Just imagine this scenario:

You’re a morning person, or at least you’ve tried your best to become one.

But no matter how many alarms you set or how many cups of coffee you down, you just can’t seem to make the most of your mornings.

Sometimes, it’s not even that dramatic.

You simply find yourself wondering why some people are able to accomplish so much before 9 am while you’re still struggling to get out of bed.

Here’s the thing: these super productive individuals aren’t superhuman, they’ve just mastered the art of starting their day on a high note.

And no, it has nothing to do with waking up at the crack of dawn or following a strict military-style routine.

Let’s dive into the 8 habits that mentally strong people incorporate into their morning routines and understand how they manage to seize the day, every day, before 9 am.

1) They set clear goals for the day

Imagine this:

You’ve got a day full of tasks and opportunities ahead of you.

But instead of just diving in headfirst, you take a moment to outline what you want to achieve.

This isn’t about creating a rigid schedule that you have to stick to, no matter what.

It’s more about having a clear vision of what you want to accomplish and why. It’s about prioritizing your tasks and setting realistic goals.

Mentally strong people understand the importance of this.

They know that having clear goals can help them stay focused, motivated and productive throughout the day.

And they don’t just do this haphazardly. They make it a point to set their goals before 9 am every day, ensuring that they start their day with purpose and direction.

2) They practice mindfulness

A few years ago, my days were just a blur. I would rush from one task to another, barely aware of what I was doing or why I was doing it.

And at the end of the day, I would feel exhausted and unfulfilled.

Then, I discovered mindfulness.

It’s not just some trendy buzzword, it’s a way of life. It involves paying attention to the present moment without judgment.

It means being aware of what’s happening around you and within you.

Mentally strong individuals are no strangers to this practice.

They know how crucial it is to be present in the moment, to take in their surroundings, to listen to their thoughts and feelings.

Before 9 am each day, they take a moment to just ‘be’ – observing their thoughts, tuning into their body, and grounding themselves in the present.

It could be through meditation, yoga or simply sipping their morning coffee in silence.

This habit has made a world of difference in my life as well.

Now, instead of rushing through my day on autopilot, I’m more present, more aware and more intentional about what I’m doing. 

3) They engage in physical activity

But what about a healthy body? Isn’t that an essential part of the equation too?

Mentally strong people certainly think so. They know that physical strength contributes to mental strength. They understand that a healthy body can lead to a healthy mind.

So, before 9 am hits, they’ve already engaged in some form of physical activity.

It could be a rigorous workout session, a calming yoga routine, or even a brisk walk in the park.

They don’t do it just for the sake of burning calories or building muscles.

They do it because it helps them feel more alert, more focused, and more prepared to face the day.

It’s not about having a perfect body, but about feeling good in your own skin and being able to face whatever comes your way with confidence and resilience.

4) They nourish their body properly

We’ve all heard the saying, “Breakfast is the most important meal of the day.” But why is that?

Eating breakfast can enhance metabolism, improve concentration, and lower the risk of developing chronic conditions such as diabetes and obesity.

But mentally strong people don’t just eat breakfast because it’s good for their physical health.

They also understand that it’s crucial for their mental wellbeing.

Before 9 am, they make sure to fuel their body with a nutritious meal.

It’s not about following the latest diet trend or counting every single calorie.

It’s about understanding the importance of proper nutrition and making conscious choices to nourish their body in the best way possible.

And no, this doesn’t necessarily mean they’re spending hours in the kitchen every morning.

Sometimes, it’s as simple as a bowl of whole-grain cereal with fruits, or a protein-packed smoothie on the go.

5) They cultivate gratitude

Have you ever pondered about the good things in your life? I mean really thought about them?

Mentally strong people do.

They understand that cultivating an attitude of gratitude is a powerful way to create positive emotions and deal with adverse situations.

Before 9 am strikes, they’ve already done something to acknowledge the good things in their life.

It could be writing in a gratitude journal, silently reflecting on what they’re thankful for, or expressing their appreciation to someone in their life.

Sometimes, it’s about appreciating the simple joys – the smell of fresh coffee, the warmth of the morning sun, or the sound of birds chirping outside the window.

This simple act of acknowledging the good in their life helps them start their day on a positive note.

It helps them foster a sense of contentment and happiness, which can significantly improve their overall wellbeing and outlook on life.

6) They practice self-reflection

Have you ever taken a moment to reflect on your actions, decisions, and experiences?

Mentally strong people recognize the immense value of self-reflection in personal growth and development.

Before the clock hits 9 am, they’ve already spent some time in quiet introspection.

This could be through journaling, meditating, or simply sitting in silence with their thoughts.

It’s about understanding their thought patterns, acknowledging their emotions, and learning from their experiences.

This ritual of self-reflection helps them gain a deeper understanding of themselves. It helps them identify what’s working, what’s not, and what they can do better.

And more importantly, it helps them stay aligned with their values and goals, ensuring that they’re continuously moving forward in the right direction.

7) They prioritize mental preparation

Imagine this:

You’re standing in front of a day that’s yet to unfold. You know it’s going to be busy, probably challenging in some ways, perhaps even overwhelming.

Mentally strong people face days like these too. But they do something different. Something proactive.

Before 9 am, they’ve already taken time to mentally prepare for the day ahead.

This could involve visualizing positive outcomes, strategizing solutions for potential challenges or simply setting a positive mindset.

It’s not about predicting every scenario or obsessing over what might go wrong.

It’s about equipping themselves with the right mental tools to handle whatever the day might throw at them.

This mental preparation helps them stay focused and calm even in the midst of chaos.

It enables them to approach challenges with a solution-oriented mindset, turning obstacles into opportunities.

Because let’s face it, life is unpredictable.

But with the right mental preparation, we can ensure we’re not just reacting to it, but actively shaping it in the ways we want.

8) They connect with their loved ones

Mentally strong people understand the importance of connections.

They know that no matter how busy they are, it’s essential to make time for the people who matter most to them.

So, before 9 am, they’ve already connected with their loved ones in some way.

It could be a quick phone call to their partner, a heartwarming text to their child, or even a quiet breakfast together as a family.

Sometimes, it’s the little things – a shared laugh, a simple ‘I love you’, or just the comforting presence of each other.

This act of connection not only strengthens their relationships but also provides them with a sense of love and belonging – two fundamental human needs that significantly contribute to our overall wellbeing and happiness.

The final thought

Having read through these habits, you might see some that resonate and others that feel challenging. That’s perfectly okay.

Incorporating these practices into your mornings doesn’t mean a complete overhaul of your daily routine.

It’s about taking small, intentional steps towards cultivating mental strength.

Maybe it starts with a five-minute meditation session or jotting down three things you’re grateful for.

Perhaps it’s trying out a new breakfast recipe or setting clear goals for the day.

Studies have shown that even small changes can lead to significant improvements in our mental well-being over time.

So, as you embark on this journey, be kind to yourself. Celebrate your progress, no matter how small. Take it one morning at a time.

And most importantly, remember to enjoy the process.