My grandpa had a saying, “Morning habits make the man.”

Interestingly, science seems to back up his wisdom. It’s been found that the way we start our day can significantly influence our productivity, mood, and success.

So, what are these mysterious early morning habits?

Well, I’ve dug into the psychology behind the daily rituals of successful people and identified seven key practices they seem to have in common. 

Now, before you start imagining a grueling drill sergeant-style regimen, let me assure you – it’s not what you might expect. These habits aren’t about punishing schedules or unattainable perfection.

Instead, they’re simple, practical, and, most importantly, achievable rituals that can transform your mornings – and potentially your life. Curious? 

Let’s dive in. 

1) They wake up early

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

Well, turns out, there’s some truth to it.

High-value people tend to be early risers. They welcome the dawn with open arms before the world has fully woken up. This isn’t some form of self-punishment or a bid to squeeze more hours into their day.

No, it’s about peace. The quiet hours of the morning offer a golden time for focused thought, planning, and creativity – without interruptions. It’s a moment of clarity before the hustle and bustle of the day sets in.

2) They exercise

Here’s a thing about me – I’m not a natural athlete, and I just don’t love exercise like some seem to. 

For years, I scoffed at the idea of exercise, especially in the morning. But then, I started noticing a pattern among successful individuals I admired – they all had some form of physical activity in their morning routine.

So, begrudgingly, I gave it a try.

And it was transformative.

Now, I’m not talking about running a marathon every morning or hitting the gym for hours. It was as simple as a 20-minute jog around the block or a quick yoga session in my living room.

Exercising in the morning did more than just get my heart pumping. It cleared my mind, boosted my mood, and gave me a sense of achievement – all before 8 am!

High-value people understand that physical wellness is intrinsically linked to mental and emotional well-being. So, they make sure to move their bodies first thing in the morning.

It doesn’t have to be intense or lengthy. Even a short walk or some stretching exercises can do wonders for your day.

3) They don’t check their phones immediately

We’ve all been there – the alarm goes off, and before we’ve even rubbed the sleep out of our eyes, we’re scrolling through emails, social media, and news feeds. It’s like we’re on autopilot, right?

But here’s an eye-opener (pun intended). 

Most high-value people steer clear of this habit. They understand that the first few moments of the day set the tone for everything that follows. Starting the day with a barrage of information, notifications, and demands is like willingly stepping into a whirlwind.

So what do they do instead?

They give themselves time to wake up, to think, to set intentions for the day. They create a buffer between their peaceful morning and the demands of the outside world.

This might seem almost impossible in our hyper-connected world. But trust me, it’s not only possible but also liberating.

Try it for a few days – let your morning be about you, not about what’s happening in your inbox or social media feed. You might be surprised at how calming it can be and how much more focused you feel throughout the day.

Those emails and notifications will still be there after you’ve had your breakfast and planned your day.

4) They practice mindfulness

In the rush of our daily lives, it’s easy to lose sight of the present moment.

But high-value people have a trick up their sleeves – they practice mindfulness.

Now, mindfulness isn’t some mystical concept or complex mental exercise. It’s about being present, aware of where we are and what we’re doing, and not being overly reactive or overwhelmed by what’s going on around us.

It has also been linked to numerous benefits, including reduced stress levels, improved memory, and relationship satisfaction. It’s no wonder many high-value individuals swear by it.

And guess what? It’s easier than you might think.

It could be as simple as savoring your morning coffee, really tasting it, feeling its warmth, and appreciating the moment. Or it could be a few minutes of meditation or deep breathing exercises.

So why not give it a go? Take a few minutes every morning to be still, to breathe, to simply be. You might find that it’s the most rewarding part of your morning routine.

5) They fuel their body right

Did you know that your brain is an energy hog?

Despite only weighing about 3 pounds, it consumes a whopping 20% of your recommended daily calorie intake.

Now, if you think this has nothing to do with our topic, hear me out.

High-value people know the importance of starting their day with a nutritious breakfast. They understand that the right food in the morning fuels not just their bodies but also their brains, setting them up for a productive day ahead.

Skipping breakfast or grabbing a sugar-laden pastry on the go just won’t cut it. High-value individuals prefer balanced meals that provide a steady release of energy throughout the morning.

6) They take a moment for gratitude

We all have our share of challenges and burdens, don’t we? Sometimes, it feels like life is just a series of hurdles.

But amidst all this, there’s also beauty. There’s kindness. There’s love. And high-value people make it a point to recognize and appreciate these everyday miracles.

Every morning, they take a moment to reflect on what they’re grateful for. It could be something as simple as a beautiful sunrise, a kind gesture from a stranger, or the love of their family.

Gratitude has an amazing way of putting our problems into perspective. It reminds us of our blessings and shifts our focus away from our difficulties.

And the best part? It doesn’t cost anything.

7) They set clear intentions for the day

This one should come as no surprise. 

Another thing I found is that successful people take time to set clear intentions for the day. They identify their top priorities and make a plan to tackle them.

This isn’t about creating a never-ending to-do list. It’s about focusing on what truly matters and making deliberate choices on how to spend their time.

Having clear intentions gives direction and purpose to their day. It helps them stay focused, manage their time effectively, and move closer to their goals.

Final thoughts

Let’s face it – changing habits isn’t easy.

But, the journey to becoming a high-value individual isn’t about perfection. It’s about progress.

Each morning presents a fresh start, a blank canvas on which you can paint your day. The seven habits we’ve talked about – waking up early, exercising, avoiding digital distractions, practicing mindfulness, eating well, expressing gratitude, and setting intentions – are just the foundations.

Don’t try to incorporate all of them at once. Begin with one or two that resonate with you. Celebrate your small victories each day. It’s these tiny, consistent steps that lead to big changes over time.

And most importantly, be kind to yourself during this journey. Remember that success isn’t defined by how many boxes you tick off a list but by the positive changes you make in your life and the lives of those around you.

So, as a new day dawns tomorrow, ask yourself – what can I do today to step closer to becoming the best version of myself?