8 things successful people always do before 8 am

Success isn’t born from luck, it’s a product of consistent habits and routines, especially those done before the sun has even peeked over the horizon.

Hey there, Lachlan Brown here, founder of Hack Spirit and a bit of a mindfulness guru. I’ve spent years studying successful people and I’ve found one thing they all have in common: they make the most of their mornings.

Before 8 am, they’ve already accomplished tasks that set the tone for the rest of their day. It’s about prioritizing what’s important and making sure you’re in the driver’s seat of your own life.

In this article, I’m going to share the 8 things successful people always do before 8 am. These habits might just be the game-changer you’re looking for. 

Let’s get started. 

1) They meditate

Successful people understand the power of a calm, clear mind. And what better way to achieve that than with meditation?

I’m Lachlan Brown, the founder of Hack Spirit, and I can’t emphasize enough how important meditation is. It’s a practice that I’ve incorporated into my own life and it has made a profound difference.

Meditation is more than just a buzzword in the wellness space. It’s about taking a few moments each morning to sit in silence, clear your mind and set your intention for the day.

By starting their day with meditation, successful people are able to tap into a sense of peace and clarity that carries them through the rest of their day. They’re better equipped to handle stress, make mindful decisions, and stay focused on their goals.

Mindfulness isn’t about achieving a state of eternal bliss. It’s about being present in the moment and accepting it without judgment. And by meditating first thing in the morning, you’re setting the stage for a more mindful, productive day.

If you’re not already doing so, consider setting your alarm a few minutes earlier tomorrow morning. Trust me, your mind will thank you.

2) They engage in mindful movement

Success isn’t achieved by being in a rush, but by being mindful and intentional. And that includes how you move your body.

As a mindfulness expert myself, I’ve found that incorporating some form of mindful movement into my morning routine has been a game-changer. It could be yoga, a brisk walk around the block, or even just some light stretching.

By engaging in mindful movement, successful people are not just waking up their bodies, they’re also waking up their minds.

This idea is echoed by Thich Nhat Hanh, a renowned Buddhist monk and peace activist, who once said: “The miracle is not to walk on water. The miracle is to walk on the green earth, dwelling deeply in the present moment and feeling truly alive.”

In essence, it’s not about rushing through an intense workout before 8 am. It’s about moving your body in a way that helps you connect with the present moment and prepare for the day ahead.

Tomorrow morning, why not try adding some mindful movement to your routine? It might just be the boost you need to start your day on the right foot.

3) They practice gratitude

Success isn’t just about achieving goals, it’s also about appreciating what you already have. And practicing gratitude is a powerful way to do that.

This isn’t just some feel-good mantra, it’s a cornerstone of Buddhism wisdom. It teaches us to be thankful for the present moment and the richness it brings. It’s about acknowledging the positive aspects of our lives, instead of focusing on what we lack.

But let’s be honest here, practicing gratitude can be hard, especially when life throws you curveballs. It’s easy to focus on the negatives and lose sight of the positives.

However, successful people understand that gratitude isn’t just a state of mind, it’s a practice.

They make a conscious effort to acknowledge the good in their lives, whether that’s by writing in a gratitude journal or simply taking a moment each morning to reflect on what they’re thankful for.

Even if it feels forced at first, try to start your day with a moment of gratitude. It might not change your circumstances, but it can certainly change your perspective.

4) They disconnect

We live in an age of constant connectivity, where emails, notifications, and news updates are just a tap away. But successful people understand the value in taking a moment to disconnect.

This isn’t just about avoiding distractions, it’s about cultivating mindfulness. It’s about being present in the moment, instead of being constantly pulled in different directions by our digital devices.

Let’s be real, it’s tempting to reach for your phone first thing in the morning. To check your emails or scroll through social media. But doing so can set a frantic tone for the rest of your day.

Successful people resist this urge. Instead, they dedicate their early morning hours to themselves – to their mindfulness practices, their personal growth, their peace of mind.

