Success Advice
5 Habits That The Super Successful Have Before Sunrise
There’s something about the morning that makes it so special… maybe it’s the promise of a new day.
Maybe it’s the chill in the air, the darkness in the sky, or the uncommon silence.
Whatever the reason, one thing is for sure. The morning is a make or break moment for your day, and the problem is, you probably don’t even realize it.
If you were to go through history, and pick apart the routines of the most wildly successful people, you’ll quickly realize that the vast majority of them all have one thing in common.
They have very specific morning habits that set them up for a successful day.
And the good news, you have the ability to create those exact same habits. And hopefully, find similar success. So let’s explore the five habits successful people practice before sunrise.
Habit #1: Journaling
Journaling is something that’s been around for over 11 centuries. The only way something sticks around for that long is if it’s serving a purpose.
Countless super successful, entrepreneurs, politicians and celebrities have talked about their extensive use of journaling. And there’s a reason why it’s so popular among the uber successful.
Journaling gives you the opportunity to clarify your thoughts. When you feel overwhelmed by your emotions and feel that your mind is moving at a thousand miles an hour, in a thousand different directions, the journal gives clarity.
And once you have clarity, you act with more precision and take more meaningful action.
Habit #2: Exercise
Barack Obama has stated on several occasions how important his morning exercise is, often times waking up with his wife at 4:30am to squeeze in a workout.
Regardless of your political affiliation, I think we can both agree that becoming President of the United States qualifies you as somewhat of a success.
Exercising in the morning gives you the energy boost you need to not only make it through the day, but to do it in the most productive way possible. It’s been proven that exercise increases both your focus and cognitive performance for any difficult task you might face during the day.
With a beefed up brain (and biceps) you’ll have an unfair advantage of whatever obstacles are sent your way.
Habit #3: Identify Your “Big Wins” For the Day
Being busy doesn’t equal being productive. But unfortunately, so many people mistake having a full calendar with doing things that actually matter.
How many times have you laid down at night, exhausted from all the stuff you did, but still feeling unfulfilled because none of the “stuff” you did was important? You just woke up, and started working without any real plan of what you should be working on.
When you wake up in the morning, before you do anything else, you need to figure out WHAT it is you should be doing. What are the three to four things, that if you got done, would provide the most value in your life? What few things would move the needle the most?
The trick is, you have to answer this question on a consistent basis.
That’s what separates the successful from the average.
Habit #4: Rising Early
Does it still count as a morning habit if it happens at 11:59am? To get the most out of the other habits on this list, you have to get them done early. Before the rest of the world starts begging for your attention, asking you to read this, watch that, like this, tweet that.
Getting an early start to your day gives you a chance to calibrate your day and perform the other habits that will set up the rest of your day.
Bob Iger, CEO of Disney, is also known for waking up at 4:30am to just get enjoy a little quiet time alone. It’s a time he uses to recharge his batteries and clear his mind.
Like I said, there’s something magical about the morning.
Habit #5: Meditation
You probably already know all about the benefits that meditation brings; reduced stress, increased self-awareness, regulates emotions, regulates attention, strengthens willpower, etc.
If you could focus in on just one of those benefits at the beginning of your day, you’ll dramatically increase your chances for having a day where you get important things done and overcome big obstacles, all while keeping a cool, calm, mental focus.
If you want to set a goal to create these habits in your own life, then pick up my free guide on how to set goals that stick.
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James
Feb 12, 2015 at 5:43 pm
As they say the early bird catches the worm and to kick that early day of with a bit of exercise makes all the difference, thanks for the article
Andrea Gerak
Nov 25, 2014 at 1:06 am
Hi Tony, indeed it’s awesome, I would so love to get up early.
I have asked this at several places but got no answer yet: I got up at 5am and LOVED it, it was fantastic, I was very productive and happy – but only for a few days, physically couldn’t do it longer. I am a singer, which means most often I work way late into the night, therefore going to bed around 9-10pm simply impossible. Even if I manage to go to bed at midnight, that still gives me only 5 hours of sleep, which is way too little. Then taking a 2-3-hour nap in the middle of the day, I would feel it’s a waste of time, when the sun is up, beautiful and warm.
Any suggestions of how to deal with this?
