10 things successful people do before breakfast every day

You wake up and instinctively reach for your phone.

You check emails, scroll through social media, or perhaps hit the snooze button once or twice.

Sound familiar?

While it might seem harmless, is this how successful people kick off their mornings?

From what I’ve seen, it’s not.

Successful individuals approach mornings differently.

They view these moments as a chance to establish the day’s tone, using this period to lay a foundation for success.

Here are the top 10 things successful people do before breakfast every day.

1) They wake up early

Ever heard the saying, “The early bird catches the worm”?

This rings true when it comes to successful people. They usually wake up before the sun does. 

In the serene hours of the morning, they can work without interruptions. From my observations, successful individuals truly value these moments.

They are more productive when the world is still asleep. It’s their secret to getting ahead of the game. If you’re not a morning person, it may be time to start practicing.

You might consider beginning this routine on weekends or days off, allowing for a midday power nap if needed.

2) They exercise

Before breakfast, successful people prioritize physical health. 

The truth is regular exercise helps them keep their bodies energized and minds sharp.

You may not be able to go to the gym every morning, but you can still start your day with some simple stretching or a brisk walk around the neighborhood. 

The idea is to get your body moving and your heart pumping. 

Often times we just focus on the physical benefits for your health but it is just as crucial for your productivity. I find myself more motivated and focused after a quick workout session in the morning! 

3) They meditate

After an early wake-up and some exercise, successful people turn to meditation. This helps them clear their minds, reduce stress, and increase their focus.

And don’t forget, the calm of the early morning is perfect for meditation. 

You can start with a few minutes and gradually increase your practice. 

Now, it is quite easy to underestimate the difficulty of meditation. You will struggle in the beginning, your mind will be active while you’re asking it to be relaxed.

Practice makes perfect, but remember, it’s not the perfection of the art of meditation that you’re looking for, but starting the journey and creating habits that will lead you to success. 

4) They review their goals

A defining trait of successful people? 

They’re go-getters, always driven by their aspirations.

But that’s not all, reminding themselves of what they are working towards helps them stay motivated and focused. 

These individuals keep their ambitions front and center. They not only set but continually review their goals before breakfast, serving as a powerful reminder of the path ahead. 

The practice of writing down goals is backed by strong evidence. 

Research by Dr. Gail Matthews reveals a 42% increase in goal achievement when they are written down. 

This simple act engages our brains differently, allowing us to form a deeper connection with our aspirations. 

Here’s some advice: If you haven’t begun, it’s time to jot down your goals. Bear in mind that goals evolve. Successful individuals regularly review and adapt them.

It’s a strategy your future self will appreciate.

5) They plan their day

After reviewing their goals, their next habit is to plan out the day. They pinpoint their top priorities and set a schedule for them.

By doing so, they ensure they’re making progress towards their goals. 

The truth is, it’s an effective way to manage their time and maximize their productivity. 

Have you tried planning your day the night before? 

Give it a go, it can be a game-changer. I used to rush out the door, unsure of what to expect, and end up feeling frazzled and stressed. 

Since adopting this habit, I now start my day calmly, with focus, and much less stress!

6) They learn something new

Successful people believe in lifelong learning and growth.

This could be reading a chapter of a book, watching an educational video, or listening to a podcast.

By the way, for successful people, mornings are the prime time for learning.

The goal here is not just learning for the sake of learning but to expand their horizon, get new ideas, and inspire their minds. 

And doing it first thing in the morning is a bonus – you’re fresh and ready to absorb useful information. 

So, perhaps it’s time to swap that morning social media scroll with some educational content.

At the end of the day, consider spending a few minutes reviewing what you’ve learned. This can give you a sense of achievement as you drift off to sleep.

7) They practice gratitude

Often, before their morning meal, successful individuals pause to practice gratitude.

Some incorporate it at the end of their meditation session. 

Regardless, by reminding themselves of life’s positives, this simple practice establishes a cheerful tone for the day ahead.

The truth is that practicing gratitude can significantly improve your mood and outlook on life.

It’s surprising how often we overlook the good things in our lives until we take the time to acknowledge them. 

8) They hydrate

The first thing successful individuals reach for in the morning? Water.

Hydration after a long night’s sleep is vital to kickstart their metabolism and to help their bodies function properly.

Drinking water also helps in flushing out toxins and revitalizing the body. 

So, consider swapping your morning coffee for a glass of water; your body will be grateful.

9) They spend quality time with loved ones

That’s right.

Despite their busy schedules, successful people make it a point to spend quality time with their loved ones before starting their day. 

This strengthens their relationships and gives them a sense of belonging. It’s a reminder of their ‘why’ and what they are working for.

More often than not, it’s as simple as enjoying breakfast together or sharing a morning coffee while watching the sunrise. 

This strengthens their relationships and gives them a sense of belonging.

10) They visualize success

And finally, before breakfast, successful individuals pause to visualize their achievements. Imagining the realization of their goals and the associated feelings keeps them both motivated and focused.

But that’s not all, they also visualize the issues they may encounter throughout the day and how they could solve them. This is a very Stoic practice. 

Visualizing success is a powerful tool that can help you stay on track and keep your eyes on the prize. 

Why not try to start envisioning your own success from now on? 

And there you have it. The 10 things successful people do before breakfast every day. 

These habits are not secrets, but simple disciplines practiced consistently. They set the tone for the day and ultimately, for a successful life.

So, which of these habits are you willing to incorporate into your morning routine? 

Just remember to not overhaul your entire life overnight. 

Start small, be consistent, and you’ll start seeing results sooner than you think.