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9 Things Successful People Do Every Morning to Make the Most of the Day

Achieve more in your personal and professional life with an effective morning routine.

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Everybody defines success a little differently. But most of us would agree that someone who is successful thrives at work and at home, connects authentically with others, and stays grounded. How do they do it all? The secret lies in the morning routines of successful people.

Mornings can serve as an ideal time to set yourself up for success. As Laura Vanderkam, author of What the Most Successful People Do Before Breakfast, says, “Mornings are a time people can have for themselves before everyone else needs something.” She also points out that you might have more energy, and you’ll feel like you’ve done something that matters before the day even begins.

A morning routine can also build a successful mindset. Henna Pryor, Workplace Performance Expert and Global Keynote Speaker, calls this “mental scaffolding,” saying that a solid morning routine builds structure before the chaos of the day tries to knock you off balance.

Before you’re off to tackle your to-do list or practice being an emotionally intelligent parent, you can find more success in your day with an impactful morning routine. Here are a few tips that successful people use to maximize their mornings.

1

Start off strong

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Many of us tend to reach for our phones as soon as we wake up, checking email or even “doom-scrolling.” But Pryor advises starting out the day with something that will elevate your thinking, such as listening to a quick podcast, reading a poem or taking in a short, inspiring article.

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2

Embrace exercise

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Adding exercise to your morning routine is a great way to boost your mental health and embrace a healthy habit as you start your day. Get up early for a sweat session at the gym or lift some weights right in your living room. It starts your day off with a burst of energy and gets you ready to tackle your tasks.

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3

Set a top goal

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Let’s face it — to-do lists can be overwhelming.

Instead of letting stress take over, ask yourself, “What’s the one thing I want to feel proud of when my head hits the pillow tonight?” Success isn’t about doing everything — it’s about prioritizing what matters most, and this morning question sets that intention, says Pryor.

4

Do a creative activity

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Successful people don’t just cross things off their lists — they also make time to cultivate creativity and think in a different way. “Mornings can be a good time for working on a novel, writing poetry, painting or other things you’ll be too tired to do later in the day,” says Vanderkam. Focusing on creative practice can help you find outside-the-box solutions later in the day.

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5

Tap into your soulful side

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Take some time to reflect during your morning routine. Vanderkam says that this might mean journaling, meditating, praying or doing some other sort of spiritual activity. Whatever your beliefs, taking intentional time to check in can help you feel calmer and more centered.

RELATED: These Are the Best Gratitude Journals

6

Eat something new

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Pryor says that Chef Ferran Adrià famously ate a different fruit every day to stretch his creative palate, and you can do the same during your morning routine.

“You don’t need exotic produce, but even swapping blueberries for kiwi in your yogurt can subtly signal your brain to stay open to novelty and risk-taking,” says Pryor.

RELATED: These Are the Foods Highly-Successful People Eat for Lunch Every Day

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7

Strategize before starting

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Instead of rushing into your day and hoping for the best, approach it with some strategy. Success often requires pre-planning behind the scenes. As Vanderkam says, mornings are the perfect time to plan the day ahead and think about how you’d like to spend your time to set yourself up for success.

8

Reverse your routine

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Once a week, try reversing part of your routine, says Pryor. For instance, you could brush your teeth after you get dressed or walk a different route. She adds that “small disruptions” like this build cognitive flexibility and can help your brain break autopilot patterns, setting you up to think more creatively all day.

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9

Connect with someone

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Send one relationship-nourishing message to strengthen your social muscle. “Before you dive into tasks, send a quick text or email to strengthen a personal or professional relationship,” says Pryor. It could be a thank-you, a compliment or a check-in. You'll see the benefits both personally and professionally!

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Shelby Deering
Contributing Writer

Shelby Deering is a freelance lifestyle writer who frequently covers home design and decor for national publications. She has worked as a full-time freelance writer for over a decade, and has worked in the industry for nearly 20 years, writing home tours, interviewing top designers, and beautifying her own home. She holds a master's degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and when she's not writing, you can find her at thrift stores and flea markets, running, or exploring local trails in Madison, Wisconsin, with her husband and corgi, Dolly.

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