10 things high achievers never do on a Monday morning

Isn’t it a pain to wave goodbye to the weekend and face yet another Monday?

You’ve probably read about all the things successful people do to kick-start their week, but have you ever wondered what they don’t do?

Sometimes, what you avoid can be just as important as what you engage in.

And trust me, high achievers have their list of ‘don’ts’ for Monday mornings that help them stay focused and productive.

Let’s uncover the 10 things high achievers make sure to avoid on a Monday morning.

1. They Don’t Hit Snooze

High achievers know that the snooze button is not their friend. Seriously, who wasn’t tempted to get those extra five minutes of sleep?

But, here’s the thing: hitting snooze doesn’t get you more restful sleep. Instead, it disrupts your sleep cycle and leaves you feeling groggy.

Successful people understand this. They make a conscious choice to get up with their first alarm, no matter how tempting that snooze button might be.

This doesn’t mean they’re not tired; it just means they’re committed to starting their day right.

Next time your alarm rings on Monday morning, channel your inner high achiever, and resist the call of the snooze button!

You may be surprised how much of a difference it makes in starting your day off right. 

2. They Don’t Skip Breakfast

High achievers never miss breakfast on a Monday morning – or any morning for that matter.

They understand that breakfast is the fuel their body and brain need to function at their best throughout the day.

Skipping breakfast can lead to decreased energy levels, lower concentration, and reduced productivity – none of which are conducive to a successful day.

Now, this doesn’t mean they’re whipping up a five-course gourmet feast. Even something simple like a bowl of oatmeal, a smoothie, or even a protein bar on the go can make all the difference.

Remember, it’s not just about filling your stomach; it’s about nourishing your body to start the day right.

3. They Don’t Check Their Emails Immediately

Now this one might surprise you, but high achievers often avoid diving straight into their inbox first thing on a Monday morning.

Why, you ask? Well, they understand that the moment they open that floodgate of emails, they are letting others dictate their priorities for the day.

I used to be a serial email-checker. The minute I woke up, before even getting out of bed, I’d reach for my phone and start scrolling through emails.

I thought I was being productive, getting a head start on the day. But in reality, I was just getting overwhelmed and anxious before the day had even begun.

Then, one day, I decided to try something different. I didn’t check my emails until after I had done my morning routine and planned my day.

And guess what? It was a game-changer. I felt more in control of my day and less stressed.

4. They Don’t Neglect Exercise

High achievers recognize the power of a morning workout.

Not only does it kick-start their metabolism for the day, but it also boosts their mood, improves their concentration, and reduces stress levels.

A study found that a session of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise in the morning enhances cognitive functions that are linked to better decision-making for the rest of the day.

In other words, those who workout in the morning may be better equipped to tackle the day’s challenges!

You don’t have to run a marathon or hit the gym for hours. Even a brisk walk around the block, a quick yoga session, or some simple stretching exercises at home can do the trick.

5. They Don’t Forget to Express Gratitude

Expressing gratitude might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think about what high achievers do on a Monday morning.

But it’s actually a common practice among successful people. They take a moment to reflect on what they’re thankful for, and it makes a world of difference in their outlook for the day.

You see, gratitude isn’t just about being polite or positive. It’s about recognizing the good in our lives – the things that bring us joy, comfort, and inspiration.

Even on a Monday morning, when the week’s challenges are looming large, there are things to be thankful for.

Maybe it’s the fact that you have a job when so many are jobless.

Perhaps it’s the comforting aroma of your morning coffee or the soft light of dawn peeking through your window.

Or even the simple fact that you have another day to chase your dreams.

Taking a moment to appreciate these things helps to ground us, to remind us of what truly matters.

It shifts our focus from the stress and worry of the upcoming week to the positives in our lives.

Remember, high achievers don’t forget to express gratitude on Monday mornings – or any morning.

They know it sets the tone for a positive, productive day, no matter what lies ahead.

6. They Don’t Start Without a Plan

High achievers know that starting their Monday without a plan is like sailing a ship without a compass.

