Productivity isn’t about cramming more tasks into less time. It’s about making the most of your time and energy to get things done more effectively.

As you’re sipping your morning coffee, there are people out there who’ve already checked off a few tasks from their to-do list.

I’m talking about highly productive people. They do things differently. They know that a productive day starts with a productive morning, long before the workday even begins.

Let’s delve into what these highly productive individuals are doing before you’ve even finished that cup of joe, according to psychology.

In this article, we’ll discuss the seven things they do differently every morning to kickstart their day on a high note. These tips might just give you an edge in your own productivity, without needing any extra cups of coffee!

1) They rise early

Highly productive people are often early risers.

It’s not a coincidence. It’s a conscious choice, driven by the desire to maximize their potential and make the most of their day.

Starting the day early gives them a head start. Before the world wakes up, they’ve already accomplished a few tasks, set their goals for the day, and planned their schedule.

This isn’t just a personal observation. Numerous psychological studies back this up, pointing out the correlation between waking up early and increased productivity.

While it’s not necessary to wake up at 4 am, it might be worth reconsidering hitting that snooze button a few times. Getting up just an hour earlier can make a significant difference in your productivity levels.

Next time you’re temped to sleep in, remember the words of Benjamin Franklin and consider what you could accomplish with that extra hour.

2) They practice mindfulness

Mindfulness. It’s a word we hear a lot these days, but for highly productive people, it’s more than just a buzzword. It’s a way of life.

I can personally attest to this. When I started incorporating mindfulness into my morning routine, I noticed a significant shift in my productivity.

Before, my mornings were a blur of tasks and to-do lists, with my mind constantly racing from one thing to the next. It was exhausting and not very efficient.

Then I started practicing mindfulness. I’d spend the first few minutes of my day in silence, focusing on my breath and grounding myself in the present moment. It made a world of difference.

Famous psychologist Carl Jung once said, “Your visions will become clear only when you can look into your own heart. Who looks outside, dreams; who looks inside, awakes.”

Practicing mindfulness allows us to tune into our inner selves and start the day with clarity and focus.

Rather than being pulled in a million directions, we’re able to prioritize our tasks and approach them with calmness and efficiency.

Consider spending a few minutes each morning in mindful silence. You might be surprised at the impact it can have on your productivity.

3) They embrace failure

Ever failed at something and felt like giving up?

Highly productive people see failure differently. To them, failure isn’t an end—it’s a learning opportunity. A stepping stone towards success.

This mindset isn’t just optimistic, it’s transformative. It allows them to take risks and push boundaries without the fear of failure holding them back.

This embodies the attitude of productive people perfectly. Instead of dwelling on what went wrong, they focus on what they can do better next time. They see each failure as a lesson, a stepping stone, and not a stumbling block.

The next time you encounter a setback, remember this: Every failure brings you one step closer to success. Embrace it. Learn from it. And keep moving forward.

4) They prioritize their tasks

Productive people know that there’s a big difference between being busy and being productive.

Instead of trying to do everything at once, they prioritize their tasks based on their importance and urgency. They focus on what truly matters and let go of the rest.

A study found that multitasking can reduce productivity by as much as 40%. This is because our brain takes time to switch between tasks, which can lead to mistakes and decreased efficiency.

Instead of juggling multiple tasks simultaneously, highly productive people focus on one task at a time. They start with the most crucial task, complete it, and then move on to the next one.

Remember, being productive isn’t about doing more things – it’s about doing the right things. Prioritizing your tasks can help you stay focused and accomplish more in less time.

5) They take care of their physical health

Highly productive people understand that their productivity is directly linked to their physical health. After all, it’s hard to be productive when you’re not feeling your best.

A few years back, I found myself always feeling sluggish and low on energy. A visit to the doctor and a few lifestyle changes later, I realized how much my poor health habits were affecting my productivity.

After incorporating regular exercise, a balanced diet, and adequate sleep into my routine, my energy levels soared. I was getting more done and feeling better while doing it.

As psychologist and philosopher William James once said, “The greatest weapon against stress is our ability to choose one thought over another.”

And choosing to prioritize our physical health is a decision that pays off in every area of life, including productivity.

Remember, taking care of your physical health isn’t just good for your body—it’s good for your productivity too. Don’t overlook this crucial aspect in the pursuit of getting more done.

6) They take regular breaks

This might seem counterintuitive. Shouldn’t highly productive people be working tirelessly, without any breaks?

Actually, no. Regular breaks are crucial for maintaining high levels of productivity.

Productive people understand that our brains aren’t designed to work non-stop. They need time to rest and recharge.

The Pomodoro Technique, a time-management method developed by Francesco Cirillo, recommends working for 25 minutes and then taking a 5-minute break. This cycle is repeated four times before taking a longer break.

The famous psychologist Sigmund Freud once said, “The mind should be allowed some relaxation, that it may return to its work all the better for the rest.”

Highly productive people know the value of this rest and use it to their advantage.

Taking regular breaks helps them maintain their focus and energy levels throughout the day, allowing them to be more productive in the long run.

Remember, it’s not about working harder—it’s about working smarter. And sometimes, that means taking a break.

7) They stay positive

Productive people know the power of a positive mindset.

They understand that setbacks are temporary and maintain a can-do attitude, even when faced with challenges. This positivity helps them stay motivated and focused on their goals.

As Martin Seligman, the father of positive psychology, once said:

“Positive thinking is more than just a tagline. It changes the way we behave. And I firmly believe that when I am positive, it not only makes me better, but it also makes those around me better.”

So remember, staying positive isn’t just good for your mood—it’s good for your productivity too.

Final thoughts

As we navigate through our busy days, it’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle. But it’s crucial to remember that productivity isn’t merely about crossing off tasks from our to-do list.

True productivity is about making the most of our time and energy. It’s about prioritizing, staying focused, and maintaining a positive attitude.

And often, it’s about the small, seemingly insignificant habits that we incorporate into our daily routine.

Taking a step back to observe and learn from highly productive people can offer valuable insights. Their morning habits, as simple as they may seem, can have a profound impact on the rest of their day.

As you sip your morning coffee tomorrow, consider implementing some of these habits. You might just find that your day becomes a bit more productive, and maybe even a bit more enjoyable.

Because at the end of the day, productivity isn’t just about doing more—it’s about doing better. And that starts with a productive morning.