10 morning habits of highly successful people, according to psychology

From the Personal Branding Blog

The way you start your day can set the tone for everything that follows.

Successful people understand this. They’ve developed morning routines that position them for a day of achievement and balance.

In this article, we’ll delve into 10 morning habits of highly successful people.

These aren’t complicated rituals or unattainable practices. They’re simple habits that anyone – including you – can adopt to start their day on a positive note.

Let’s get started.

1) They start their day with mindfulness

Successful people understand the power of a clear, tranquil mind.

And there’s no better way to cultivate this than by practicing mindfulness first thing in the morning.

Mindfulness, put simply, is the art of being present — truly present — in the moment. It’s a way of gently acknowledging our thoughts and emotions without judgment, helping us to start the day with a balanced perspective.

Incorporating mindfulness into your morning routine can significantly reduce stress, improve focus, and fuel creativity.

Successful people leverage this. They take time each morning to meditate or engage in mindful activities like yoga or deep breathing exercises.

This isn’t about achieving some spiritual nirvana before breakfast. It’s about grounding yourself in the present moment and setting a positive mental tone for the day ahead.

Whether it’s 5 minutes or 50, dedicating time to quiet your mind and center your thoughts can make a world of difference. So why not give it a try tomorrow morning? You might just be surprised at how it influences your day.

2) They cultivate gratitude

Gratitude can be a game-changer. Don’t just take it from me, Lachlan Brown, but also consider the words of Thich Nhat Hanh, a globally respected Buddhist monk and mindfulness expert. He once said, “The seed of suffering in you may be strong, but don’t wait until you have no more suffering before allowing yourself to be happy.”

In essence, there’s always something to be grateful for.

Successful people often start their day by acknowledging these things. They understand that cultivating a sense of gratitude can shift the focus from what’s wrong in life to what’s going right.

Psychology backs this up. Studies show that practicing gratitude can lead to increased happiness, reduced depression and stress, and even improve sleep quality.

It doesn’t have to be an elaborate ritual. It can be as simple as jotting down a few things you’re thankful for each morning or just taking a moment to silently acknowledge them.

By focusing on the good, no matter how small, it helps set a positive tone for the day and keeps things in perspective. Plus, it’s a great way to remind ourselves of our blessings and the beauty of life — things we often overlook in the hustle and bustle of our daily routines.

3) They stay physically active

As someone who’s always been passionate about mindfulness and mental wellbeing, I, Lachlan Brown, can attest to the power of physical activity.

Successful people aren’t just mentally fit; they take care of their bodies too.

They understand that a healthy mind resides in a healthy body, and starting their day with some form of physical activity is non-negotiable for them.

This could range from a full-blown gym session to a simple morning walk or yoga. The activity itself isn’t as important as the consistency.

Physical exercise, especially in the morning, can boost your mood, increase your energy levels and improve cognitive function – all key ingredients for a productive day.

You don’t have to be an Olympic athlete to reap these benefits. Even a 15-minute brisk walk or some light stretching can make a huge difference.

4) They set clear goals for the day

“Give me six hours to chop down a tree and I will spend the first four sharpening the axe,” said Abraham Lincoln. This quote perfectly encapsulates the importance of preparation and planning.

Like Lincoln, successful people know the value of setting clear, achievable goals for the day. They don’t just wake up and react to what comes their way. Instead, they proactively map out what they aim to accomplish.

Psychology tells us that goal setting provides direction, boosts motivation, and gives us a clear sense of purpose.

Each morning, successful people take a moment to identify their key tasks and priorities for the day. This isn’t about creating a never-ending to-do list. It’s about identifying what truly matters and what will move them closer to their larger goals.

You can incorporate this habit into your routine by spending a few minutes each morning outlining your most important tasks. And remember, it’s not about quantity but quality. Focus on what will make the most impact and set yourself up for a successful day.

5) They practice positive affirmations

Positive affirmations are a powerful tool for shaping our mindset and influencing our behavior. I have personally experienced their transformative power.

Successful people often start their day by speaking positivity into their lives. They know that words have the power to shape reality and that self-talk can either limit us or propel us towards our goals.

Psychology supports this too. Positive affirmations have been shown to reduce stress, boost self-esteem, and even improve performance.

Jeanette Brown, a respected Life Transition coach, explores this concept in depth in her book, A Toolkit for Building a Happier Life in a Messy World. She provides practical tools and techniques to harness the power of positive affirmations and reshape your life. I highly recommend checking it out here.