They understand the importance of having clear goals and a roadmap for the day to guide their actions and keep them focused.

I’ve learned this lesson myself the hard way. In my early career, I would often dive headfirst into Mondays, tackling tasks as they came, without any clear plan.

By the end of the day, I would be exhausted and frustrated, feeling like I’d been busy all day but accomplished very little.

Then I made a change. I started planning my Mondays ahead of time – usually on Sunday evening.

I would list out my priorities for the day, break down larger tasks into manageable steps, and schedule my time accordingly.

The difference was astounding. My days were more productive, less stressful, and I felt a sense of accomplishment at the end of it.

Now, I never start my Monday – or any day – without a clear plan in place.

7. They Don’t Ignore Their Mental Health

High achievers don’t ignore their mental health, especially not on a Monday morning when the weight of the week ahead can feel heaviest.

They understand that their mental wellbeing is just as important as their physical health, and they take active steps to care for it.

Let’s be honest, we’ve all had those Monday mornings where we’re not just battling a busy schedule, but also our own thoughts and feelings.

Whether it’s anxiety about the week ahead, stress from personal issues, or the simple Monday blues, it can all take a toll on our mental health.

High achievers recognize these feelings rather than ignoring them.

They might meditate, journal their thoughts, talk with a trusted friend or family member, or seek professional help if needed.

They know that taking care of their mental health is crucial for them to stay focused and perform at their best.

It’s okay not to be okay, even on a Monday morning. Like high achievers, don’t ignore your mental health.

Instead, take steps to nurture it and seek help when needed.

8. They Don’t Dwell on the Past

High achievers do not waste their Monday mornings ruminating on past mistakes or failures.

They understand that dwelling on the past can be a significant roadblock to their present productivity and future success.

High achievers apply this principle by viewing their past errors as learning opportunities, not as permanent stains on their record.

They focus instead on what’s ahead of them – the tasks at hand, their goals for the week, and their long-term vision.

They learn from the past, but they don’t let it hold them hostage.

So, when you start your Monday morning, remember to leave last week’s mistakes where they belong – in the past.

Like high achievers, focus on the here and now, and keep your eyes on the prize. 

9. They Don’t Disregard Their Passion

One thing I’ve noticed about high achievers is that they never lose sight of what they’re passionate about, even amidst the hustle and bustle of a Monday morning.

They make time for what lights their fire, what truly excites them, and it makes all the difference in their energy and motivation levels.

I remember a time when my life was all work and no play. I was so caught up in the grind of getting things done that I completely neglected my passion for writing.

My Mondays felt mundane, and my motivation dwindled.

Then one day, I decided to change. I started setting aside some time on Monday mornings to write, even if it was just for fifteen minutes.

It was like a breath of fresh air, a shot of energy to start my week. My passion for writing rekindled, and it positively impacted my overall productivity and satisfaction.

Take it from me, high achievers don’t disregard their passion, especially not on a Monday morning.

They know that nurturing their passion keeps them motivated and makes their work more enjoyable.

10. They Don’t Isolate Themselves

No one achieves greatness in complete isolation. They know the value of connecting with others, even on a busy Monday morning.

They understand that building relationships, seeking advice, and collaborating with others are crucial ingredients for success.

Now, let’s get real. It can be tempting to bunker down and plow through your to-do list, especially on a Monday, but this approach often leaves you feeling drained and disconnected.

High achievers break this cycle. They might start their day with a team huddle, a coffee chat with a mentor, or even a quick catch-up call with a friend.

These connections offer them fresh perspectives, support, and sometimes, the motivation they need to tackle the week ahead.

Don’t isolate yourself. Like high achievers, make time to connect with others. You’re not on this journey alone. 

Conclusion

They might seem straightforward or even simplistic, but don’t be fooled. These habits, or rather non-habits, can profoundly impact how you start your week and, ultimately, how successful you are.

So as you step into your next Monday morning, remember these points. Try implementing one or two and see how it changes your day.

After all, success is not just about what you do but also about what you choose not to do.