10 things successful people never do at the start of every day

Have you ever wondered how some people seem to ace every single day? 

The first few hours of their day are crucial, and they’re quite picky about the activities they engage in during that time.

Let’s dive right into the 10 things high achievers avoid like the plague every morning.

1. Skipping Breakfast

You won’t catch high achievers rushing out the door without having breakfast.

Why, you ask?

Well, because they know that breakfast is the fuel their body and brain need to kick start the day.

It’s like putting gas in your car before a long journey; you wouldn’t start without it, right? The same principle applies here.

Successful people understand that eating a nutritious breakfast helps them maintain their energy levels and focus throughout the day.

They always make time to sit down and enjoy a good meal in the morning, no matter how busy their schedule is.

It might be tempting to grab an extra 15 minutes of sleep and skip breakfast, but trust me, your day will be a whole lot better if you take the time to eat something healthy and fulfilling.

2. Ignoring Physical Activity

High achievers know that a good day starts with moving their bodies. They are not the type to hit the snooze button and laze around in bed.

Instead, they’re up and about, running, stretching, doing yoga, or whatever form of exercise they prefer.

This is because exercise is not just about keeping fit and looking good (although that’s a great bonus!).

It’s also about boosting energy levels, improving mood, and getting those creative juices flowing.

When you exercise, your body releases chemicals called endorphins. These are often called the ‘feel-good’ hormones because they help to reduce stress and improve mood.

Even if it’s just a few minutes of stretching or a quick jog around the block, high achievers make sure they get their bodies moving in the morning.

They understand that a bit of morning exercise sets a positive tone for the rest of the day.

Not much of an exerciser? Don’t worry, nobody’s asking you to run a marathon! Just find something you enjoy – dancing, walking, cycling – and start with just a few minutes each day.

3. Starting Without a Plan

Now, this is something I learned the hard way. Successful people never dive headfirst into their day without a solid plan. They know their priorities and have a clear idea of what they want to accomplish.

I remember a time when my mornings were absolute chaos. I would wake up and immediately start responding to emails, rushing to meetings, and trying to tackle my to-do list all at once.

By the end of the day, I would be exhausted but with very little to show for it.

Then, one day, I decided to try something different. Instead of jumping straight into work, I started my day by sitting down with a cup of coffee and planning out my tasks.

I prioritized them based on their importance and deadlines. And guess what? It was a game-changer!

I found that I was more organized, less stressed, and way more productive. I was getting more done in less time and, best of all, I had time left over for myself at the end of the day.

Just like me, successful people understand the power of planning. They take a few moments every morning to determine their top priorities for the day. This helps them stay focused, manage their time effectively and ultimately, get more done.

4. Letting Distractions In

High achievers know that the morning is a golden time for productivity, and they won’t let anything take that away.

They avoid checking their phones first thing in the morning or getting lost in the black hole of social media or emails.

High achievers understand that this gets their day started on the wrong foot, and they intentionally put off checking their phones until they’ve completed their morning routines.

This helps them start their day focused and undisturbed, ready to tackle their biggest tasks without any distractions.

5. Neglecting Learning

High achievers know that we never stop learning. They understand that every day brings a new opportunity to learn something new, to grow, and to improve.

This is why they make it a point to dedicate a part of their morning to learning.

It’s not just about professional growth; it’s about personal growth too. Learning something new every day, be it a word, a concept, or a skill, adds value to our lives in ways we can’t always measure.

Maybe it’s a chapter from a book that broadens their perspective, a podcast that inspires them, or even a YouTube tutorial that teaches them a new skill.

Whatever the medium may be, they make sure they’re learning and growing each day.

This habit of constant learning doesn’t just make them better at their jobs; it makes them more rounded as individuals.

It helps them understand the world better and gives them the tools to navigate life’s ups and downs.

6. Forgetting to Hydrate

High achievers understand the importance of hydration.

Drinking water first thing in the morning helps to kick start their metabolism and keeps them hydrated for the day.

And this is a habit I’ve personally adopted and seen great results from.

I used to start my day with a strong cup of coffee and not much else. Over time, I noticed I was often tired, had headaches, and just didn’t feel my best.

After some research, I realized I wasn’t hydrating enough. So, I swapped my morning coffee for a big glass of water.

The first few days were tough, I won’t lie. But soon, I started feeling more energetic, had fewer headaches and generally felt healthier.

Now, drinking water first thing in the morning is as natural to me as brushing my teeth.

Just like me, high achievers make sure they’re hydrating right from the start of their day.

It’s simple, it’s effective and it’s a habit that can make you feel so much better throughout your day. So why not give it a shot?

7. Ignoring Mindfulness Practices

Successful people don’t just focus on their physical health; they know their mental health is just as important.

That’s why mindfulness practices, like meditation or gratitude journaling, are a non-negotiable part of their mornings.

Now, let’s get real here. Life can be hectic and stressful. We’re constantly juggling multiple roles and responsibilities, and it can sometimes feel like we’re on a never-ending treadmill.

And let’s face it, it’s exhausting.

That’s where mindfulness comes in. It allows us to hit the pause button, even if just for a few minutes.

It gives us a chance to calm our minds, focus on the present moment and just breathe.

High achievers know this, and they make sure to carve out some quiet time each morning for mindfulness.

It helps them clear their heads, reduce stress and start their day with a sense of peace and clarity.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed or just need a moment of peace in your hectic day, give mindfulness a try.

It doesn’t have to be complicated; just a few minutes of quiet reflection or deep breathing can make a world of difference.

8. Rushing Through The Morning

High achievers take their time every morning. They don’t rush through their routine, trying to get as much done as possible in the shortest amount of time.

Instead, they take things slow and make sure they’re fully prepared for the day.

People who rush make more mistakes and are less creative than those who take their time.

Successful people understand this. They know that rushing can lead to stress and mistakes. So they make sure to allocate enough time each morning to complete their routine without feeling rushed.

If you find yourself constantly rushing in the morning, try setting your alarm a little earlier or simplifying your routine.

Remember, it’s not about how fast you can get through your morning; it’s about starting your day off right!

9. Missing Out on Visualization

Successful people have a little secret up their sleeves – they visualize their success. Every morning, they take a moment to imagine their daily goals being achieved. It’s like a mental rehearsal for the day.

I started practicing this habit a few years ago, and let me tell you, it’s been a game-changer. Every morning, when I’m done with my exercise and breakfast, I sit down for a few minutes and visualize my day.

I picture myself completing my tasks, successfully handling challenges and achieving my goals.

This simple act of visualization sets a positive tone for my day. It boosts my confidence and motivates me to work towards my goals.

It’s like I’ve already seen myself succeed, so I know I can do it.

Just like me, high achievers use visualization techniques to set themselves up for success. So why not give it a try?

Take a moment every morning to visualize your success – you might be surprised at how powerful it can be. 

10. Overloading Information

In our digital age, we’re constantly bombarded with information. From news updates popping up on our phones to a flood of emails in our inbox – it can be overwhelming.

And successful people understand that starting the day with an information overload is not the best idea.

Look, I get it. We all want to stay informed. But there’s a fine line between staying in the loop and getting drowned in information.

Constantly consuming news and information, especially first thing in the morning, can leave you feeling stressed and anxious.

High achievers understand this. They know that their mornings are precious, and they choose to spend them in a more peaceful and productive way.

They give their brains the space to breathe rather than overloading it with information.

So next time you reach for your phone to check the news or your emails as soon as you wake up, pause for a moment.

Ask yourself if it’s really necessary or if it can wait until later. Trust me; your mind will thank you for it!