7 choices you make before 9am that determine if your day goes well

Every morning is a fresh start, a new chance to shape your day.

It’s surprising how the choices we make before 9am can set the tone for the hours that follow.

You may not realise it, but the decisions you make during those early hours, from the moment the alarm buzzes, can have a significant impact on whether your day is productive, enjoyable, and stress-free—or quite the opposite.

In my experience, it boils down to seven crucial choices that can make or break your day.

If you’re curious about how to set your day up for success before you’ve even finished your morning coffee, keep reading. This is all about making purposeful choices to get the most out of your day:

1) Wake up early

Rise and shine! The choice to wake up early can significantly influence how your day goes.

You’d be surprised how much of a difference a bit of quiet, uninterrupted time in the morning can make.

It’s the perfect opportunity to set your intentions for the day, maybe do a bit of reading or exercise, or even get a head start on your to-do list.

I’ve found that waking up early allows me to start my day at a relaxed pace, instead of rushing around trying to get ready and out the door. It’s a small decision that has a big impact on my mood and productivity throughout the day.

Waking up early doesn’t mean sacrificing sleep—it means adjusting your bedtime to ensure you’re still getting the rest you need.

After all, a well-rested mind is a productive mind.

2) Healthy breakfast

The choice to have a healthy breakfast can set the tone for your entire day.

I’ve learned this the hard way: There were days when I would skip breakfast or grab something quick and sugary on the go, and by mid-morning, I’d be feeling sluggish and unable to concentrate.

Then, I started making the choice to have a balanced breakfast. Now, I usually go for something rich in protein and fibre, like a bowl of oatmeal with fruits or eggs on whole grain toast.

Since making this change, I’ve noticed that I not only feel more energised, but my focus has improved significantly.

Bottom line? Don’t underestimate the power of a good breakfast!

3) Planning your day

Here’s something you might not know: The human brain is incredibly active first thing in the morning, and it’s during this time that it’s most capable of critical thinking and problem solving.

That makes the morning the perfect time to plan your day. Taking a few minutes to jot down your tasks and priorities can help you stay organised and focused.

Whether it’s a mental checklist or a detailed to-do list on your phone, planning your day can help you manage your time effectively. It ensures that you’re not just reacting to what comes up, but proactively shaping your day.

The real magic happens when you start ticking things off your list. There’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of seeing your progress throughout the day.

4) Mindfulness practice

Integrating mindfulness into your morning routine can be a game-changer.

This could be a few minutes of meditation, some deep breathing exercises or simply sitting quietly with your morning coffee.

Mindfulness helps to centre your thoughts and sets a calm, focused tone for the day.

It’s about being present in the moment and starting your day with a clear, relaxed mind.

Remember, it doesn’t have to be a long, drawn-out process.

Even just five minutes can make a difference—it’s about quality, not quantity.

Why not give it a try tomorrow morning? You might be surprised at the impact it has on the rest of your day!

5) Avoiding technology

This one was a tough choice for me to make, especially as someone who works in a field heavily reliant on technology.

However, I’ve learned that avoiding screens for the first hour after I wake up has been incredibly beneficial.

Initially, I found myself instinctively reaching for my phone the moment my alarm went off, checking emails and social media notifications but this habit often left me feeling stressed and overwhelmed, even before my day had properly started.

I made a conscious decision to spend the first hour of my day tech-free. Instead, I use this time to enjoy my breakfast, plan my day or simply sit in silence.

This small change has made a massive difference in my emotional well-being and focus throughout the day.

6) Physical activity

Getting your body moving in the morning can be a powerful way to kick-start your day.

The benefits of morning exercise are numerous, from boosting your energy levels to enhancing your mood and focus.

This might mean going for a quick jog around the block, doing a yoga routine, or even just stretching for a few minutes.

What matters is that you’re getting your blood flowing and releasing those feel-good endorphins.

You’re not training for an Olympic event here; the goal is to wake up your body and mind, not exhaust yourself.

Find a form of physical activity that you enjoy and make it a part of your morning routine—your body and mind will thank you for it.

7) Positive affirmations

This might seem simple, but don’t underestimate the power of positive affirmations.

Words have the power to shape our reality. Starting your day with a positive affirmation can help you cultivate an optimistic mindset and overcome challenges with more resilience.

It’s about consciously choosing the thoughts you want to guide your day.

This could be as simple as saying to yourself, “Today is going to be a great day,” or something more specific like, “I am capable and ready to tackle any challenges that come my way.”

The key is to make it personal and meaningful to you. Your morning affirmation should resonate with your goals and aspirations.

It’s a powerful tool to set yourself up for success every day.

Final thoughts: It’s all about intention

The choices we make in the early hours of the day have profound effects on our mood, productivity, and overall well-being.

The beauty of this is that it’s all within our control: We can decide to wake up early, eat a healthy breakfast, plan our day, practice mindfulness, avoid technology, engage in physical activity, and affirm positivity.

These choices might seem small, but their cumulative effect can be transformative.

They can turn an ordinary day into an extraordinary one.

It’s all about setting an intention for your day and following through with it. Every sunrise offers a new opportunity to make choices that serve you best.

Tomorrow morning, why not choose to set the tone for a great day?