You don’t need to wait until you’re fully dressed and ready to start your day before speaking these affirmations. Say them out loud first thing in the morning while you’re still in bed or during your morning shower. Affirm your worth, your strengths, and your aspirations.

The words we speak to ourselves shape our reality. So make sure they’re positive and empowering!

6) They nourish their bodies

You’ve probably heard the saying “you are what you eat.” Well, successful people take this very seriously.

They understand that a nutritious breakfast is the fuel their bodies and minds need to function optimally throughout the day. They don’t skip it or replace it with a quick, unhealthy snack. Instead, they make time to nourish their bodies with wholesome foods.

Psychologists agree that what we eat can significantly impact our mood, energy levels, and cognitive abilities. Eating a balanced breakfast can help maintain stable blood sugar levels, preventing those mid-morning energy crashes and mood swings.

You don’t need to be a gourmet chef or nutritionist to implement this habit. Start simple. Include proteins, whole grains, and fruits in your morning meal. Stay hydrated and limit your intake of processed foods and sugars.

Taking care of your body is a key part of taking care of your mind. So start your day right with a healthy breakfast.

7) They take time to connect

In our busy lives, it’s easy to start the day on autopilot, rushing through tasks and forgetting about the world around us. But successful people know the importance of connection.

They take a moment each morning to connect with their loved ones, their environment, or even themselves. This act of connection is a form of mindfulness. It’s about being present, acknowledging our surroundings, and appreciating our relationships.

As a mindfulness advocate, I, Lachlan Brown, can vouch for the power of connection. It grounds us, reminds us of what truly matters, and helps us cultivate empathy and compassion.

Whether it’s sharing a cup of coffee with your partner, playing with your pet, or simply appreciating the morning sun from your window, take time to connect. These simple moments can provide a sense of calm and joy that sets the tone for your entire day.

8) They embrace learning

Albert Einstein once said, “Once you stop learning, you start dying.” Successful people live by this mantra.

They understand that the world is constantly changing and evolving, and to stay ahead, they need to keep learning. So, they dedicate some time each morning to learn something new or improve their knowledge.

This could be through reading a book, listening to a podcast, or even attending online classes. The mode and topic of learning aren’t as important as the habit of continuous self-improvement.

By embracing learning each morning, successful people keep their minds sharp, stay updated with the latest trends, and continuously expand their horizons.

Why not incorporate this habit into your morning routine? Choose a topic or skill you’re passionate about and dedicate a few minutes each morning to learn more about it. Remember, every day is a chance to learn something new.

9) They embrace stillness

In a world that constantly demands our attention and action, successful people understand the value of stillness. Yes, you heard it right. Doing nothing.

This might seem counterintuitive, but as Lachlan Brown, the founder of Hack Spirit, I’ve found that taking a few quiet moments each morning can make a significant difference.

These moments of stillness allow successful people to clear their minds, reflect, and prepare for the day ahead. It’s a time to just be – to breathe, to observe, to exist without the pressure of doing.

Psychology supports this too. Moments of stillness can reduce stress, boost creativity and improve mental clarity.

Before you dive into your tasks for the day, take a moment to just be. Sit quietly, listen to the birds chirp or simply watch the sunrise. Embrace the beauty of stillness and let it prepare you for the day ahead.

10) They avoid digital distractions

Successful people know the importance of starting their day without digital distractions.

Yes, that means no checking emails, social media, or news first thing in the morning. They understand that these activities can easily consume their time and energy, leading to a reactive rather than proactive start to the day.

Instead, they choose to begin their day with focus and intention, engaging in activities that nourish their bodies and minds.

You can incorporate this habit by designating the first hour of your morning as a ‘no-screen’ time. Use this period for self-care practices like meditation, exercise, or reading.

Remember, how you start your morning can set the tone for the rest of your day. So start it with intention, not distraction.

Conclusion

The morning habits of highly successful people aren’t complex or unattainable. They’re simple practices focused on mindfulness, health, and personal growth.

These are habits, not one-off actions. Consistency is key. Start small, choose one or two practices to incorporate into your morning routine and build from there.

And if you’re looking for more guidance on building a happier life, I highly recommend Jeanette Brown’s book A Toolkit for Building a Happier Life in a Messy World. It’s a practical guide full of actionable tips and techniques.

So take charge of your mornings. The way you start your day can have a profound impact on your life. Make it count!

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