfast that set them up for success.

In this article, I’m going to share these insights with you. I hope they can help you as much as they’ve helped me transform my mornings – and ultimately, my life.

Let’s dive in.

1) Early risers

The first thing that struck me was a simple fact: successful people wake up early.

Now, I know what you’re thinking. “I’m not a morning person.” Believe me, I wasn’t either. But waking up early isn’t about being a morning person. It’s about reclaiming your time.

Psychology tells us that our minds are sharpest and most creative in the morning. Those early hours, when the world is still quiet, can be ripe with potential.

I started by setting my alarm just 15 minutes earlier each week. It was tough at first, but then something amazing happened. I began to cherish that quiet time in the morning when I could focus entirely on myself and my goals for the day.

Now, those early hours are my secret weapon for success. Waking up early gave me the time to do the things that matter most to me before the day’s distractions set in.

If you’re always feeling rushed in the morning, try getting up a little earlier. You’ll be amazed at how much you can accomplish before breakfast.

2) Visualization

This one was a game-changer for me. Successful people use visualization to set themselves up for success.

Visualization is the practice of imagining yourself achieving your goals. It might sound a bit woo-woo, but there’s plenty of psychological research backing it up.

Take it from Dr. Frank Niles, a renowned Social Scientist and Performance Psychologist, who says, “Visualization is daydreaming with a purpose.”

I started visualizing as part of my morning routine about a year ago. Every morning, I sit quietly and picture myself achieving my goals. I imagine every detail, from what I’m wearing to how I’m feeling.

And you know what? It’s been incredibly powerful.

I’ve found that when I visualize my success, it feels more real and attainable. It gives me a clear direction for the day and puts me in the right mindset to tackle any challenges that come my way.

So give visualization a try. Picture yourself achieving your goals, and then go out and make it happen.

3) Exercise

Okay, I admit it. I used to be a complete couch potato. My idea of exercise was getting up to grab the remote.

But when I learned that many successful people kick-start their day with physical activity, I knew I had to make a change.

Exercise releases endorphins, the chemicals in your brain that make you feel happier and more relaxed. It also helps to clear your mind and prepares you for the day ahead.

I started small, with a gentle yoga routine in the morning. Over time, as my fitness improved, I added in some light jogging and strength training.

Now, I can’t imagine starting my day without it. My morning workout energizes me and puts me in the right mindset for the rest of the day.

I’ve found that even a short burst of exercise in the morning can make a massive difference to my mood and productivity levels for the rest of the day.

So, whether it’s a quick jog around the block or a yoga session, try getting some exercise in before breakfast. Trust me, your body and mind will thank you for it.

4) Eat a healthy breakfast

We’ve all heard the saying, “Breakfast is the most important meal of the day.” But do we really understand why?

Eating a nutritious breakfast sets the tone for the rest of your day. It kick-starts your metabolism, stabilizes your blood sugar levels, and gives you the energy you need to tackle your daily tasks.

I used to skip breakfast or settle for a quick cup of coffee.

But after reading a study published in the Journal of Nutrition, I learned that people who eat a high-fiber, protein-rich breakfast have better mental performance and increased satiety compared to those who eat a low-fiber, high-fat breakfast.

I decided to switch up my morning routine and started eating a balanced breakfast. Some mornings it’s a vegetable omelet, others it’s oatmeal with fruits and nuts.

The difference was noticeable. I felt more focused, had more energy, and my productivity levels soared.

So, don’t skimp on breakfast. Fuel your body with the right nutrients to ensure you’re set up for success for the rest of the day.

5) Review and set goals

Successful people understand the power of clear, actionable goals. They not only have long-term visions, but they also set daily objectives that help them inch closer to their dreams.

I used to start my day aimlessly, reacting to whatever came my way. But once I began setting and reviewing my goals each morning, my productivity skyrocketed.

Every morning, I now spend a few minutes reviewing my long-term goals and setting my objectives for the day.

What are the key tasks that will move me closer to my goals? What do I want to achieve by the end of the day?

Having a clear direction keeps me focused and prevents me from getting sidetracked by less important tasks. It also gives me a sense of accomplishment when I tick off those tasks at the end of the day.

So, make it a habit to review and set your goals each morning. You’ll soon find that you’re not just busy, but productive.

6) Practice gratitude

Practicing gratitude may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think about the habits of successful people, but it’s a remarkably powerful tool.

World-renowned psychologist Robert Emmons defines gratitude as “a sense of wonder, thankfulness, and appreciation for life.” He argues that practicing gratitude can result in increased happiness, better relationships, and improved physical health.

Incorporating gratitude into my morning routine was transformative for me.

Each day, before I start my work, I take a few moments to jot down three things I’m grateful for. They don’t have to be big things – sometimes it’s as simple as a warm cup of coffee or a call from a friend.

This small act helps me start my day on a positive note. It shifts my focus from what’s going wrong to what’s going right in my life.

So, take a few minutes each morning to reflect on what you’re grateful for. You’ll be surprised at how this small habit can improve your mood and perspective.

7) Unplugged morning

This one might surprise you. In a world where we’re constantly connected, successful people often start their day unplugged.

Instead of immediately checking emails or scrolling through social media, they spend the first part of their day disconnected from the digital world.

I found this habit to be the most challenging but also the most rewarding. Initially, resisting the urge to pick up my phone first thing in the morning was tough.

But once I got into the habit, I found it to be incredibly freeing.

It allowed me to start my day on my own terms, rather than being immediately pulled into other people’s agendas.

According to a study by the University of British Columbia, limiting daily usage of social media to 30 minutes can significantly improve your well-being.

So here’s a practical tip: Try leaving your phone in another room when you go to bed. When you wake up, resist the urge to check it immediately.

Instead, spend the first hour of your day focused on your morning routine.

You might find it difficult at first, but with time, you’ll appreciate the peaceful start to your day.

Conclusion

Incorporating these habits into your morning routine won’t happen overnight.

But remember, the aim isn’t perfection, it’s progress. Start small, maybe by waking up just a bit earlier or spending a few minutes visualizing your goals.

Over time, as these practices become habits, you’ll start to see the benefits – a clearer mind, increased productivity, and a sense of control over your day.

As the saying goes, “The secret of your success is found in your daily routine.” So, take the first step towards creating a morning routine that sets you up for success.

Your future self will thank you for it.