Mike
Nov 2, 2014 at 2:13 am
You just cant beat getting up before everyone else and getting a head start. What did Ol’ Ben Franklin say? “Early to bed and early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise.”
tumelo
Aug 20, 2014 at 1:04 pm
now i know why i have achieved nothing. its time to start living
Addicted 2 the grind
Aug 12, 2014 at 3:06 am
Great Article . We appreciate your work
Mustafa Gaziani
Aug 8, 2014 at 12:02 pm
Hey tony,
Just a single word for this article “Fantastic”. I agree with all 5 habits and if anyone continuously follow these habits that there will be no doubt not to achieve success.
“wake up early and do hard work daily” is the best technique to success.
Rob
Aug 6, 2014 at 7:11 pm
Hey Tony great post. What is your prefence regarding Breakfast? Eat at all or are you with the Intermitted fasting?
TJ
Aug 4, 2014 at 12:50 am
Great article. I had to share this. I really have to tighten up a couple of these myself.
Agnieszka Richard
Aug 2, 2014 at 1:00 pm
This make a lots of sense. Most my mornings I will sit outside with my coffee and just absorb the peace and clear my mind. After that I usually tend to plan my day at work to which changes always happen. Thanks
Leo
Aug 1, 2014 at 3:59 am
The first few days of working out in the morning are tough. That’s why not many people do it, because it’s not easy getting into the habit of doing so. Once you stick out that first week, then the first month, it just gets easier and easier every day. That’s the secret to it.
ERICK WERE
Aug 1, 2014 at 3:08 am
That is awesomely true. I enjoyed the post. Good job.
Vince Skolny
Aug 3, 2014 at 5:16 pm
These are all worthwhile things to do but Point 4 is logically invalid and tends toward obnoxious imposition of preferences on others. If Ralph gets up at 11:00 and engages a morning routine, he’s no more harried by the world than Harry who was up at 4:00.
It’s a faulty assumption to imagine Ralph’s 11:00 must match Harry’s.
Phil Janecic
Jul 31, 2014 at 6:17 pm
You are on point with everything. Just rising early increases my motivation and energy a LOT.
I switch out regular journaling for writing down my dreams. It doesn’t take much effort but since your dreams combine your experiences, thoughts and desires, it’s great to start the day by deciphering your mind.
I follow it up with exercise and studying a new language. I used to meditate first thing in the morning but found that decluttering my thoughts mid-day and before bed works much better for me.
Tony
Aug 1, 2014 at 4:04 am
Wow Phil, seems like you’ve got a pretty tight routine. My morning routine is usually in flux, but right now I start my day with writing. I exercise at various times, but I was just telling myself that I want to start working it into my daily routine as well.
Matt
Jul 31, 2014 at 3:58 pm
Great article. I actually already practice some of these habits like getting up early and exercising. No better way to start your day than with exercise and there is no line at starbucks at that time either…!
I will be adding the other to my daily routine.
Thanks
Tony
Aug 1, 2014 at 4:03 am
Hey Matt! I’m happy to know I could add some value to your routine. Thanks for sharing!
Samuel Eaves
Jul 31, 2014 at 8:41 am
Oh I do rise early but all the time I have for is to drink a lot of coffee before going to work. I will however try the journaling seems like a very good idea.
Tony
Aug 1, 2014 at 4:02 am
Hey Samuel! Yeah, I journal throughout the day, but starting your day off with writing is good because it lets you reflect on the previous day, and the plan the coming day. Let me know how it goes!
lordvito9
Jul 31, 2014 at 8:38 am
Great article!! Some really good tips!
Sid
Jul 30, 2014 at 12:29 pm
thanks!
Tony
Aug 1, 2014 at 4:01 am
Glad you liked it Sid!
Dan Western
Jul 30, 2014 at 11:48 am
These are some great habits Tony. Exercise in the morning is something I’m currently leaning towards. I work out in the evenings normally, but might try the mornings and see if I find it better. Cheers dude!
Tony
Jul 30, 2014 at 1:06 pm
Hey Dan!
Yes, morning exercise is just a great way to start your day. I can’t always work out in the morning either, but when I do, I just feel like I have more energy for the rest of the day. Thanks for reading.