If you want to become a more productive person next year, start doing these 9 things every morning

Elevating your productivity game isn’t about working harder, it’s about working smarter. Especially when the new year is just around the corner, it’s high time to consider some morning habits that’ll supercharge your day.

Let’s make one thing clear – becoming more productive isn’t about cramming more tasks into your schedule. It’s about prioritizing, strategizing, and starting each day with a clear mind and purpose.

It all begins with how you kick-start your mornings. As someone always on the hunt for productivity hacks, I’ve discovered that the most successful individuals have certain things in common when it comes to their morning routines.

Here are nine things to incorporate into your morning ritual if you’re looking to become a more productive person next year. Trust me, your future self will thank you.

1) Embrace the ‘Power Hour’

We all know how tempting it can be to hit that snooze button for ‘just five more minutes’. But the most productive people around? They’re up and at ’em, seizing the day from the get-go.

Welcome to the concept of the ‘Power Hour’. This is a sacred, non-negotiable hour dedicated solely to setting your day up for success. It’s about creating a personalized morning routine that energizes you, clears your mind, and positions you to tackle the day ahead with vigor.

During this hour, you might choose to meditate, exercise, read, plan your day… whatever it is that sets a positive tone for you. The key is consistency. Make this ‘Power Hour’ a ritual, a staple in your daily routine.

Productivity isn’t about doing more; it’s about being more effective with what you do. And starting your morning with purpose and intention can make all the difference.

Ditch that snooze button tomorrow morning and embrace the ‘Power Hour’. It could just be the game-changer you’ve been looking for.

2) Start with a glass of water

This might sound incredibly simple, but it’s something I’ve found to make a huge difference in my own productivity. Each morning, before I even think about coffee, I start my day with a tall glass of water.

After a full night’s sleep, our bodies are naturally dehydrated. Drinking water first thing in the morning helps to kick-start our metabolism and gets our brain firing on all cylinders. All of a sudden, that groggy morning fog begins to lift, and my mind feels sharper, more alert.

I remember the first time I tried this. I was skeptical, thinking water could hardly compete with my beloved morning coffee. But after a few days of making this a habit, I noticed a distinct difference in my energy levels and ability to focus.

Now, it’s the first thing I do each morning without fail. It’s an easy habit to adopt but one that can have a significant impact on your productivity throughout the day.

Give it a shot! Start your day with a glass of water and see how it changes your morning game.

3) Prioritize your tasks

It’s easy to feel overwhelmed with a lengthy to-do list, but not all tasks are created equal. That’s where the 80/20 rule, or the Pareto Principle, comes into play.

This principle states that 80% of your results come from just 20% of your efforts. In other words, a small number of tasks often generate the most significant impact.

Start your morning by identifying these high-impact tasks and prioritizing them in your day. Not only can this provide a clear focus, but it also ensures that you’re investing your time and energy in the areas that truly matter.

When you’re planning your day, remember the 80/20 rule and aim to tackle those high-impact tasks first. You might be surprised at how much more productive you become.

4) Practice mindfulness

In our fast-paced world, it’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle, and lose sight of the present moment. But starting your day with a mindfulness practice can offer a sense of calm and focus that fuels productivity.

Mindfulness can take many forms. It could be a few minutes of meditation, a short yoga session or simply sitting quietly with your morning coffee, really savoring the taste and aroma.

The goal here is to quieten the mind, reduce stress and start the day with a clear, focused mindset. It’s about being fully present and setting an intentional tone for the rest of your day.

Try incorporating some mindfulness into your morning routine. You might be surprised at how this small change can make a big difference in your overall productivity.

5) Fuel your body right

Breakfast is often touted as the most important meal of the day and for good reason. What you eat in the morning can set the tone for your energy levels and productivity throughout the day.

Skipping breakfast or opting for a sugary pastry can lead to an energy crash later in the day. On the other hand, a balanced meal with proteins, healthy fats, and whole grains can provide sustained energy and keep you satiated, helping you to focus on your tasks without distraction.

Take a few extra minutes each morning to prepare a nutritious breakfast. It’s an investment in your health and productivity that’s well worth making.

6) Express gratitude

Starting your day with a sense of gratitude can have a profound impact on your outlook and productivity. When we focus on what we’re thankful for, it shifts our mindset from what’s going wrong to what’s going right.

Each morning, I take a moment to jot down three things I’m grateful for. Some days, it’s big things like my family’s health or a work achievement. Other days, it’s as simple as a beautiful sunrise or a hot cup of coffee.

This simple practice helps me start each day with a positive mindset and a sense of contentment. It reminds me that even on tough days, there are always things to be grateful for.

Give it a try. Start your day with gratitude and see how it transforms your perspective and enhances your productivity.

7) Get moving

There was a time when I’d roll out of bed and dive straight into work. No exercise, no movement, just straight to the desk. But over time, I realized this approach wasn’t serving me well. I felt sluggish, my focus waned, and my productivity took a hit.

So, I decided to make a change. Now, I start each day with some form of physical activity. It doesn’t have to be anything strenuous – a brisk walk around the block, a quick yoga sequence, or even just some stretching exercises.

The difference? It’s like night and day. Getting moving in the morning wakes up my body and mind, energizes me for the day ahead, and helps me feel more focused and productive.

Whether you’re an exercise enthusiast or not, consider adding some form of movement to your morning routine. Your body – and your productivity – will thank you.

8) Avoid technology in the first hour

Our phones and laptops are often the first things we reach for in the morning. But starting your day with a barrage of emails, notifications, and news can trigger stress and a reactive mindset.

Instead, dedicate the first hour of your day to yourself. Use this time to engage in your morning routine, set your intentions for the day, and get centered before diving into the digital world.

This small shift can make a big difference in your mood, focus, and overall productivity. So tomorrow morning, resist the urge to check your devices immediately. Give yourself that first hour to set a positive tone for the rest of your day.

9) Plan your day

Without a roadmap, it’s easy to wander aimlessly, moving from one task to another without any real sense of direction. But with a clear plan in place, you can take charge of your day and ensure your time and energy are spent effectively.

Each morning, take a few minutes to outline your priorities for the day. Identify the tasks that align with your goals and will have the most significant impact. Break bigger projects into manageable steps.

This structure provides a clear path forward and helps prevent the overwhelm that can come with a hefty to-do list. It’s a simple step, but it can be a game-changer for your productivity.

Final thoughts: The power of routine

At the heart of productivity lies a solid morning routine. It’s about more than just ticking off tasks on a to-do list. It’s about creating a ritual that sets the tone for the day, fostering a mindset that empowers you to be your best, most effective self.

The beauty of a morning routine is its flexibility. You have the freedom to shape it in a way that aligns with your lifestyle, your goals, and your personal rhythms.

Perhaps it’s the quiet solitude of a pre-dawn run, or the calm focus of a meditative practice. Maybe it’s the simple act of savoring that first cup of coffee, or setting your intentions for the day ahead.

Whatever your routine looks like, remember this: The key to productivity isn’t doing more. It’s about doing what matters most, with intention and focus.

So as you step into the new year, consider how you start your mornings. Could a change in routine help you become more productive? The power is in your hands.