Tomorrow morning, before you reach for your phone, take a moment to just be. To breathe, to reflect, to simply exist. It might seem small, but this act of mindful disconnection can make a big difference in your day.

5) They nourish their mind

Just as breakfast is important for your body, feeding your mind is equally crucial for a productive day. Successful people understand this and make it a priority to nourish their mind with rich, thought-provoking content.

For me, Lachlan Brown, I like to start my day with a good book. It’s a habit I’ve cultivated over the years, and it’s one I highly recommend.

Books offer a wealth of knowledge, perspectives and insights that can challenge our thinking and spur our personal growth. In fact, I’ve written my own book on this very subject. It’s called Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego.

The book dives into the core teachings of Buddhism and how they can be applied in today’s modern world. It’s about finding balance, reducing ego-driven decisions, and leading a more mindful life.

Whether it’s my book or any other enriching read, consider starting your day by feeding your mind. Trust me, it’ll thank you for it.

6) They set intentions

Setting goals is one thing, but setting intentions is a whole different ball game. Successful people understand the difference and make sure to start their day by setting clear, mindful intentions.

This isn’t just about what they want to achieve, but also how they want to feel, and how they want to interact with the world around them. It’s about aligning their actions with their values and aspirations.

But let’s be honest, it’s not always easy. Life can throw us off course, distractions can lead us astray. That’s where the power of mindfulness comes in.

Mindfulness teaches us to bring our attention back to our intentions, again and again, without judgement or frustration. It’s about recognizing when we’ve veered off path and gently guiding ourselves back.

Tomorrow morning, take a moment to set your intentions for the day. Not just your to-do list, but your to-be list as well. How do you want to show up in the world? How do you want to feel? What values do you want to embody? It might just be the compass you need to navigate your day.

7) They embrace silence

In a world that’s constantly buzzing with noise, successful people understand the value of silence. They carve out time in their mornings to simply sit in stillness and embrace the quiet.

This isn’t about ignoring the world or escaping reality. It’s about creating a space for reflection, for introspection, for simply being.

But let’s face it, silence can be uncomfortable. We’re so used to constant stimulation that when it’s absent, we feel uneasy. But as Buddhist monk Thich Nhat Hanh said, “Silence is essential. We need silence, just as much as we need air, just as much as plants need light.”

Silence allows us to tune into our thoughts and feelings, without the distractions of the outside world. It allows us to connect with ourselves on a deeper level.

Tomorrow morning, before the day’s hustle and bustle begins, try to spend a few moments in silence. It might feel strange at first, but over time, you’ll start to see its benefits.

8) They do nothing

Now here’s something you might not expect: successful people often spend part of their morning doing absolutely nothing. Yes, you heard it right.

In the rush to be productive and tick off tasks on our to-do list, we often forget the value of simply being. Mindfulness teaches us that it’s okay to pause, to take a moment to just breathe and be present.

This might seem counterintuitive in our fast-paced world, but it’s these moments of ‘doing nothing’ that can often lead to our biggest breakthroughs. It allows our minds to wander freely, sparking creativity and problem-solving.

Tomorrow morning, try carving out a few minutes of your day for intentional idleness. Just sit, breathe, and let your thoughts flow without trying to steer them in any direction. You might be surprised by what comes up when you give your mind the freedom to wander.

Conclusion

As we’ve seen, the path to success is as much about how we start our day as it is about the goals we set for ourselves. By incorporating these habits into our morning routine, we can set a strong foundation for a productive, mindful day.

It’s not about doing more, but about being more intentional with what we do. It’s about setting the tone for the day and aligning our actions with our values.

And if you’re interested in diving deeper into mindfulness and Buddhism wisdom, consider checking out my book Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego. It’s packed with practical insights on living a more mindful and balanced life.

Remember, each morning is a new opportunity to shape our lives for the better. So let’s make the most of it.