As Lachlan Brown, the founder of Hack Spirit and a mindfulness enthusiast, I can tell you that life change starts with the small things.

Believe it or not, one of the most effective ways to improve your life is by tweaking your morning routine.

By starting your day off right, you’re setting yourself up for success in everything else that follows. It’s not just about waking up early and chugging a cup of coffee, but about creating meaningful habits to kickstart your day.

And guess what? I’ve got eight of these habits to share with you.

This is not about overhauling your entire life overnight. It’s about making small, consistent changes that will reap big rewards over time.

Let’s get started.

1) Begin the day with mindfulness

The way we start our morning can set the tone for the rest of the day.

This is why I recommend beginning your day with an act of mindfulness. The purpose is to ground yourself and create a sense of calm that can help carry you through the day.

You don’t need to meditate for an hour or go on a yoga retreat. It could be as simple as sitting quietly for a few minutes, focusing on your breath or tuning into the sounds around you. It’s about cultivating a moment of stillness before the hustle and bustle of the day begins.

Mindfulness is a powerful tool in your toolbox for better living. When we’re mindful, we’re present, aware and in control – rather than being led by our thoughts and emotions.

Practising mindfulness every morning can help you gain clarity, reduce stress, and increase your ability to handle whatever comes your way during the day.

Why not give it a try tomorrow morning? After all, if you’re looking to change your life for the better, it’s an excellent place to start.

2) Embrace gratitude

One of the practices I’ve incorporated into my morning routine is acknowledging what I’m grateful for.

Gratitude is a powerful emotion. It’s not just about saying “thank you” but actively taking the time to appreciate the good things in your life. This practice can shift your focus from what’s wrong to what’s right.

In Buddhism, gratitude is considered a significant part of the path to enlightenment. As the renowned monk Thich Nhat Hanh once said, “The seed of suffering in you may be strong, but don’t wait until you have no more suffering before allowing yourself to be happy.”

You don’t need to wait for big things to appreciate. It can be as simple as feeling thankful for a beautiful sunrise, a hot cup of coffee, or an unexpected smile from a stranger.

I encourage you to start every day by listing three things that you’re grateful for. You’d be surprised at how this simple act can create a positive mindset and change your perspective on life. Trust me, it works!

3) Set intentions, not just goals

There’s a lot of talk about goal-setting, particularly in the morning. But from a Buddhist perspective, setting intentions can be more powerful.

Goals tend to focus on the future and on achieving specific outcomes. While it’s important to have a direction in life, being too attached to the outcome can lead to stress and disappointment.

Intentions, on the other hand, are about how we want to live our lives in the present moment. They’re about our values and principles, not just our ambitions.

Each morning, try setting an intention for the day. It could be something like “Today, I will be kind to myself and others” or “Today, I will remain mindful and present”. This practice allows you to align your actions with your core values and provides a compass for your day.

In Buddhism, this is akin to the concept of ‘right intention’ or ‘right thought’, one of the key elements of the Noble Eightfold Path. It’s about developing thoughts of goodwill, harmlessness and renunciation.

Life isn’t just about getting somewhere—it’s also about how we choose to travel. Set your intentions mindfully each morning, and watch how it transforms your day.

4) Practice mindful eating

You’ve probably heard the saying, “you are what you eat.” But have you ever considered how you eat?

Mindful eating is a practice where you pay full attention to the process of eating, to the sensations and the flavors, and to the act of nourishing your body. It’s about slowing down and truly savoring your meal rather than mindlessly gulping it down.

In our busy lives, it’s all too easy to eat while scrolling through our phones or watching TV. But this disconnection can lead to overeating and a lack of appreciation for our food.

Each morning, make a conscious effort to enjoy your breakfast without any distractions. Notice the texture of your food, the taste, the smell. Appreciate where it came from and how it’s nourishing your body.

This simple act of mindfulness can foster a healthier relationship with food and even improve digestion.

Plus, it serves as a reminder that every act—no matter how mundane—can be a moment of joy and connection.

5) Read something inspirational

I’ve always been a lover of books. They can teach us, inspire us, and even transport us to different worlds. That’s why one of my morning habits is to read something inspirational.

Dedicating a few minutes each morning to read can stimulate your mind, boost your creativity, and set a positive tone for the day. It doesn’t have to be lengthy – even a single quote or passage can provide plenty of food for thought.

Personally, I like to start my day by revisiting some of the wisdom from my book, Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego. It serves as a reminder of the path I’m on and the values I strive to live by.

But whether it’s a self-help book, an enlightening article or a spiritual text, the key is to choose something that resonates with you and inspires you to make the most of your day.

Knowledge is power – so power up your mornings with some thoughtful reading!

6) Embrace imperfections

In our quest to improve ourselves, it’s easy to become hyper-focused on our faults and shortcomings. But from a Buddhist or mindfulness perspective, it’s crucial to embrace our imperfections too.

Each morning, take some time to acknowledge your flaws without judgment. It’s not about wallowing in self-pity or letting yourself off the hook for mistakes. It’s about accepting that you are human, and like all humans, you are beautifully flawed.

In Buddhism, this concept is embodied in the practice of ‘maitri’ or loving-kindness towards oneself. It’s about cultivating self-compassion and recognizing that we’re all works in progress.

Life isn’t about achieving perfection, but about learning, growing, and evolving. As you start each day, remember to be kind to yourself and embrace your journey – warts and all.

7) Prioritize self-care

In the rush of our daily lives, it’s easy to neglect our own needs. We often place work, family, and other responsibilities above our own well-being. But the truth is, you can’t pour from an empty cup.

Each morning, make a point to do something just for you. It could be a workout, a relaxing bath, or simply enjoying a cup of tea in silence.

Self-care is not selfish. It’s about recognizing that in order to take care of others, we need to first take care of ourselves.

Each morning is an opportunity to refill your cup. Don’t let it pass you by.

8) Do nothing

This might sound counterintuitive, but one of the best things you can do in the morning is…nothing.

In our productivity-driven society, we’re often made to feel guilty for not doing enough. But sometimes, the most productive thing you can do is to simply be.

Mindfulness teaches us the value of stillness. It’s about being present in the moment without the need to fill it with activity or distraction.

Each morning, try to carve out a few minutes where you simply sit and do nothing. No planning your day, no checking emails, no scrolling through social media – just being present with yourself and your surroundings.

It might feel strange at first, but this practice can help you connect with your inner self, reduce stress, and promote a sense of peace and clarity.

Stillness is not idleness – it’s a mindful pause that can recharge your mind and spirit.

Changing your life for the better doesn’t require a massive overhaul of your entire lifestyle.

Often, it’s the small, consistent changes that make the most significant impact.

Conclusion

Starting your day with these eight mindful habits can set the tone for the rest of your day and gradually transform your life. They’re simple, but powerful.

It’s not about perfection but progress. So don’t be discouraged if you miss a day or two. The key is to keep trying, keep learning, and keep growing.

If you’re interested in diving deeper into mindfulness and Buddhism and how they can help you live with maximum impact and minimum ego, I invite you to check out my book Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego. It’s a practical guide that aims to demystify these ancient wisdoms and make them accessible for everyone.

Every morning is a fresh start – a new opportunity to shape your life. So embrace it, make the most of it, and watch as your life starts changing for the better.