10 things high achievers usually do as soon as they wake up in the morning

Mia Zhang by Mia Zhang | November 5, 2024, 4:31 pm

Successful people are often early risers, starting their day while others are still hitting snooze.

The secret to their success? It’s not just about getting up early, but what they do with that morning time.

High achievers have certain habits they perform as soon as they open their eyes. These rituals set the tone for the day, priming them for productivity and success.

In this article, we will journey into the morning routines of high achievers, revealing the 10 things they usually do as soon as they wake up.

Let’s jump right in and discover how you can kick-start your day like a high achiever!

1) They rise early

There’s a saying, “The early bird catches the worm”, and it seems that high achievers take this quite literally.

Getting up before the rest of the world can provide a sense of calm and solitude, allowing for uninterrupted thinking and planning time.

This early morning serenity provides an opportunity to set their intentions for the day and prepare mentally for what lies ahead, all before the sun has even risen.

While not everyone is a natural early riser, many successful people swear by this habit. But remember, it’s not just about waking up early; it’s about making the most of this quiet time to get a head start on the day.

2) They prioritize physical fitness

High achievers aren’t just mentally sharp; they’re physically fit warriors too. 

Picture this: a thriving entrepreneur revealing his secret sauce at a conference. His day kickstarts at 5 a.m. with a run, rain or shine.

Why? It’s not just about sculpting abs; it’s about seizing victory from the get-go, setting the stage for success.

Inspired, I adopted the regimen. Initially, it was really hard for me, but once I became more consistent about it, I just found myself with much more energy – I could be more productive throughout the day

Morning workouts turbocharge metabolism, ensuring you’re a dynamo all day. Yoga, jogging, or a brisk walk—choose your weapon; join the ranks of the morning-movement mavens!

3) They eat a nutritious breakfast

Forget just sipping on a cup of joe—high achievers know that the real power lies in starting the day with a fuel-up, not a fill-up.

A balanced breakfast isn’t just about satisfying hunger—it’s about ensuring your energy levels stay steady all day long.

That’s why the crème de la crème makes it a non-negotiable to indulge in a nutrient-rich morning feast.

From hearty whole grains to veggie-loaded omelets and turbocharged smoothies, champions prioritize top-notch nutrition to kickstart their day. 

4) They engage in mindfulness practices

Amid the frenetic pace of modern life, it’s tempting to kick off the day on autopilot. Yet, high achievers chart a distinct course.

Be it meditation, deep breaths, or moments of serene reflection, these rituals serve to cleanse the mental slate and start the day on a positive note.

Mindfulness practices are not just about stress reduction but also about developing a greater awareness of your thoughts and feelings.

This increased self-awareness can lead to better decision-making and improved focus throughout the day.

5) They set clear goals for the day

High achievers know the importance of direction and focus. That’s why they often start their day by setting clear, achievable goals.

These aren’t just long-term goals, but actionable tasks that can be accomplished within the day.

This could be anything from completing a project at work to spending quality time with family.

By setting these goals first thing in the morning, they create a roadmap for their day. This not only helps them stay focused but also gives them a sense of purpose and direction.

6) They express gratitude

Amid the relentless pursuit of success, it’s all too common to overlook the treasures we already possess.

One of those is gratitude, and it’s something that high achievers practice consistently. 

Each morning, they carve out a slice of time to bask in the richness of their lives – be it the warmth of relationships, the gift of health, or the boundless possibilities that await.

This simple act of gratitude isn’t just a feel-good gesture; it’s a potent elixir for happiness and stress relief.

By redirecting our gaze from scarcity to abundance, it plants seeds of contentment that blossom day after day.

7) They keep their workspace tidy

There’s an undeniable link between clutter and chaos when it comes to productivity – a lesson I learned the hard way.

Not too long ago, I found myself drowning in unfinished tasks despite burning the midnight oil. The culprit? My workspace resembled a war zone – strewn with half-done assignments, cryptic scribbles, and odds and ends.

Taking a cue from the high achievers who swear by pristine workspaces, I decided to roll up my sleeves and declutter.

Each morning, I embarked on a mission to tame the chaos before diving into work. The results were staggering. With a clear desk, my focus sharpened, and my productivity skyrocketed.

Bottom line? A tidy workspace isn’t just a visual treat—it’s a productivity powerhouse, banishing distractions and ushering in laser-focused efficiency.

8) They avoid checking their emails first thing

In our tech-dominated era, the reflex upon waking often skews towards grabbing our phones and diving into the digital deluge of emails.

But not for high achievers. 

They deliberately postpone the inbox onslaught until after completing their morning rituals.

Why?

Because falling into the trap of constantly checking emails can distract them, pulling their focus into small details and away from more important goals.

If maximizing your mornings is on the agenda, buck the inbox-checking trend. Instead, channel this precious time into nurturing your morning routine and lay the groundwork for a day infused with positivity and purpose.

9) They make time for learning

For high achievers, the pursuit of knowledge never hits snooze. Mornings aren’t just for coffee; they’re prime time for mental workouts.

Whether diving into a book, tuning into a podcast, or devouring an educational video, champions prioritize daily learning.

It’s not just a habit; it’s a lifeline to staying ahead in both career and personal realms.

10) They prioritize self-care

At the pinnacle of success, self-care reigns supreme. Amidst the chaos of their schedules, high achievers carve out sacred moments for themselves each morning.

Whether luxuriating in a soothing bath, savoring a serene cup of tea, or basking in blissful silence, champions prioritize their mental and physical well-being before diving into the day’s demands.

Success isn’t solely measured by achievements or accolades—it’s about nurturing a harmonious balance. And it all begins with self-care. 

At the end of the day: It’s about the intention

The essence of high achievers’ morning habits is not so much about the activities themselves, but the intention behind them.

Whether it’s rising early, exercising, eating a nutritious breakfast, or practicing mindfulness, each activity is performed with a purpose. These habits aren’t just tasks to check off a list; they’re stepping stones to success.

As you reflect on these habits of high achievers, consider the intentions behind your own morning routine.

Are they setting you up for a productive day? Or are there changes you could make to better align your mornings with your goals?

Remember, every new day brings with it a fresh start and an opportunity to take one step closer to your dreams. So make each morning count.