If you want to become more successful, start doing these 9 things every morning

Success isn’t just about money or fame. It’s about feeling accomplished, satisfied, and on track to fulfil your potential. And believe it or not, success often begins with what you do each morning.

Hi there, Lachlan Brown here, founder of Hack Spirit. I’ve realized that the most successful people I know all have one thing in common: they have a morning routine that sets them up for a productive, fulfilling day.

Want to know what these morning habits are? Stick around as we delve into the 9 things you should start doing every morning to become more successful. These are simple steps, but they can make a massive difference to your life.

Success is a choice – and it starts with how you kick off your day.

1) Start your day early

Successful people are often early birds. There’s something to be said about the quiet, serene hours of the morning when the rest of the world is still asleep.

I can tell you from personal experience that starting my day early has been a game changer.

Waking up early allows you to take control of your day. You have uninterrupted time to focus on your goals and plan your day without distractions.

Think about it: how many successful people do you know who sleep in until noon? Not many, I’d wager. Most are up with the sun, ready to seize the day.

If you’re serious about success, consider setting that alarm clock a little earlier. It might be tough at first, but trust me – the benefits will be worth it. Remember, every successful journey begins with a single step, or in this case, an early rise.

2) Practice mindfulness meditation

No, you don’t need to be a Buddhist monk to practice mindfulness meditation. 

Mindfulness meditation is all about being fully present in the moment. It helps you clear your mind, reduce stress, and focus better. And guess what? These are qualities that can significantly boost your productivity and success.

In Buddhism, mindfulness is a core principle. It teaches us to be aware of our thoughts and emotions without getting caught up in them. This awareness brings clarity and allows us to make better decisions.

How about starting your day with a few minutes of mindfulness meditation? It doesn’t have to be long. Even just five minutes can set a positive tone for the rest of the day.

Success isn’t just about doing; it’s also about being – being present, being aware, and being mindful. And that’s where mindfulness meditation comes in.

3) Set your daily goals

What’s the one thing you absolutely want to achieve today? Setting daily goals can be a powerful way to drive your success.

Every morning, while sipping my coffee, I jot down my goals for the day. It helps me stay focused and organized.

Setting daily goals gives you a clear direction. It’s like having a road map for your day. You know exactly where you want to go and what you need to do to get there.

And the best part? It’s incredibly satisfying to tick off those goals at the end of the day. It’s a tangible reminder of your progress and success.

Tomorrow morning, grab a pen and paper or open up a notes app on your phone. Write down your top priorities for the day. And then, go ahead and conquer them one by one.

4) Embrace impermanence

One of the key principles of Buddhism is the concept of impermanence, the idea that everything is subject to change. And this principle isn’t just for deep philosophical discussions. It can be applied to our daily lives, and it can make a real difference in how we approach our day.

As I have studied and written about in my book, Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego, embracing impermanence can help us become more adaptable, resilient and open-minded.

Each morning, remind yourself that change is the only constant. This can help you to be more flexible in your plans and expectations for the day. It can help you better handle any curveballs that come your way.

Success often comes to those who are adaptable and willing to learn from change. By embracing impermanence, you’re setting yourself up for both personal and professional growth.

5) Schedule some ‘me’ time

Here’s something that might seem counterintuitive: if you want to be more successful, start your day with ‘me’ time. Yes, that’s right. Before you dive into work emails or household chores, take some time just for yourself.

I’ve found that carving out a bit of personal time each morning can actually boost productivity throughout the day.

Use this time to do something you love or something that relaxes you. It could be reading a book, going for a run, or even just enjoying a quiet cup of coffee. This isn’t wasted time; it’s an investment in your wellbeing.

Starting your day with ‘me’ time can help you feel more balanced and centred. And when you’re feeling good, you’re more likely to be productive and successful in your work. So go ahead, put yourself first – at least for a little while each morning.

6) Practice gratitude

Gratitude is a powerful principle in Buddhism, and it can be a game-changer when it comes to success.

I’ve found that starting each day with a moment of gratitude helps me maintain a positive outlook, even when faced with challenges.

Each morning, take a few minutes to reflect on what you’re grateful for. It could be something big like your health or family, or something simple like the sunrise or a cup of tea.

This practice shifts your focus from what’s wrong to what’s right in your life. It fosters positivity and contentment, which can fuel your drive and motivation.

Remember, success isn’t just about achieving goals; it’s also about appreciating the journey. And gratitude can help you do just that.

7) Get moving

Exercise isn’t just good for your body; it’s also great for your mind. Personally, as Lachlan Brown, I’ve found that a morning workout gets my blood flowing and my mind sharp, ready to take on the day.

Whether it’s a run in the park, a yoga session, or a quick workout at home, getting your body moving can boost your energy levels and mood. It can also improve your focus and productivity throughout the day.

Plus, committing to a regular exercise routine shows discipline and dedication – two qualities often found in successful people.

So lace up your trainers and get moving. Your body – and your success – will thank you.

8) Disconnect to reconnect

This might seem a bit counterintuitive in our always-connected world, but hear me out. As Lachlan Brown, I’ve found that taking some time to disconnect from technology in the morning can actually improve my productivity and focus throughout the day.

Instead of reaching for your phone first thing in the morning, try spending the first hour of your day tech-free. Use this time to connect with yourself, your goals, and your intentions for the day.

Disconnecting from technology allows you to reconnect with what’s truly important. It reduces distractions and helps you start your day with a clear, focused mind.

Tomorrow morning, resist the urge to check your emails or social media feeds right away. Instead, take some time to disconnect in order to reconnect. This small change could make a big difference in your journey towards success.

9) Cultivate compassion

Compassion is a fundamental principle in Buddhism, and it’s also an essential trait for success.

I strongly believe that starting your day with a sense of compassion can positively impact your interactions and decisions throughout the day.

Compassion means understanding and caring for the suffering of others. But it also means showing kindness towards yourself. Allow yourself to make mistakes and learn from them, rather than beating yourself up.

In the morning, take a moment to reflect on compassion. Perhaps you can commit to one act of kindness for the day, whether it’s towards a colleague, a stranger, or even yourself.

Success is not just about personal gain. It’s also about making a positive impact on those around you. And compassion is a powerful way to do just that.

Conclusion

These aren’t just random tips; they’re backed by the principles of Buddhism, which I’ve studied and written about extensively.

Remember, success is a journey, not a destination. And every journey begins with a single step. In this case, that step is your morning routine.

If you’re interested in learning more about how Buddhist principles can guide your journey to success, I invite you to check out my book, “Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego”.

Here’s to a successful tomorrow, starting with a purposeful 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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