For a long time, I felt like I was always playing catch-up.
You know the feeling:
– Constantly rushing
– Overwhelmed by tasks
– Never enough hours in the day
– Feeling perpetually behind.
I was stuck in a cycle of unproductivity and frustration.
At that point in my life, I was just an ordinary guy trying to figure things out. I was the founder of Hack Spirit, a psychology enthusiast, but success still felt elusive.
I had a lot on my plate, but it seemed like others were accomplishing so much more. It was like they had some secret formula that I hadn’t cracked yet.
But then, everything changed. I stumbled upon 7 things that successful people do before 8 am every day. And boy, did it flip the script for me.
In this article, I’m going to share these game-changing habits with you. Hopefully, they will revolutionize your mornings just as they did mine.
So let’s dive right in.
1) Early risers
The first habit I uncovered in my quest for productivity was waking up early.
It might seem trivial, but this small change had a huge impact on my life.
Successful people are often early risers. They understand that the morning is a precious time when the mind is fresh and the world is quiet.
Waking up before 8 am gave me a head start on the day. Suddenly, I had time to focus on myself before the rest of the world woke up.
I used this time for meditation, exercise, and planning my day. Instead of rushing around and reacting to whatever came my way, I was proactive and in control.
This habit didn’t come naturally to me – I was a self-confessed night owl. But with small increments and consistency, I managed to shift my sleep schedule.
If you’re not a morning person, start small: wake up just 15 minutes earlier than usual. Use this time to do something productive or enjoyable.
You might be surprised at how much this simple habit can change your life.
2) Creating a morning routine
The second habit I adopted was creating a morning routine.
Having a structured start to my day provided a sense of calm and control. Instead of reacting to the day’s events, I was setting the tone.
I started with simple tasks: making my bed, drinking a glass of water, and meditating for 10 minutes.
One morning, I decided to add journaling to my routine. I wrote about my hopes, dreams, and concerns. This practice cleared my mind and made me feel more prepared for the day ahead.
This reminds me of a quote by Dr. Jordan B. Peterson, a renowned psychologist: “If you can’t even clean up your own room, who are you to give advice to the world?”
I realized that starting my day with order in my personal space set the stage for order in the rest of my life. By taking care of these small tasks, I was taking care of myself.
The beauty of a morning routine is that it can be tailored to suit your needs. Whether it’s reading, exercising, or simply enjoying a cup of coffee in silence, find what works for you.
Remember, it’s about starting your day with intention and setting yourself up for success.
3) Exercise
The third habit that transformed my mornings, and ultimately my life, was incorporating exercise into my routine.
For years, I told myself I didn’t have time to work out in the mornings. I was already rushing to get ready for work, how could I possibly fit in a workout?
But then I took a closer look at the lives of successful people and noticed a pattern: many of them prioritized physical activity in the morning.
So, I decided to give it a try. I started waking up 30 minutes earlier and used that time to go for a run. At first, it was challenging. My body was not used to the early morning exertion.
However, after a few weeks, something amazing happened. I began to look forward to these morning runs. They invigorated me and gave me an energy boost that lasted throughout the day.
Not only that, but the exercise helped clear my mind and reduce stress levels. It felt like I had discovered a secret weapon for tackling the day.
If hitting the gym or going for a run in the morning seems too daunting, start small. Consider a short yoga routine or even just stretching for 10 minutes. The goal is to get your body moving and kickstart your day on a high note.
4) Healthy breakfast
The fourth habit that I adopted was eating a healthy breakfast.
I used to skip breakfast or grab something quick and unhealthy on the go. But then I started noticing a pattern among successful people: they prioritized a nutritious start to their day.
So, I decided to change my ways. I started by making simple, healthy choices like oatmeal with fresh fruits or eggs with whole-grain toast.
And the results were noticeable. I felt more energized and ready to take on my day. I also noticed improved concentration and productivity levels throughout the morning.
So, if you’re used to skipping breakfast or opting for a sugary pastry, consider making a change. Incorporate protein, whole grains, and fruits into your morning meal. Your body and your brain will thank you.
5) Setting daily goals
The fifth habit that has made a significant difference in my life is setting daily goals.
Previously, I would start my day without any clear plan. I would tackle tasks as they came, often feeling overwhelmed and unproductive at the end of the day.
But successful people do differently. They set clear, achievable goals for each day.
So, I decided to incorporate this practice into my morning routine. Every morning, after breakfast, I would sit down and write out my goals for the day.
These weren’t monumental tasks but rather bite-sized goals that could be realistically achieved within the day. This could range from finishing a work project to calling an old friend.
Having these goals gave my day direction and purpose. And there was a sense of satisfaction at the end of the day when I could tick off these tasks from my list.
If you often feel aimless or overwhelmed during your day, try setting daily goals. Write them down and make them specific. You’ll be surprised at how much more productive and focused you can be.
6) Practicing gratitude
The sixth habit that transformed my mornings was practicing gratitude.
It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of life, forgetting to appreciate what we have. I was guilty of this too. But then I noticed that many successful people took time each morning to reflect on what they were grateful for.
So, I started a gratitude journal. Every morning, I would write down three things I was grateful for. It could be as simple as a warm cup of coffee or as significant as a loved one’s health.
This small practice shifted my perspective. Instead of starting my day with stress or worry, I began with positivity and appreciation.
Renowned psychologist Dr. Robert Emmons has said, “Gratitude is a way for people to appreciate what they have instead of always reaching for something new in the hopes it will make them happier, or thinking they can’t feel satisfied until every physical and material need is met.”
Incorporating gratitude into your morning routine can help foster a positive mindset for the rest of the day. Start small by listing just one thing you’re grateful for each day, and watch how it changes your perspective over time.
7) Embracing silence
The seventh and final habit may seem counterintuitive in our fast-paced world: embracing silence.
We live in an era of constant noise and distraction. I was no different, starting my day with social media checks, emails, and news updates.
But then, I noticed a unique habit among successful people: they embraced moments of silence in their mornings.
So, I decided to give it a try. Instead of reaching for my phone first thing in the morning, I spent the first few minutes of my day in silence.
This quiet time was surprisingly refreshing. It gave me a chance to center myself before facing the day’s demands.
Practicing silence each morning helped me cultivate a sense of peace and clarity that carried throughout the day.
Try incorporating a few moments of silence into your morning routine. Whether it’s during your breakfast, your commute, or even while you’re still in bed, find a moment to disconnect from the noise and connect with yourself.
You might be surprised at how much it can positively impact your day.
Conclusion
There you have it – the 7 things successful people do before 8 am every day. These habits have genuinely transformed my life, and I believe they can do the same for you.
Remember, success doesn’t happen overnight. It’s about making small, consistent changes to your daily routine. Start with one habit at a time and gradually incorporate more as they become second nature.
Finally, keep in mind that everyone’s journey is unique. What works for one person might not work for another. So, feel free to adapt these habits to suit your lifestyle and personal needs.
The key is to start somewhere. And there’s no better time than now. Here’s to a more productive and fulfilling morning!
