Lucas Graham
There’s a vast gap between being simply motivated and being highly motivated.
The difference? It’s all about habits.
Highly motivated people have developed daily rituals they perform, especially in the morning, to set the tone for their day.
These habits are often carried out before most people have even hit the snooze button, let alone had breakfast.
As a highly motivated person myself, I’ve noticed that there are 9 things we tend to do religiously every day before breakfast.
These habits help us stay focused, energized, and ready to conquer whatever the day throws at us.
Let’s jump right into it.
1) They wake up early
It’s a common theme among the highly motivated – they’re often early risers.
Getting up before the sun has its advantages.
It allows for quiet, uninterrupted time to plan the day, to exercise, or to work on a passion project.
Think of it this way – by the time most people are just getting out of bed, highly motivated individuals have already accomplished several tasks.
Waking up early isn’t just about having extra hours in the day.
It’s about starting the day with purpose and momentum. It’s about setting the tone for a productive day.
What’s important is what you do with the time you have before breakfast.
If you want to join the club of high achievers, consider setting your alarm clock a little earlier tomorrow.
2) They engage in physical activity
One habit I’ve noticed among highly motivated individuals, including myself, is that we love to start our day with some form of physical activity.
For me, it’s a run around my neighborhood.
I find that this early morning exercise not only gets my blood pumping but also clears my mind and prepares me for the day ahead.
But it doesn’t have to be running.
It can be any form of physical activity – yoga, cycling, swimming, a brisk walk, or even some stretching exercises.
The goal is to wake up your body and kickstart your metabolism.
When you start your day with exercise, you’re essentially telling your body that it’s time to get going.
And the best part?
That post-workout glow lasts for hours, keeping you energized and ready to tackle whatever comes your way.
3) They hydrate
We all know that water is essential for our survival.
But did you know that our bodies are made up of approximately 60% water?
Highly motivated individuals understand the importance of hydration first thing in the morning.
After a long night of sleep, our bodies are naturally dehydrated.
Drinking water upon waking is a simple way to replenish this loss and kickstart our bodies for the day.
Not only does it help with digestion and nutrient absorption, but staying hydrated also supports brain function, making you more alert and focused throughout the day.
Before reaching out for that cup of coffee, consider starting your day with a glass or two of water.
Your body will thank you for it.
4) They plan their day
Highly motivated people rarely let their day just happen.
Instead, they intentionally plan and structure their day, often before they’ve had their first cup of coffee.
This planning could be as simple as writing a to-do list or as detailed as scheduling each hour of the day.
The point is to have a clear roadmap of what needs to be achieved.
This practice not only helps to prioritize tasks but also sets a clear direction for the day.
It ensures that important tasks are not forgotten and reduces the risk of wasting time on non-essential activities.
By planning their day early, they can maximize productivity and stay focused on achieving their goals.
It’s a habit worth adopting if you want to increase your motivation and productivity.
5) They nourish their mind
Just as they nourish their bodies with physical activity and hydration, highly motivated individuals also make a point of nourishing their minds before breakfast.
This could be through reading a chapter of a book, catching up on industry news, or even listening to an informative podcast.
The focus is on gaining knowledge, staying informed, and constantly learning.
Feeding the mind with valuable information first thing in the morning helps to stimulate creativity and critical thinking.
It sets the tone for a productive day filled with intellectual engagement.
Whether it’s picking up a book, tuning into a podcast, or reading an article online, make sure to take some time every morning to feed your mind.
6) They practice gratitude
Amid a busy life, it’s easy to overlook the things that truly matter.
Highly motivated individuals, however, make it a point to start their day with a sense of appreciation.
Practicing gratitude doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming.
It could be as simple as acknowledging three things that you are grateful for every morning.
This simple act of recognizing and appreciating the good in your life can have a profound impact on your mindset.
It fosters positivity, reduces stress, and reminds us of what truly matters.
Starting your day with gratitude can set the tone for a day filled with positivity and fulfillment.
It’s a wonderful reminder that even during challenges, there is always something to be thankful for.
7) They avoid digital distractions
Technology is a double-edged sword.
It can be a powerful tool for productivity, but it can also be a significant source of distraction.
One habit I’ve found to be particularly beneficial is avoiding digital distractions first thing in the morning.
Instead of reaching for my phone to check emails or social media as soon as I wake up, I intentionally delay this until after I’ve completed my morning routine.
This helps me to start my day focused and centered, instead of reacting to the demands of others.
This isn’t always easy, especially in a world where we’re constantly connected.
But taking this time in the morning to be present and focused can make a significant difference in your productivity and well-being throughout the rest of the day.
8) They set daily goals
Having a clear sense of purpose each day is a common trait among highly motivated individuals.
They don’t just have long-term goals, they set daily goals too.
These aren’t necessarily big, life-changing objectives. Instead, they might be small steps that contribute towards bigger goals.
This could be something as simple as finishing a chapter of a book they’re reading, making progress on a project, or even doing something kind for someone else.
Setting daily goals provides a clear direction for the day and gives a sense of accomplishment once they’re achieved.
It’s a great way to maintain motivation and keep moving forward, no matter how small the steps might seem.
9) They prioritize self-care
At the end of the day, no matter how driven or motivated you are, neglecting self-care can lead to burnout.
Highly motivated individuals understand that taking care of their physical, emotional, and mental well-being is not a luxury, but a necessity.
This could mean different things to different people.
For some, it could be meditation or mindfulness exercises. For others, it could be ensuring they get enough sleep or eating a nutritious breakfast.
Self-care is not about being selfish or indulgent.
It’s about acknowledging that to function at our best and achieve our goals, we must first take care of ourselves.
It’s a vital part of any morning routine and is key to maintaining motivation and productivity throughout the day.
Final thoughts: It’s about intentionality
The essence of these habits of highly motivated people boils down to one core principle: intentionality.
Every morning routine, every habit, every decision is made with a purpose and a clear goal in mind. It’s not about doing more, but rather, doing things that matter.
It’s about setting the tone for the day and aligning actions with ambitions.
Just as a potter carefully shapes clay into a beautiful vessel, highly motivated individuals shape their mornings into a launchpad for success.
And much like the potter, it’s not the specific techniques they use but their intentional and focused approach that makes the difference.
Whether it’s rising early, exercising, reading, or practicing gratitude, each habit is a deliberate choice aimed at personal growth and achievement.
As you reflect on these habits, consider how you can incorporate intentionality into your morning routine.
It might be the key to unlocking your motivation and achieving your personal goals.
