If you do these 10 things before 7am, you’re more successful than 95% of people

by Lachlan Brown | September 22, 2025, 3:48 pm

They say how you spend your mornings sets the tone for your entire day. And for the most successful people, the early hours before 7am aren’t wasted—they’re invested.

While most of the world is still hitting snooze, they’re already building momentum, sharpening their minds, and making small but powerful choices that put them miles ahead.

Success doesn’t just happen by accident—it’s the product of consistent habits. And if you can master these 10 things before the sun is fully up, you’ll find yourself in the top 5% of people who live with focus, clarity, and purpose.

1) Early risers

The saying “the early bird catches the worm” isn’t just a cliché.

Successful people are often early risers. They wake up before the sun to take advantage of quiet hours when there are fewer distractions.

This early start gives them time to focus on their goals and plan their day effectively. It also allows them to tackle important tasks when their energy and concentration levels are at their peak.

Rising early isn’t about sacrificing sleep, but about adjusting your sleep schedule to maximize your productivity.

2) Exercise

I’ve always been someone who loves to hit the snooze button. But a few years ago, I decided to make a change. Instead of snuggling deeper into my blankets, I started lacing up my running shoes.

I began to start my day with a morning jog. At first, it was tough. I won’t deny that. But over time, it became a habit, an essential part of my morning routine.

This daily dose of exercise kickstarts my metabolism, boosts my mood and fills me with energy for the rest of the day. It’s like my morning coffee, but better.

Exercise doesn’t have to mean an intense gym session. It can be a brisk walk, yoga or even dancing to your favourite tunes in your living room. The key is to get your body moving and heart pumping.

3) Hydrate

Your body loses water while you sleep through respiration and perspiration. Starting your day with a glass of water helps replenish these losses, kickstart your metabolism and flush out toxins.

A study found that drinking about 17 ounces of water increases metabolic rate by 30% in healthy men and women. The maximum effect was reached 30 to 40 minutes after the subjects drank.

Before reaching for that morning coffee, grab a glass of water. It’s a simple habit that can have a big impact on your health and productivity.

4) Mindful eating

Have you ever found yourself halfway through a meal without even realizing it? It’s easy to let our minds wander, especially during breakfast when we’re planning the day ahead.

However, mindful eating—paying attention to the taste, texture and aroma of your food—can make a big difference. It helps you enjoy your food more, aids digestion and keeps overeating in check.

Successful people understand the importance of a nutritious, mindful breakfast. It fuels their body and mind for the day and sets them up for success.

5) Goal setting

Imagine starting your day without a clear plan. You’d probably end up drifting through tasks and, by the end of the day, you might feel like you haven’t accomplished anything.

This is where goal setting comes into play. Successful people take a few moments each morning to pinpoint their goals for the day.

Whether it’s closing a deal, finishing a report, or spending quality time with family, having clear objectives gives them focus and direction. They know what they need to do and can prioritize their tasks accordingly.

Consider making goal setting a part of your morning routine. It’s a game-changer that can help you stay organized, motivated and on track to success.

6) Gratitude

In the rush of our daily lives, it’s easy to overlook the good things we have. But taking a moment each morning to acknowledge what you’re grateful for can make a powerful difference.

Gratitude helps us see our life from a positive perspective. It reminds us of the abundance we have, rather than what we lack. It has been linked to improved mental and physical health, stronger relationships, and even better sleep.

Personally, I’ve found that starting my day with a sense of gratitude gives me a positive outlook that carries throughout the day. Even when things don’t go as planned, I’m able to keep my spirits high.

Whether it’s your family, your health, or simply the sunrise, take a moment each morning to appreciate something in your life. It’s a small act that can have a big impact on your overall well-being and success.

7) Meditation

For a long time, I struggled with stress and anxiety. I found it hard to relax, even when I wasn’t working. Then, I discovered meditation.

Starting my day with just a few minutes of stillness and deep breathing has made a significant difference. It helps me clear my mind, focus on the present moment, and face the day with calm and clarity.

Meditation doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. Just find a quiet spot, close your eyes, and focus on your breath. Even just a few minutes can make a difference.

This simple practice has been a game-changer for me, and it could be for you too. It’s a powerful tool for managing stress, improving focus, and boosting emotional well-being.

8) Digital detox

In our hyper-connected world, it’s easy to reach for our phone first thing in the morning. We check our emails, scroll through social media, and start responding to messages before we’ve even got out of bed.

But the most successful people do the opposite. They delay their digital engagement to spend the first part of their day in a more focused and mindful state.

By not rushing to check your devices, you give your mind space to breathe. You start your day on your own terms, rather than reacting to the demands of others. And you’ll likely find that you’re more productive and less stressed as a result.

Try it for a week: no screens for the first hour after you wake up. It might be challenging at first, but the benefits are worth it.

9) Learning

The world’s most successful people are lifelong learners. They understand that to stay ahead, they need to constantly acquire new knowledge and skills.

One way they do this is by dedicating a portion of their morning to learning. This could be reading a book, listening to a podcast, or even watching an educational video.

This habit does more than just increase knowledge. It stimulates the mind, sparks creativity, and can even improve memory and concentration.

Incorporating learning into your morning routine can give you a competitive edge. It keeps you updated, informed, and ready to tackle any challenge that comes your way.

10) Self-reflection

The path to success isn’t always straightforward. There will be victories, setbacks, and plenty of lessons along the way.

That’s why it’s crucial to take a moment each morning for self-reflection. This is a time to assess your progress, acknowledge your achievements, and consider what you can do better.

Self-reflection fosters self-awareness, an essential trait for any successful person. It allows you to understand your strengths, identify areas for improvement, and align your actions with your goals.

Taking the time each morning for self-reflection can give you the clarity and focus you need to keep moving forward on your journey to success.

Lachlan Brown

Lachlan Brown is an entrepreneur and co-founder of Brown Brothers Media, a digital publishing network reaching tens of millions of readers monthly. He holds a Graduate Diploma of Psychological Studies from Deakin University, though his real education came afterward: a warehouse job shifting TVs, a stretch of anxiety in his mid-twenties, and the slow discovery that studying the mind is not the same as learning how to live well. He started experimenting with Buddhist principles during breaks at the warehouse and eventually began writing about what he was learning. That writing became Hack Spirit, a widely read personal development site, and his book Hidden Secrets of Buddhism became a bestseller. His work breaks down complex ideas into frameworks people can apply immediately, whether they are navigating a career change, a difficult relationship, or the gap between knowing what to do and actually doing it. Lachlan splits his time between Singapore and Saigon. He writes about high-performance routines, decision-making under pressure, digital innovation, and the intersection of Eastern philosophy with modern life. His perspective comes from having built things from scratch, failed at some of them, and learned that clarity comes from practice, not theory.