10 things successful people always do in the morning, according to psychology

Hey there! Lachlan Brown here. Over the years, I’ve spent countless hours researching psychology, self-improvement, and mindfulness. One fascinating thing I’ve discovered is how a simple morning routine can set the tone for your entire day. It’s like prepping the soil before planting seeds—if you get it right, you’ll grow some seriously awesome results.

Below are 10 things successful people always do in the morning, supported by psychological concepts and quotes from famous figures in the field. These aren’t just random habits; they’re backed by research and grounded in real-life examples of people who’ve learned how to start their day on the right foot.

1. They Wake Up Early

Waking up early might sound like the last thing you want to do, especially if you’ve been binge-watching your favorite show until midnight. But guess what? Most high achievers—from CEOs to Olympic athletes—wake up before the sun rises.

Why it matters:

• When you wake up early, you give yourself a head start. You have more time for planning, problem-solving, or even enjoying a quiet cup of coffee.
• Psychologically, this relates to the concept of sleep hygiene. Adequate rest leads to better attention, mood, and decision-making skills.

Famous Quote:
William James, often called the father of American psychology, once said, “The great use of life is to spend it for something that outlasts it.” Rising early gives you the extra hours to work on those lasting contributions—whether it’s honing a skill or building a business.

2. They Hydrate First Thing

Ever notice how thirsty you are when you wake up? Your body has gone six to eight hours without water. Successful people make it a point to drink a tall glass of water as soon as they roll out of bed.

From my experience:
I used to run straight for the coffee pot before hydrating. Over time, I realized that I often felt sluggish, even after a strong cup of coffee. Once I switched things up and started my day with a glass of water (sometimes with lemon), I felt more alert and energized.

Psychology Insight:
Proper hydration improves cognitive function and mood, which can make you more productive throughout the day. You’ll think more clearly and feel less irritated. Winning combination, right?

3. They Practice Mindfulness or Meditation

If you’ve been on Hack Spirit, you know I’m a big fan of mindfulness. Meditation isn’t just for monks in the Himalayas—it’s also for busy entrepreneurs, parents, and anyone who wants to stay centered.

How it looks in practice:

• Some people spend 10 minutes focusing on their breath.
• Others do a body scan, mentally checking each part of the body for tension.
• Or they use guided meditations from apps like Headspace or Calm.

Famous Concept:
Carl Jung believed that “Who looks outside, dreams; who looks inside, awakes.” A brief morning meditation can help you “look inside,” ground yourself, and reduce the stress that often builds up from daily life. Plus, studies show that mindfulness reduces anxiety and increases overall well-being.

4. They Make Their Bed

This might sound trivial, but making your bed can shape the rest of your day. It’s a small win that sets the tone for bigger wins later on.

Why it’s important:

• This simple task gives you a quick sense of accomplishment.
• It’s a mini “reset” that helps you feel organized.
• Admiral William H. McRaven once said, “If you make your bed every morning, you will have accomplished the first task of the day.”

Psychology Back-Up:
According to the habit-formation loop (cue, routine, reward), making your bed provides a positive reward early in the day. That mini boost can trigger a domino effect, motivating you to tackle more complex tasks later on.

5. They Plan Their Day

Successful people don’t usually wing it. They have a roadmap, even if it’s just a quick to-do list jotted down at the breakfast table.

Different Approaches:

• Some people use fancy apps like Trello or Asana to plan out tasks.
• Others go old-school with a pen and notebook—my personal choice because I love crossing off tasks by hand.

Famous Quote:
Benjamin Franklin (not a psychologist, but a founding father with a wise mind) famously said, “By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.” Planning your day keeps you focused, helps you prioritize tasks, and ensures that you’re driving toward your goals rather than just drifting.

6. They Affirm Their Goals or Journal

A lot of successful folks take a moment to remind themselves of their key goals, dreams, or values. Some people do this with affirmations, while others prefer journaling. Either way, it’s a powerful practice.

