9 things high achievers do before 9 am every day

There’s a world of difference between high achievers and the rest of us.

It all boils down to routine. High achievers have a knack for maximizing their mornings, often doing things before 9 am that others wouldn’t dream of tackling until lunchtime.

Let me tell you, it’s not about being a morning person or having superhuman powers. It’s more about taking control of your day and setting the stage for success.

In this piece, I’ll share 9 things high achievers do before 9 am every day.

And who knows? You might pick up a few habits that’ll propel you towards your own achievements. 

Let’s get started. 

1) Wake up early

You’ve probably heard it a thousand times, but it’s worth repeating. High achievers are early risers.

Now, I’m not saying they’re waking up at 4 am every day. But more often than not, they’re up and about before the sun has even had a chance to peek over the horizon.

Why? Because it allows them to get a head start on their day. It’s a quiet time when there are fewer distractions, allowing them to focus on what matters most.

In fact, research has shown that early risers are more proactive and more likely to anticipate problems and minimize them efficiently.

So if you’re keen on joining the ranks of high achievers, consider setting that alarm clock just a little bit earlier.

It might take some getting used to, but the benefits are worth it.

Being an early bird isn’t about sacrificing sleep. It’s about adjusting your sleep schedule to fit your goals.

2) Exercise

I’ll be honest, I wasn’t always a fan of early morning workouts. The thought of lacing up my running shoes or hitting the yoga mat while it was still dark outside seemed like a punishment.

But then I read about how many high achievers incorporate exercise into their morning routine, and I decided to give it a shot.

Now, I can’t imagine starting my day any other way.

The moment I finish my morning run, I feel energized, alert, and ready to tackle whatever comes my way.

It’s as if the exercise clears up any mental fog and sets a positive tone for the rest of the day.

And science backs this up. Regular physical activity in the morning can boost your mood, improve your concentration and enhance your overall mental health.

So whether it’s a brisk walk, a quick HIIT session or some calming yoga stretches, find a form of exercise that you enjoy and make it a part of your morning routine. Trust me, your body and mind will thank you for it.

3) Eat a nutritious breakfast

High achievers understand that breakfast is truly the most important meal of the day.

A balanced meal in the morning provides the fuel your body and brain need to function effectively.

 It’s why you’ll often see high achievers opting for protein-rich eggs, whole grains, fruits, and other nutrient-dense foods to kick start their day.

So, before you rush out the door with just a cup of coffee in hand, consider giving your body the morning boost it needs with a healthy and hearty breakfast.

4) Prioritize their day

High achievers don’t just stumble upon success – they strategize for it. And this starts first thing in the morning.

Many successful individuals swear by the practice of planning and prioritizing their day before they even get to work. This could involve creating a to-do list, identifying the most important tasks (MITs), and setting clear, achievable goals for the day.

This morning ritual helps them stay focused and organized, ensuring they use their time efficiently and effectively. It also provides a sense of control and direction, reducing stress and enhancing productivity.

If you often find yourself overwhelmed with tasks or unsure where to start your day, take a page out of the high achievers’ book.

Spend a few minutes each morning setting your intentions and mapping out your day. It could make all the difference.

5) Practice mindfulness

In the midst of the morning hustle, high achievers make sure to carve out time for mindfulness. This could be meditation, journaling, or simply sitting quietly with a cup of tea.

Practicing mindfulness helps them stay grounded and present, which in turn boosts their overall productivity and effectiveness.

It’s a way to clear the mind, focus on the moment, and prepare for the day ahead.

In our fast-paced world, it can be easy to overlook the importance of stillness.

But taking just a few minutes each morning to quiet your mind can set a positive tone for your entire day.

So why not give it a try? You might be surprised by how much more centered and ready to take on the day you feel.

6) Connect with loved ones

Though it may seem surprising amidst all the talk of productivity and goal-setting, high achievers often start their day by connecting with the people they care about most.

Whether it’s a quick chat over breakfast, a morning walk with their partner, or a phone call to a distant loved one, they understand the importance of nurturing their relationships.

These moments of connection not only provide emotional support but also serve as a gentle reminder of what truly matters in life.

It’s easy to get caught up in the pursuit of success and lose sight of the people who make our lives meaningful.

So amidst your morning routines, don’t forget to make some room for love and connection.

Not only will it warm your heart, but it might also provide you with the motivation you need to conquer your day.

7) Embrace learning

I’ve always been an avid reader, so this was a habit I was more than happy to adopt. High achievers often dedicate a portion of their morning to learning something new. This could be reading a book, listening to a podcast, or even watching a TED Talk.

It’s about staying curious and continually expanding your knowledge. After all, the world is constantly evolving, and it’s important to keep up.

And the beauty of learning is that it doesn’t have to be directly related to your work or goals. Sometimes, the most insightful ideas come from the most unexpected places.

So whether you’re passionate about history, science, art, or anything in between, take some time each morning to feed your mind. You won’t regret it.

8) Avoid technology

One habit that sets high achievers apart is their ability to resist the allure of technology first thing in the morning.

Instead of reaching for their phones or laptops as soon as they wake up, they focus on more mindful practices like exercising, meditating, or planning their day.

This digital detox helps them start their day on a positive note, free from the stresses and distractions that emails, social media, and news alerts can bring.

Give it a shot. Try keeping your devices out of reach until you’ve completed your morning routine. You might find that you start your day feeling more focused and less stressed.

9) Practice gratitude

Without a doubt, the one habit all high achievers share is a daily practice of gratitude.

Before they dive into their day, they take a moment to reflect on what they’re thankful for.

This simple act of acknowledging the good in their lives helps them maintain a positive outlook, boosts their mood, and provides a sense of perspective.

So, begin your day with a thankful heart. It’s a small habit that can make a big difference.

Final thought: The power of routine

When you delve into the lives of high achievers, one thing becomes crystal clear: the power of routine.

These pre-9 am habits aren’t just arbitrary actions. They’re intentional practices, carefully selected to set the stage for a successful day, a successful week, and ultimately, a successful life.

Harvard Business School professor Michael Porter once said, “Strategy is about making choices, trade-offs; it’s about deliberately choosing to be different.”

High achievers choose to wake up early. They choose to exercise, to eat a nutritious breakfast, to plan their day. They choose mindfulness over chaos, connection over isolation, learning over stagnation. They choose to avoid unnecessary distractions and embrace gratitude.

And these choices aren’t always easy. But they understand that these daily practices are what set them apart from the rest.

So as you reflect on these habits of high achievers, remember that it’s not about doing everything perfectly. It’s about making conscious choices each morning that align with your goals and values. Because at the end of the day, it’s these small but consistent actions that pave the path to success.