Have you ever wondered how some people seem to have it all together right from the moment they wake up?

It’s not just luck or natural talent—it’s about setting the tone for success early in the day.

As someone who’s not a morning person, it took me a while to get going in the mornings. But once I stayed with it and pushed through until it became a habit, I could see a huge difference in the way my day played out. 

I was so much more energized, and I could get more done. I could definitely see how one can easily become a high achiever with these habits. 

So, in this article, that’s what I’ll be sharing with you — the seven morning habits that high achievers consistently practice to ensure they keep moving forward in life.

Whether you’re looking to revamp your morning routine or just curious about the secrets behind the success of top performers, these insights might just be the game-changer you need.

1) They wake up early

Ever hear the phrase “the early bird catches the worm”? 

There’s some truth to it. A lot of high achievers swear by this principle.

Getting up early isn’t about torturing yourself with sleep deprivation. Instead, it’s about creating a quiet, tranquil space for yourself before the hustle and bustle of the day begins.

Consider this: When you wake up early, you’re not racing against time. There are no urgent emails to answer, no distracting phone calls, and no pressing demands.

Just you, your thoughts, and perhaps a hot cup of coffee or tea.

This calm and peaceful start can have a profound impact on your mindset for the rest of the day.

And remember, “early” is relative. It’s not about being up at the crack of dawn (unless that works for you). It’s about finding a time that gives you a head start on your day.

Which means, even if you’re on the night shift, the principle is the same — you need to wake up earlier than you normally would if you want to get more done. 

In essence, waking up early is about carving out some precious ‘me’ time — a powerful way to kickstart your day and keep moving forward.

2) They prioritize exercise

It’s no secret that exercise is good for us. It keeps our bodies healthy and our minds sharp. But did you know it can also help us move forward in life?

This is something I found out myself. A few years ago, I was stuck in a rut. Life was good, but I felt like I was just going through the motions. I needed a change.

So, I decided to start my day with a run.

At first, it was tough. The thought of lacing up my shoes while everyone else was still asleep was daunting. But, as days turned into weeks, something started to shift.

I began to feel more energized, more focused. My mood improved and so did my productivity. I started to see progress in other areas of my life too.

What I realized is that morning exercise wasn’t just about staying fit. It was an opportunity to prove to myself, first thing in the morning, that I could set a goal and follow through. 

This simple habit gave me a sense of accomplishment that carried through the rest of the day. It made me feel unstoppable.

So, if you’re looking to move forward in life, consider adding some form of exercise to your morning routine. It might just be the boost you need!

3) They embrace stillness

In a world that never stops moving, finding a moment of stillness can feel like a luxury. But here’s the truth: it’s not. It’s a necessity.

I’ll admit it. I used to be one of those people who would scoff at the idea of meditation or simply sitting quietly in the morning. “I don’t have time for that,” I’d say. “I’ve got too much to do.”

But then, I hit a wall. I was stressed, overwhelmed, and constantly feeling like I was two steps behind. Something had to change.

So, I decided to give this whole ‘stillness’ thing a shot.

Each morning, before the day could sweep me up in its whirlwind, I sat in silence. At first, it was just for five minutes. Then ten. Then twenty.

And you know what? It was hard. My mind would race with thoughts and worries about the day ahead. But over time, those thoughts started to quiet down.

This simple act of embracing stillness in the morning changed everything for me. It gave me the chance to clear my head, focus on the present moment, and prepare for the day with intention.

Now, I can’t imagine starting my day any other way.

So take it from someone who used to be a skeptic: embracing stillness is one of the most powerful habits you can cultivate.

Not only does it help you start your day on a positive note, but it also equips you with the mental clarity needed to keep moving forward, no matter what life throws your way.

4) They set clear goals

If there’s one thing you’ll notice about high achievers, it’s this: they don’t leave their progress to chance. They set clear, tangible goals for themselves each morning.

These aren’t just big, long-term goals either. We’re talking about daily objectives as well. Small, achievable tasks that move them closer to their larger ambitions.

Let me give you an example: Say you’re a writer working on your first novel. A broad goal might be “finish my book”. But a more effective daily goal? “Write 500 words”.

This smaller goal is manageable, measurable, and directly contributes to the larger aim.

Achieving these smaller goals creates a cascade of positivity and momentum that can propel you forward throughout the entire day.

5) They nourish their bodies

Breakfast is often hailed as the most important meal of the day, and for good reason.

What you eat in the morning can significantly impact your energy levels, mood, and cognitive function throughout the day.

Breakfast gives you the fuel you need to get going. According to the health experts at WebMD:

“When you wake up, the blood sugar your body needs to make your muscles and brain work their best is usually low. Breakfast helps replenish it. If your body doesn’t get that fuel from food, you may feel zapped of energy — and you’ll be more likely to overeat later in the day.”

So, no…a cup of coffee alone won’t do it. If you want to be a high achiever, do as they do — eat your breakfast. 

6) They practice gratitude

Life can be hard. It can be messy, unpredictable, and downright challenging at times. But amidst all the ups and downs, there’s always something to be grateful for.

High achievers understand this. They know that even on the toughest days, there are glimmers of light. And they make it a habit to acknowledge these moments of positivity each morning.

For me, writing in a gratitude journal really starts my day off on a positive note. Anything that I’m thankful for, it goes in the journal, no matter how small.

This habit is so effective in developing a positive outlook in life. It helps us focus on our blessings and reminds us that even when things seem tough, we have reasons to smile.

So why not try starting your day with a dose of gratitude? You might be surprised at how this small shift in mindset can pave the way for continued progress and achievement in your life.

7) They’re intentional with their time

Time is our most valuable asset. Once it’s gone, there’s no getting it back. High achievers know this all too well.

They don’t let their mornings slip away in a haze of aimless scrolling or mindless tasks. Instead, they’re intentional with their time.

Being intentional means making conscious decisions about how you spend your time, rather than letting outside factors dictate your day.

It means prioritizing what’s truly important to you and making sure those things get your attention first thing in the morning.

So think about what matters to you: is it a passion project? Spending quality time with family? Investing in personal growth?

With good time consciousness and management, you can do a little bit of those in the mornings and start your day off on the right note.

How you start your day often determines how the rest of it goes. So, make it count. Be intentional, be purposeful, and watch as this transforms not just your mornings, but your entire life.

Final thoughts

Incorporating these seven morning habits into your daily routine might seem challenging at first, but remember, every journey begins with a single step.

High achievers don’t have a secret formula; they simply commit to positive, productive habits that set them up for success every day.

As you experiment with these habits, pay attention to what feels right for you and adjust accordingly.

Over time, these small changes can lead to significant transformations, not just in your mornings, but in your life as a whole.