4 Things I Do Each Morning to Be Successful (and One Thing I Do Each Night)

The most successful people in the world get up early in the morning. Studies show that getting up early increases positivity, improves your outlook, and gives you more energy throughout the day.

Check out these statistics 1 on the benefits of waking up early:

  • Harvard biologist Christoph Randler discovered in 2008 that early risers are more proactive. They were more likely to agree with statements like “I spend time identifying long-range goals for myself” and “I feel in charge of making things happen.”
  • Randler’s research also revealed that “morning people” are more likely to anticipate problems and minimize them efficiently, which leads to more successful in the business world.
  • Early risers report using their morning quiet time for organization, goal-setting and planning out their days and weeks ahead.
  • Various studies have shown that morning people exhibit character traits like optimism, being agreeable, satisfaction and conscientiousness. Night owls, while linked with creativity and intelligence, are more likely to exhibit traits like depression, pessimism and being neurotic.

Early in my career, I studied successful people that I admired. I noticed they all had one trait in common: they got up early and had a morning routine. I decided if I was going to be successful, I needed to get up early and so I trained myself and I’ve been doing it ever since. Now, I’m an early bird. I beat my alarm. I’m up between 4:15 and 5:00 am every morning. The latest I’ll sleep is 6:00 am, even on the weekends.

My routine is not life-changing. It’s not magical or revolutionary. In fact, it’s pretty basic. But also, it’s been my routine for 10+ years. The key for me is getting up and getting out the door. I can’t stand hanging around the house. Sometimes I wish I was someone who could wake up and have a leisurely morning, but that’s just not my style. I’m hyper-focused on getting up, getting moving, and getting out the door.

1. BE GRATEFUL

Before my feet even touch the floor, I like to think about what I’m grateful for. It’s hard to have a bad day if you start off with what you are grateful for. Today I woke up and thought “Man, my mind is so fresh right now. I’m so focused.” So right away, I was grateful for that.

2. HYDRATE

Before I do anything else, I drink two big glasses of water. I chug it. It boosts my metabolism. And by this time, I’m wide awake.

3. EXERCISE

I  love going to the gym and I like to get there before everyone… mostly because I’m competitive. I like knowing that I’m already beating everybody. They’re all sleeping and I’m already awake and crushing it.

4. FUEL UP AND GET OUT

When I get home, I have a protein shake, I journal and then I head into the office. I like to get out of the house as fast as possible.

BONUS TIP

Regardless of your morning routine, look at your schedule and review everything you have on your calendar or to-do list for the next day. This will allow you to get a visual of what tomorrow looks like. That way, when you wake up, there are no surprises. You know exactly what you have going on and you can prepare and anticipate. If you don’t know when you have appointments and when you have breaks, you’re way less productive because you haven’t planned how you’re going to make the best use of your time.

When you look at your schedule the night before, you are more clear headed and can better fill your breaks with the little things that have to be done like…

  • Prospecting
  • Calling past clients
  • Calling VIP clients
  • Writing personal notes
  • Scheduling drinks with a vendor

Regardless of my morning routine, do whatever helps you to be 100 percent focused on the day ahead. Maybe you need a little Eye of the Tiger. Maybe you like to chillax and meditate. Create a routine that will help you maximize your productivity.

1. Referenced from Forbes Magazine: Top 10 Advantages Of Waking Up Early

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