Have you ever wondered how some of the most successful people in the world start their days? Do they have extreme habits or simple morning routines? Today, I want to share some of the routines that these people do, how they can help and motivate you to get started!
When I started my online business 13 years ago, I wanted to be highly successful (who doesn’t?) and follow in the footsteps of some high-profile entrepreneurs. To this day, I still do many of the things listed below and one I tried and absolutely could not continue!
Let’s dive in.
9 simple morning routines from peak performers
I love how simple these things are, and also the fact that everyone can do these. You don’t have to be rich or famous to incorporate any of these simple morning routines into your daily plan.
All you need is motivation, consistency and determination to be the best version of you and live a happy and successful life – whatever that looks like to you.
1. Wake Up Early and Consistently
Tim Cook “I like to get up early… I get up at 3:45, and I like to work out.”
While that may be a tad too early for some, getting in your workout first thing in the morning is a great way to start your day and get your blood flowing! I tried the Robin Sharma get up at 5 am thing, and it was brutal. I barely lasted one week doing that.
Sorry Robin, I need my sleep!
Why it boosts productivity: Early rising gives you quiet, distraction-free time to build momentum. It aligns with natural circadian rhythms, improves focus, and creates a sense of control.
2. Hydrate Immediately (Water Before Coffee)
Arianna Huffington starts with hot water and lemon to rehydrate and set a calm tone.
I always start my day with a glass of water (and my HRT), and sometimes I add a capful of ACV to my water (if I remember).
Why it boosts productivity: Overnight dehydration impairs cognition and energy. Rehydrating immediately restores alertness and prevents fatigue.
3. Move Your Body (Exercise or Light Activity)
Oprah Winfrey “I’ll do 20 minutes on the elliptical and 30 minutes walking on the treadmill… And then I do sit-ups.” You go, girl!!
Getting in daily exercise is great for your physical and mental health. Every successful person will tell you they exercise regularly, and it’s usually part of their simple morning routines.
Why it boosts productivity: Morning movement increases blood flow, releases endorphins, and elevates focus and mood for hours.
4. Practice Mindfulness or Meditation
Arianna Huffington “A big part of my morning ritual is about what I don’t do… I take a minute to breathe deeply, be grateful, and set my intention.”
I spend 30 minutes every morning with meditation from Insight Timer or listening to prayers. These really set the tone for my day to be spent in gratitude and with a calm mind and spirit.
Why it boosts productivity: It reduces stress, sharpens emotional control, and improves concentration before the day’s demands hit.
5. Plan and Prioritize the Day
Bill Gates: “Only through focus can you do world-class things, no matter how capable you are.”
Preach, Bill!! Focus is key to having a successful life, or even a successful day! I like to write out all the things I need to do each day so it keeps me organized and focused. I check them off as I complete them. If I didn’t get to them, they go on the list for the next day.
Why it boosts productivity: Setting priorities early prevents decision fatigue and keeps you on high-impact work.
6. Avoid Screens and Email for the First 30-60 Minutes
Jeff Bezos avoids his phone for the first hour to preserve energy and focus.
I stay off Facebook, Insta, everything in the morning. NO social media for me or work stuff until I’m ready to sit at the comp and work.
Why it boosts productivity: Delaying screens stops reactive mode and protects creative energy.
7. Read, Learn, or Consume Inspiring Content
Robin Sharma “20 minutes of growing… because I think we’re most alive when we are growing.” (Part of his 20/20/20 morning formula: move, reflect, grow via reading)
My mind, for some reason, can’t read in the morning. This is one of the things in these simple morning routines that I just can’t do.
Why it boosts productivity: Morning reading (when the mind is fresh) sparks ideas, reduces stress, builds knowledge, and improves problem-solving all day.
8. Eat a Nutrient-Dense Breakfast (or Time It Right)
Richard Branson “Then I eat breakfast and spend time with my family. Exercise and family time put me in a great mind frame before getting down to business.”
I practice intermittent fasting, so I don’t eat breakfast until around 11 or so every day. But I don’t skip breakfast, and it’s always a very healthy one.
Why it boosts productivity: Stable blood sugar from smart fueling sustains energy and avoids focus-killing crashes.
9. Journal or Reflect (Gratitude + Goals)
Tim Ferriss “Morning pages are… ‘spiritual windshield wipers.’ It’s the most cost-effective therapy I’ve ever found.”
I love that phrase, spiritual windshield wipers. I journal every morning, and mine is gratitude. I thank God every single day for giving me life and keeping me blessed and safe.
Why it boosts productivity: Reflection clears mental clutter, reinforces goals, and sets a purposeful tone.
Final Thoughts on Simple Morning Routines
Do you already do some of these things? I practice almost all of them except the reading one. While I may not be a billionaire like some of these highly successful people, I am proud of myself for accomplishing as much as I have at 63 years old with little education.
I take notes from these peak performers!
I’d love for you to check out my YouTube channel, one more thing I’m proud of and my new collection of cute mugs over on my Fourthwall store!
