If you really want to become a successful man, start doing these 8 things every morning

Becoming successful isn’t about luck. It’s about setting up the right habits, starting with how you begin each day.

As Lachlan Brown, founder of Hack Spirit and an expert in mindfulness and Buddhism, I’ve learned that certain morning rituals can put you on the path to success.

Success isn’t determined by a single grand gesture, but rather by the small, consistent steps you take every day. And believe me, the first steps are taken the moment you open your eyes in the morning.

In this piece, I’ll share with you the 8 things that successful men do every morning. These are not just random activities, but powerful routines that create a foundation for a productive and fulfilling day.

Let’s get started. 

1) Wake up with intention

Successful people don’t just roll out of bed and let the day happen to them.

No, they start their mornings with clear intentions. They know what they want to achieve for the day, and they set their minds on it from the moment they awake.

This isn’t about rushing into your to-do list, but instead about setting a positive and focused mindset for the day ahead. It’s a form of mindfulness, a practice that I, Lachlan Brown, have found to be incredibly valuable in my own journey towards success.

By thinking about your goals first thing in the morning, you’re creating a mental blueprint for what you want to accomplish. This not only provides direction for your day but also motivates you to get moving.

Intentionality is powerful. It can guide your actions, influence your decisions, and ultimately shape your life. 

2) Practice mindfulness meditation

Starting your day with meditation is a powerful way to set a calm, focused tone for the rest of your day.

I can personally vouch for this. As an ardent practitioner of mindfulness and Buddhism, I’ve found that a daily meditation routine helps me stay centered and balanced, no matter what the day brings.

But don’t just take my word for it. The renowned mindfulness expert Jon Kabat-Zinn once said, “Mindfulness is the aware, balanced acceptance of the present experience. It isn’t more complicated than that. It is opening to or receiving the present moment, pleasant or unpleasant, just as it is, without either clinging to it or rejecting it.”

Incorporating mindfulness meditation into your morning routine allows you to start each day with a clear head and an open heart.

It provides a moment of stillness before the rush of the day begins, and it can greatly improve your focus and clarity.

Whether it’s just for five minutes or half an hour, make sure to include meditation in your morning habits. Trust me; your mind and your success rate will thank you.

3) Embrace impermanence

This might sound odd, but bear with me. One of the core teachings of Buddhism is the concept of impermanence. Everything changes, nothing stays the same. It’s a hard truth, but also a liberating one.

When you wake up each morning, remind yourself that today is a new day, distinct from yesterday and tomorrow. This moment, this day, is fleeting and will never come again.

It’s raw and honest, but it helps you appreciate the present moment and not get too caught up in past regrets or future anxieties. It can provide a critical perspective shift that changes how you approach your day.

Embracing impermanence can help you let go of unproductive habits or negative mindsets that hold you back. It reminds you that you have the power to change, to grow, to make today better than yesterday.

As part of your morning routine, take a moment to acknowledge the impermanence of life. It can be a powerful motivator to seize the day and make every moment count.

4) Be present during your morning routine

This one is simple but profound. As you go through your morning routine, whether it’s brushing your teeth, taking a shower, or having breakfast, try to be fully present.

Mindfulness isn’t just about meditating; it’s about being aware and present in every moment of your life. And yes, that includes the seemingly mundane moments of your morning routine.

Instead of rushing through these tasks while your mind is elsewhere, slow down. Pay attention to the sensations, the smells, the tastes. This practice of mindfulness can turn ordinary tasks into a calming ritual and set a peaceful tone for your day.

It’s easy to overlook these moments, to see them as chores to be done quickly so you can move on to “more important” things. But in truth, every moment is important because every moment is life.

By being fully present during your morning routine, you’re not just preparing for the day; you’re living it. And that’s what mindfulness, and indeed success, is all about.

5) Cultivate self-awareness

Understanding yourself is key to success. It’s about recognizing your strengths, acknowledging your weaknesses, and constantly striving to improve.

Each morning, take a few moments for self-reflection. Ask yourself: How am I feeling today? What can I do better? What did I learn yesterday that I can apply today?

In my own journey, cultivating self-awareness has been pivotal. It’s a practice I delve into in my book Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego.

The book explores the journey to self-understanding using wisdom from Buddhism. It’s also about balancing ambition with humility, which is crucial for true success.

As you start each day, take the time to know yourself a little better. Self-awareness is not just the first step towards improving; it’s the first step towards becoming the best version of yourself.

6) Cultivate gratitude

Gratitude is a powerful practice, rooted in both mindfulness and Buddhism. It’s about recognizing and appreciating the good in your life, instead of focusing on what’s missing or what could be better.

Every morning, take a moment to reflect on what you’re grateful for. It could be something big, like your health or your family, or something small, like the warmth of the sun on your face or a good cup of coffee.

This practice shifts your focus from scarcity to abundance. It reminds you of the positive aspects of your life and helps counteract our natural tendency to focus on the negative.

It’s raw, it’s honest, it’s humbling. And it can truly set a positive tone for your day.

Success isn’t just about what you achieve; it’s also about appreciating what you already have. And gratitude is a great way to do just that.

7) Set realistic, achievable goals

Success is often a result of careful planning and setting realistic, achievable goals. But it’s crucial not to let these goals overwhelm you or become a source of stress.

Each morning, identify one or two key tasks you want to accomplish for the day. Make sure they are manageable and within your reach. This approach ensures you’re moving forward without setting yourself up for failure or burnout.

As the famous Buddhist teacher, Thich Nhat Hanh once said, “The present moment is filled with joy and happiness. If you are attentive, you will see it.”

This wisdom applies to goal setting as well. By focusing on achievable goals in the present moment, we can find joy and satisfaction in our daily achievements, leading to long-term success.

Success is a journey, not a destination. And every journey begins with a single step. So start your day by identifying that step and make it happen.

8) Do nothing for a moment

Now, this may seem counterintuitive, especially when we’re talking about success and productivity. But bear with me.

Mindfulness teaches us the value of stillness, of simply being in the present moment without doing anything at all. And yes, that includes first thing in the morning.

Before you jump into your day, take a few moments to just sit and be. Don’t check your phone, don’t start planning your day, don’t do anything. Just breathe and exist.

This practice of “doing nothing” can help clear your mind and reduce stress. It’s like hitting the reset button before you start your day.

In a world that values busyness and constant productivity, taking a moment to do nothing can seem like a waste of time.

But in reality, it can be one of the most productive things you do. It centers you, calms you, and prepares you for the day ahead.

Gve it a try. Start your morning with a moment of stillness. It might just become your favorite part of the day.

Conclusion

Success isn’t just about what you do during your working hours; it’s also about how you start your day. The morning is a powerful time, a fresh start, an opportunity to set the tone for the rest of your day.

Be intentional, be present, be mindful. Cultivate self-awareness, gratitude, and stillness. Set achievable goals and embrace the wisdom of impermanence. These practices may seem simple, but they can have a profound impact on your journey towards success.

For more insights into how mindfulness and Buddhism can help you live a successful and fulfilling life, I invite you to check out my book “Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego”.

Remember, every journey begins with a single step. And that step can be as simple as starting your morning right. Here’s to your success!