People with incredible levels of self-discipline never waste their time on these 9 things in the morning

Mornings — they can be a mad rush, a lazy daze, or something in between. But for people with incredible self-discipline, they are a time of focus and purpose.
They understand that how you start your morning can set the tone for the entire day. They avoid certain behaviors and activities that most of us might indulge in without a second thought.
I’ve spent years observing and learning from these individuals, and I’ve noticed some clear patterns. There are specific things they never waste their time on in the morning.
Curious to know what they are?
In this article, I’m going to share these insights with you.
So if you’re looking to level up your morning routine and start your day like those with high self-discipline, stick around.
This one’s for you.
1) They don’t hit snooze
Hitting snooze might feel like a small, harmless decision at the moment, but it can actually set a tone of procrastination and lack of discipline for the entire day.
People who are incredibly self-disciplined start their day off on the right foot by resisting the temptation to delay their wake-up time.
They set an alarm for when they actually need to get up and stick to it. This small act of discipline at the start of the day primes them for a productive and focused day ahead.
If you’ve ever wondered why some people seem to get more done before lunch than others do all day, this could be one of the secrets.
They say that how you do anything is how you do everything, and this certainly applies here. If you start your day with discipline and intention, it’s likely to spill over into other areas of your life.
So if you’re looking to boost your own levels of self-discipline, this could be a good place to start. Wake up when your alarm goes off, resist the temptation to snooze, and see how it changes your day.
2) They don’t get lost in endless scrolling
The pull of social media first thing in the morning is a trap many of us fall into. You might think it’s harmless to check your notifications or catch up on the latest posts while you’re still under the covers. But here’s the thing…
People with high self-discipline understand the concept of “attention residue”. It’s a term coined by Sophie Leroy, a business professor at the University of Washington.
In simple terms, it means that when you switch your attention from one task to another, a part of your attention stays stuck on the first task.
That’s why when you start your day scrolling through social media or checking emails, your mind doesn’t fully transition to the next task. You’re left with this residue of distraction that hinders your focus and productivity throughout the day.
Incredibly self-disciplined individuals are aware of this psychological phenomenon. They choose to start their day with activities that promote focus and clarity, rather than those that scatter their attention.
Whether it’s reading a book, meditating, or simply enjoying a quiet cup of coffee, they use their morning to set a positive and productive tone for the day.
3) They don’t dive straight into work
They understand the value of easing into their day. Immediately immersing themselves in work can lead to burnout and decreased productivity over time.
It’s not about procrastination or delaying the start of their workday. It’s about creating a buffer — a period of transition between their morning routine and their work tasks.
During this buffer, they might engage in activities that are calming and grounding. They might meditate, exercise, or spend time in nature. Some might use this time for personal development, like reading or learning a new skill.
This intentional delay in starting work helps them approach their tasks with more focus and energy. It allows them to maintain high levels of productivity and prevent burnout in the long run.
So, paradoxically, not jumping straight into work first thing in the morning can actually make you more effective at your job.
4) They don’t skip breakfast
Ever find yourself rushing out of the house in the morning, promising that you’ll grab something to eat on the way or settle for a quick coffee instead?
People with high self-discipline rarely do this. They understand that breakfast is more than just a meal; it’s a crucial part of starting the day right.
Skipping breakfast might seem like a time-saver, but it can actually have negative effects on your energy level and cognitive function throughout the day.
On the other hand, having a nutritious breakfast can provide the fuel you need to tackle your day head-on. It can stabilize your blood sugar levels, improve your concentration, and prevent that mid-morning slump many of us are all too familiar with.
Incredibly self-disciplined people consider breakfast as an important part of their morning routine. They make time for it, whether it’s a full meal or a simple, healthy snack. They realize that by nourishing their bodies, they’re also taking care of their minds.
So, if you’re often skipping breakfast in the rush of getting ready for your day, it might be time to reconsider.
Your morning routine sets the tone for your entire day. And that includes taking time to fuel your body properly.
5) They don’t clutter their morning with unnecessary decisions
Decisions, decisions. We make countless ones every day. But did you know that each decision, no matter how small, uses up a bit of our mental energy? This phenomenon is known as decision fatigue.
Individuals with high levels of self-discipline are well aware of this. They streamline their mornings to minimize unnecessary decisions. They understand that preserving their mental energy for important tasks is crucial.
