11 things highly-accomplished people do when they wake up each morning

Mia Zhang by Mia Zhang | May 14, 2024, 11:46 pm

Waking up can be hard for a lot of us, huh? But, do you know that the first few moments after you wake up can really set the mood for your whole day?

This is something successful people have figured out. They don’t just roll out of bed and start their day. Nope, they have a plan.

They have cool routines that help them win the day. Want to know what they do?

Here are 11 things that successful people do every morning. These are simple habits, but boy, do they make a big difference.

1) Early birds

Ever heard the saying, “The early bird catches the worm”? Well, it turns out there’s some truth to it. Successful people usually wake up early.

Why? Well, waking up early gives them more time in their day. More time means they can get more stuff done.

But it’s not just about ticking things off a to-do list. Waking up early also means they get some quiet time before the rest of the world wakes up.

This “me” time allows them to gather their thoughts, plan their day, and start on a positive note.

2) H2O first

After a long night’s sleep, your body is probably feeling a bit dehydrated.

That’s why successful people often start their day by drinking a glass of water. This simple act helps to kickstart their metabolism and flush out any toxins from their system.

But that’s not all. Drinking water first thing in the morning also helps your brain. Your heart and brain are made up of about 73% water.

Hence, giving it a good dose of H2O after a long sleep helps to get it ready for the day ahead.

3) Work up a sweat

Goal crushers often start their day by getting their bodies moving. It could be a run, a yoga session, or even a quick workout at the gym.

Let me share my personal experience. A few years ago, I decided to start going for a run each morning. At first, it was tough. My body wasn’t used to it, and honestly, getting out of bed was a struggle.

But I stuck with it. And you know what? It’s one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.

Running in the morning helps me clear my mind and sets a positive tone for my day. It gives me an energy boost that lasts well into the afternoon. 

4) Peace and quiet

Successful individuals often kickstart their day with a mindful practice like meditation.

Truth be told, meditation isn’t just a mental workout; it can physically alter your brain. 

Studies reveal that regular meditation can beef up the prefrontal cortex, the brain’s command center for intricate thinking and social interaction. 

Additionally, it can shrink the amygdala, which handles pesky emotions like fear and anxiety.

So, those serene moments each morning aren’t merely a routine—this intentional pause sets the stage for a day filled with focus and productivity.

5) Fuel up

Imagine starting your car with an empty tank. It wouldn’t go very far, would it? The same goes for our bodies.

After a long night’s rest, they need fuel to get going and keep us active throughout the day. And that’s where breakfast comes in.

Productive people swear by the significance of a well-balanced breakfast. It’s about fueling up with the right nutrients to sustain energy levels.

Now, this isn’t about scarfing down sugary cereals or pastries. It’s about opting for nourishing foods that provide a steady stream of energy. Think whole grains, fruits, lean proteins, and healthy fats.

Mornings can be a whirlwind for many of us, tempting us to skip breakfast or grab something quick. But investing a bit of time to nourish your body can make a world of difference in how you function throughout the day.

6) Goal check

Here’s something I’ve learned from successful people: they start their days with purpose. And that purpose comes from having clear goals in mind.

Every morning, I take a few minutes to review my goals. These could be big, long-term goals or simple tasks I want to complete that day. I find that reminding myself of what I’m working towards gives me a sense of direction and focus.

It’s like having a roadmap for my day. I know what I need to do, and every task has a purpose that ties back to my bigger goals. It’s an empowering feeling, knowing that each step I take is moving me closer to where I want to be.

If you’re not already in the habit of reviewing your goals each morning, give it a try! You might just find that it gives you the clarity and motivation you need to make your day a success. 

7) Digital detox

Let’s be real here, we’re all guilty of reaching for our phones the moment we open our eyes.

But here’s the thing: it’s not doing us any favors.

Successful people know this. That’s why they often avoid checking their emails or social media first thing in the morning.

They know that starting the day on someone else’s terms—reacting to notifications and messages—can lead to a reactive mindset. And being reactive is not how you want to start your day.

8) Knowledge time

Successful people are often lifelong learners.

They understand that knowledge is power, so they make time each morning to read a book, learn something new, or catch up on industry news.

This habit of daily learning helps them stay on top of their game and continue growing personally and professionally.

Here’s an interesting fact: Did you know that reading can actually boost your brain power?

According to research, reading regularly can increase your brain connectivity, improve your vocabulary and comprehension, and even reduce the risk of cognitive decline as you age.

9) Gratitude check

Successful folks often start their day by counting their blessings. And I’ve picked up this habit too.

Every morning, I pause to reflect on the good things in my life. It could be something major like a recent win, or something as simple as the aroma of brewing coffee.

Just taking a moment to acknowledge and appreciate the positives helps me start the day feeling uplifted. It shifts my focus away from worries and stresses.

And trust me, it sets the tone for the entire day.

10) Day planner

Let me tell you something.

Flying by the seat of your pants? It’s overrated. Successful people know this. They don’t just wing it; they have a plan. Every morning, they map out their day, knowing exactly what they want to achieve.

Here’s the truth: without a plan, it’s easy to get swept up in the chaos of the day, bouncing from one task to another without really accomplishing anything.

So, take a leaf out of the high achiever’s book. Spend a few minutes each morning planning your day. Trust me, it’s a game changer.

11) Me time

Let me lay it out plain: in the chaos of daily life, self-care often takes a backseat. We’re caught up in the whirlwind of tasks and deadlines, forgetting to hit the pause button.

But here’s a nugget of wisdom from the successful crowd: they prioritize “me time.”

Every morning, they carve out a slice of time just for themselves. It could be as simple as sipping coffee in silence, praying, or reading a book. 

You might argue that you’re too swamped for this—that every minute counts. But here’s the kicker: self-care isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity.

Master the morning rituals of highly-accomplished individuals

In wrapping up, the morning rituals of highly-accomplished individuals paint a vivid picture of what success truly entails.

These habits aren’t just mundane tasks; they’re powerful tools that shape a mindset of productivity and purpose.

By adopting even a few of these practices, you can transform your mornings into moments of empowerment and clarity.

As you wake up each day, consider incorporating these habits into your own routine. Remember, success is the culmination of consistent effort and intentional actions.