8 things successful people do before 10 am every day, according to psychology

There’s a clear distinction between successful people and those who are still trying to figure it all out.

The secret often lies in the morning routine.

Successful people don’t just roll out of bed and see where the day takes them. They have a plan, a list of things they do before 10 am that sets the tone for the rest of their day.

According to psychology, these morning rituals are not just about getting things done, they’re about setting yourself up for success.

Let me let you in on 8 things successful people do before 10 am every day. You might want to take notes.

1) They rise early

There’s no denying the power of an early start.

Successful people understand the value of time. They’re often up with the sun, using those precious quiet hours to get a jump on the day.

You see, our brains are most alert in the morning, according to psychology. It’s the best time for critical thinking, decision making, and problem solving.

Not to mention, it’s quiet. No emails. No calls. Just you and your thoughts.

So while the rest of the world is still hitting snooze, successful people are up and at ’em, taking advantage of those golden morning hours.

It’s not just about setting an alarm. It’s about creating a routine that works for you and sticking to it. Consistency is key if you want to join the ranks of the early risers.

2) They exercise

A healthy mind lives in a healthy body. Successful people take this saying to heart.

I’ll let you in on a personal secret: I start my day with a 30-minute jog. It’s more than just a way to stay fit. It’s my me-time, my moment of solitude before the hustle and bustle of the day kicks in.

Psychology backs this up too. Exercise releases endorphins, the ‘feel-good’ hormones. It reduces stress and anxiety, boosts your mood, and improves concentration.

Not all successful people run, of course. Some do yoga, some hit the gym, some simply stretch. But they all move their body first thing in the morning.

If you’re looking for a productivity booster that also keeps you in shape, consider incorporating some form of exercise into your morning routine. Trust me, your body and mind will thank you for it.

3) They eat a healthy breakfast

We’ve all heard that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. But successful people don’t just grab a coffee and call it good. They make time for a nutritious meal to kickstart their day.

According to studies, breakfast improves memory and concentration, decreases the chances of getting diabetes, heart disease, and being overweight.

Now, I’m not saying you need to prepare a five-course gourmet meal. Even something as simple as a bowl of oatmeal, a piece of fruit, or a protein shake can do wonders for your productivity.

When you’re tempted to skip breakfast in favor of a few extra minutes in bed, remember this: your body needs fuel to function at its best. Don’t deny it the nutrients it needs to help you conquer the day.

4) They plan their day

Successful people don’t leave their day to chance. They have a clear plan of what they want to achieve and how they’re going to do it.

Before 10 am, they’ve already outlined their to-do list, prioritizing tasks based on importance and deadlines. This helps them stay focused and organized, ensuring they make the most of their time.

It’s not just about work, though. They also schedule time for breaks, personal growth, and leisure. Balance is crucial for long-term success.

If you often find yourself overwhelmed by the day’s tasks, try planning your day first thing in the morning. You’ll be surprised at how much more you can accomplish with a little organization.

5) They express gratitude

Amidst all the hustle, it’s easy to forget about the good things in life. But successful people make sure they start their day on a positive note by expressing gratitude.

Whether it’s jotting down a few things they’re thankful for in a journal or simply taking a moment to reflect, they consciously acknowledge their blessings. This small act of appreciation sets a positive tone for the day and fosters a mindset of abundance.

Gratitude is a powerful emotion. It shifts your focus from what’s missing in your life to what you have. It encourages contentment, reduces stress, and boosts happiness.

Try starting your day with gratitude. It might feel strange at first, but soon enough, you’ll notice how it changes your perspective and enhances your overall well-being.

6) They avoid digital distractions

In this age of technology, our phones can often be the first thing we reach for in the morning. But successful people resist this urge.

I’ll confess, I was once guilty of this. Checking emails and social media first thing in the morning was zapping my productivity and increasing my stress levels.

But then I made a change. Now, my first hour after waking is a no-phone zone. This small step has made a huge difference in my focus and productivity levels.

The morning is prime time for deep work. It’s when our minds are most alert and least cluttered. Don’t waste it on digital distractions.

7) They take time for self-improvement

Successful people understand that growth doesn’t happen overnight. It’s a continuous process, and it requires time and commitment.

That’s why they dedicate a part of their morning to self-improvement. This could be reading a book, listening to a podcast, learning a new skill, or even meditating.

These activities not only enhance their skills and knowledge but also provide fresh insights and perspectives, fueling their creativity and problem-solving abilities.

If you’re looking to be more successful, consider carving out some time each morning for self-improvement. It could be just the boost you need to take your personal and professional life to the next level.

8) They visualize success

Visualization is a powerful tool used by many successful people. They take time each morning to visualize their goals and the steps needed to achieve them.

This mental rehearsal primes the brain for success and helps build confidence. When you’ve already ‘seen’ yourself succeeding, it becomes easier to turn that vision into reality.

If you want to supercharge your mornings, try spending a few minutes each day visualizing your success. It might just be the key to achieving your goals.

Final thoughts: It’s all about consistency

These 8 things successful people do before 10 am aren’t magical rituals. They’re simple, deliberate actions that, when performed consistently, lead to extraordinary results.

It’s not about waking up at 4 am or running a marathon before breakfast. It’s about creating a morning routine that aligns with your goals, energizes you, and sets the tone for a productive day.

Remember, these habits are not set in stone. They’re a starting point. Feel free to tweak them as per your lifestyle and goals.

The key is not perfection, but progress. So start small. Pick one or two habits from this list and stick to them for a few weeks. You might just be surprised at the impact they have on your life.

After all, success isn’t a destination. It’s a journey. And every journey begins with a single step. Why not start yours tomorrow morning?

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Lachlan Brown

I’m Lachlan Brown, the founder, and editor of Hack Spirit. I love writing practical articles that help others live a mindful and better life. I have a graduate degree in Psychology and I’ve spent the last 15 years reading and studying all I can about human psychology and practical ways to hack our mindsets. Check out my latest book on the Hidden Secrets of Buddhism and How it Saved My Life. If you want to get in touch with me, hit me up on Facebook or Twitter.

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