Here are a few things they often decide in advance to reduce decision fatigue:
- What to wear
- What to eat for breakfast
- Their workout routine
- The first task they’ll tackle at work
By planning these elements ahead of time, they can dedicate their morning mental energy to more meaningful tasks and decisions.
It’s a small change that can have a big impact on your productivity and mental clarity throughout the day.
6) They don’t neglect their physical health
As someone who has interviewed and studied many highly self-disciplined individuals, I’ve noticed a common thread – they never neglect their physical health in the morning.
When we think of self-discipline, we often focus on mental strength. But physical health plays a key role too.
These individuals understand that their body and mind are intrinsically linked. If they neglect their physical health, it will inevitably impact their mental performance.
So, let’s delve into what this looks like in practice.
It might mean starting the day with a workout or a yoga session. It could be as simple as stretching or taking a brisk walk around the block. Many of them also ensure they’re hydrated by drinking a glass of water first thing in the morning.
But it’s not just about what they do; it’s also about what they don’t do.
They avoid behaviors that harm their physical health, like skipping meals or consuming excessive caffeine. They understand that these habits might provide a short-term boost, but ultimately, they’re detrimental to their wellbeing and productivity.
Maintaining physical health in the morning is not just about discipline; it’s about respect for the body and its role in our overall productivity and wellbeing.
7) They don’t ignore their long-term goals
Imagine waking up one morning and instead of just thinking about the tasks you need to complete that day, you’re thinking about where you want to be in five years. Or even ten years.
People with high levels of self-discipline do just that. They don’t let their long-term goals slip into the background amidst the noise of daily tasks and immediate concerns.
Why is this important?
Because keeping your long-term goals in mind helps guide your actions and decisions each day. It ensures that the steps you’re taking today are aligned with where you want to be tomorrow.
These individuals might spend a few minutes each morning visualizing their goals or reviewing their progress. They might ask themselves: “What can I do today that brings me one step closer to my goal?” or “How do my tasks for the day align with my long-term objectives?”
8) They don’t let negative thoughts linger
Let’s face it, we all have those mornings where we wake up on the wrong side of the bed. Our thoughts can sometimes turn negative, and if we let them linger, they can impact our mood and productivity for the rest of the day.
People with high levels of self-discipline understand this and have strategies in place to deal with such mornings.
A few years back, I found myself in a situation where negative thoughts were affecting my mornings. I felt lethargic, unmotivated, and couldn’t shake off the negativity. That’s when a friend introduced me to the concept of thought-stopping.
This is a psychological technique that involves consciously recognizing when you’re having a negative thought and then mentally telling yourself to stop. It sounds simple, but it requires practice.
People with high self-discipline often use techniques like thought-stopping or mindfulness to keep their thoughts positive and focused. They don’t allow negativity to hijack their morning or seep into the rest of their day.
They recognize that they’re in control of their thoughts and emotions, and they take active steps to ensure they start their day on a positive note.
This not only boosts their mood but also sets a productive tone for the day.
9) They don’t underestimate the power of consistency
Finally, the most vital thing to understand is that people with high levels of self-discipline don’t underestimate the power of consistency.
Even the most compelling morning habits or routines won’t make a difference if they’re not practiced consistently. It’s not about perfection; it’s about showing up for yourself every day, even when you don’t feel like it.
We often focus on grand gestures and significant changes, but it’s the small, everyday actions that truly shape our lives.
Incredibly self-disciplined individuals grasp this concept deeply. They know that a productive morning doesn’t come from a single good day but from continuous effort and discipline, day after day.
How can you improve your own morning routine?
Having a disciplined morning routine can set the tone for a productive and successful day. But take note, it’s not about copying someone else’s routine. It’s about figuring out what works best for you.
Here are some steps to help you build your own effective morning routine:
- Identify your priorities: What do you want to achieve with your morning routine? Is it more productivity? Better health? A calmer start to the day?
- Experiment: Try out different habits and routines and see what suits you best. Not everyone is a morning exerciser or meditator, and that’s perfectly okay.
- Start small: Don’t try to overhaul your entire morning at once. Choose one change to focus on until it becomes a habit, then add another.
Remember, the goal isn’t perfection, it’s progress.
The power to shape our days lies in our hands, and it begins with how we choose to spend our mornings.