Ethan Sterling
My grandfather used to always say, “The early bird catches the worm.” A cliché, sure, but there’s some real wisdom in those words.
You see, many highly successful men have one thing in common – they start their day before most of us even hit the snooze button.
Now, you might be thinking, “But I’m not a morning person.”
But here’s the twist. It’s not just about being an early riser. It’s about what you do with that time. And, there are seven specific things that these men do before 8am every day.
So, if you’ve ever found yourself wondering what sets these successful individuals apart from the rest, stay tuned.
It’s about adopting habits that propel you forward. So sit back, grab your morning coffee (or tea), and let’s delve into the world of early birds.
1) They embrace the silence
Picture this.
It’s 5am, and the world is still asleep. The streets are quiet, the birds are yet to start their morning chorus, and there’s a sense of calm that only the early hours can bring.
Successful men love this time of day.
Why?
It offers a rare opportunity for solitude, for introspection. It’s a chance to gather thoughts, plan for the day ahead, or simply appreciate the tranquility before the chaos of daily life ensues.
Experts say this kind of quiet time can play a critical role in mental health and well-being. It provides a space for reflection and mindfulness, which can lead to greater self-awareness and emotional intelligence.
Next time your alarm goes off, rather than rolling over, why not give yourself a moment of silence? Who knows – you might just find that it’s the most productive part of your day.
2) They get moving
I’ve always admired my Uncle Joe, a successful entrepreneur. And one thing that struck me about his lifestyle was his commitment to morning workouts.
Before the sun had even considered rising, Uncle Joe would be out the door, ready for a run or a gym session. He said it kick-started his day, gave him energy, and helped focus his mind.
Now, I’m not suggesting you need to start training for a marathon. But getting your body moving in the morning can be incredibly beneficial.
Psychology tells us that exercise releases endorphins, those feel-good chemicals that boost our mood and energy levels. It also helps to reduce anxiety and stress.
So, whether it’s a brisk walk around the block, a quick yoga session, or dancing to your favorite song in your pajamas, try to incorporate some form of movement into your morning routine.
You might just find it’s the perfect way to start your day.
3) They nourish their bodies
Let’s get real for a moment.
We’ve all been there. Rushing out the door with a coffee in one hand and a half-eaten piece of toast in the other. But here’s the kicker, that’s not going to cut it if you’re aiming for success.
Successful men understand the importance of a good breakfast. They see it not just as ‘breaking the fast’, but as an opportunity to fuel their body for the day ahead.
And no, we’re not talking about a stack of pancakes slathered in syrup every morning (as much as we might wish). Instead, think nutrient-dense foods that give a slow release of energy throughout the day.
According to the experts, what we eat can impact our cognitive function and mood. A healthy breakfast can improve short-term memory and attention, keeping us at our best throughout the day.
Take a moment tomorrow morning. Sit down and enjoy your breakfast. It could be as simple as some eggs and avocado, or perhaps a bowl of oatmeal topped with fresh fruit.
Whatever it is, make sure you’re giving your body what it needs to perform at its best. You owe it to yourself.
4) They prioritize learning
Remember when you were a kid, and every day was a new opportunity to learn something new?
Well, who’s to say that has to stop now that we’re all grown up?
Successful men make learning a priority. They seize the quiet morning hours to educate themselves, be it reading a chapter from a book, catching up on industry news, or even listening to a podcast while they work out.
And here’s why.
Psychology tells us that learning new things stimulates our brain, improves memory, and enhances cognitive abilities. It keeps us mentally sharp and open-minded.
Why not take a leaf out of their book? Pick up that novel you’ve been meaning to read, or listen to that podcast you’ve been recommended. Use the morning hours to feed your mind. After all, knowledge is power.
5) They plan their day
Did you know that our brains are the most alert and receptive during the morning hours?
Successful men leverage this by planning their day early. They set goals, prioritize tasks, and visualize how they want their day to unfold.
This isn’t just about scribbling a to-do list while you gulp down your coffee. It’s about sitting down, focusing on the day ahead, and deciding what needs to be done to make it a success.
Try setting clear intentions for your day. You might be surprised at the impact it has on your productivity and overall sense of well-being.
6) They practice gratitude
In the hustle and bustle of life, it’s easy to get caught up in what we’re lacking, what we’re striving for, what hasn’t gone to plan.
Successful men, however, take a different approach. Before the day gets underway, they make a conscious effort to reflect on the positive aspects of their life. They practice gratitude.
Now, this doesn’t have to involve writing in a gratitude journal (though that can certainly help). It could be as simple as silently acknowledging three things you’re thankful for each morning.
Psychology tells us that gratitude can reduce stress, lower anxiety, and even boost physical health.
So why not give it a try tomorrow morning? Take a few moments to consider the good in your life. It might just set a positive tone for the rest of your day.
7) They maintain a consistent routine
This is the last point but perhaps the most important.
It’s not about doing all these things once and expecting instant results. The real secret lies in consistency.
Successful men stick to their morning routines, day in and day out. It’s this dedication that breeds success, not the individual actions themselves.
If you take one thing from this, let it be this: start creating your own morning routine and stick to it. It might just be the key to unlocking your full potential.
Final thoughts
If you’ve made it this far, well done. You’ve already taken the first step towards becoming a highly successful man.
Remember, it’s not just about waking up before the crack of dawn. It’s about using that time wisely and purposefully. It’s about cultivating habits that propel you forward, one small step at a time.
But here’s the most important thing to remember – this is your journey. What works for one person might not work for another. So take these seven habits and adapt them to your life, your goals, your dreams.
Start with one habit. Once that feels natural, add another. Keep building until you have a morning routine that sets you up for success every day.
And remember, consistency is key. Small actions, repeated over time, lead to big results.