How it Works:

• Affirmations: Saying or writing statements like, “I am confident and capable of achieving my goals.”
• Journaling: Noting down what you’re grateful for, what you hope to accomplish, or even free-writing your thoughts for clarity.

Psychology Angle:
This ties into self-efficacy, a term introduced by psychologist Albert Bandura. The concept of self-efficacy revolves around believing in your ability to succeed. When you affirm your strengths or write out your ideas, you’re reinforcing a positive self-image. This mental boost can fuel you for the entire day.

7. They Move Their Body

Ever notice how a short walk, a few squats, or a full-on workout can make you feel alive in the morning? Physical movement not only helps wake up your muscles but also shakes off mental cobwebs.

Why it Helps:

• Exercise triggers the release of endorphins, which can make you happier and more energized.
• Even a 10-minute stretch session or a quick dance break can do wonders. (Yes, I’ve been known to jam out to 90s hits in my living room. Don’t judge.)

Famous Concept:
Abraham Maslow’s hierarchy of needs places physiological needs at the foundation. If your body isn’t taken care of, it’s tougher to focus on higher-level needs like self-esteem or self-actualization. A quick morning movement is a great way to fulfill that basic requirement.

8. They Avoid Checking Their Phone Immediately

I’ll admit, this one is tough in our always-connected world. But successful people often resist the urge to dive into emails or social media notifications first thing in the morning.

Why it’s crucial:

• Checking your phone immediately puts you in a reactive mode, responding to other people’s agendas before your own.
• It can spike anxiety levels if you see stressful emails or alarming news headlines.

Psychological Rationale:
By delaying phone use, you’re taking control of your day’s first moments. This fosters a sense of autonomy—something psychologist Edward Deci identified as a key component of intrinsic motivation. When you feel in control, you’re more motivated to tackle the tasks that truly matter.

9. They Tackle One Important Task Early

Successful people often choose to handle a high-priority or challenging task as soon as possible. It might be writing a report, responding to a critical email, or working on a creative project that requires focus.

Personal Note:
I love doing my most creative work—like writing or strategizing for my businesses—before the rest of the world wakes up. There’s a peaceful, distraction-free window that’s perfect for deep work.

Psych Concept:
This is related to the Pareto Principle, which suggests that 20% of your tasks often produce 80% of your results. So if you take on that 20% task first, you set the tone for a productive day.

10. They Practice Gratitude

A small but powerful practice: successful people often pause to appreciate the good things in their lives. It could be as simple as thinking about a supportive friend, a comfortable bed, or the opportunity to pursue a dream.

Different Styles:

• Some keep a dedicated gratitude journal.
• Others silently reflect on what they’re thankful for.
• A few might even send a quick text to someone they appreciate.

Famous Quote:
Psychologist Martin Seligman, known for his work in positive psychology, found that gratitude can significantly boost happiness.

When we take time to notice the good things in our life, we become more positive, grateful, and socially connected.”Practicing gratitude sets you up for an optimistic mindset all day long.

Wrapping It Up

These 10 morning habits might seem simple, but they carry a powerful punch when it comes to your mindset and productivity. I’ve seen firsthand in my own life—and through the countless people I’ve interviewed for Hack Spirit and Small Business Bonfire—how these small changes can create a huge ripple effect.

• Waking up early gives you precious time.
• Hydration and exercise fuel both body and mind.
• Mindfulness, journaling, and planning prime you for success.
• Gratitude and affirmations build confidence and positivity.
• Tackling important tasks first ensures you’re working smart, not just hard.

Remember, you don’t have to adopt all of these habits at once. Pick one or two that resonate with you. Try them out for a week or two, and see how you feel. Keep track of the changes in your mood, energy levels, and overall productivity. Once you master a couple of these habits, add another one. Over time, these small shifts in your morning routine can lead to massive results in your life.

So go on—give these morning habits a shot. Your future self will thank you for setting the tone for a more productive, balanced, and fulfilling life.