What separates the hyper-successful among us from everyone else?

Well, it starts with the start of their day. From the moment successful people open their eyes, they’re already setting the tone for a day filled with productivity and accomplishment.

Today, we dive into four key ways successful people get their days off to the right start. 

Whether you’re an ambitious entrepreneur, a driven professional, or simply someone seeking to add a bit more productivity and success to your life, these methods could be the missing puzzle piece in your daily routine.

01 They rise early (like really early)

This one should come as no surprise. 

The adage “the early bird catches the worm” holds more truth than you might think, especially when it comes to the routines of the ultra-successful.

Skeptical? 

According to The Independent, those at the pinnacle of productivity don’t waste any time in the morning:

• Tim Cook of Apple starts his day while most of us are still in deep sleep, at 3:45 a.m.
• Jack Dorsey, the mind behind Square and ex-CEO of Twitter, is up and at ’em by 5:30 a.m.
• Power couple Michelle Obama and Disney’s Bob Iger both are early risers, waking at 4:30 a.m.
• Richard Branson of Virgin Group hits the ground running at 5:45 a.m.

Comparing these early wake-up calls to the U.S. national average of rising at 7:30 a.m., it’s evident there’s a pattern that successful individuals tend to follow.

While waking up early is a step in the right direction, coupling this habit with the following activity can significantly amplify its benefits.

02 They get moving

Leaders at the forefront of their fields are well aware that a keen intellect is complemented by physical well-being. Hence, they initiate their mornings with some form of exercise.

It’s no secret among the circles of the accomplished that morning workouts — whether it involves a brisk 5K run, a session with the weights, or a refreshing swim — are a staple.

But you needn’t take just my word for it; the trend extends broadly among those at the peak of success. For instance:

• Apple’s Tim Cook is not just an early riser but dedicates the early hours to his physical health, hitting the gym around 5 a.m. after an initial hour of tackling emails. Cook credits his exercise routine as a crucial stress management tool.
• Jocko Willink, esteemed for his Navy SEAL background and now an influential author and podcaster, sticks to an unwavering morning regimen. He’s up between 4:30 and 4:45 a.m., starting his day with an invigorating workout.
• Entrepreneur Richard Branson  engages in various physical activities like tennis, cycling, running, or kitesurfing, attributing his high productivity levels to these morning exercises.

If you haven’t yet made morning exercise a part of your routine, perhaps it’s time to shake off the sleep and step into action!

03 They set clear goals for the day

“Setting goals is the first step in turning the invisible into the visible.” This wisdom from Tony Robbins rings especially true for those at the zenith of achievement.

These individuals don’t meander through their day on autopilot. They start with a clear vision of what they aim to achieve, setting a deliberate direction for their daily endeavors.

Establishing precise intentions each morning isn’t just about ticking boxes on a to-do list; it’s about crafting a mental blueprint for the day ahead. This clarity acts like a compass, guiding efforts and ensuring that every action is a step towards a defined objective. It’s akin to having a detailed map for your day’s journey, providing both direction and a measure of progress.

So, ask yourself, do you wake with a sense of purpose, ready to tackle the day with defined goals? Or do you let the day unfold randomly, reacting rather than acting with intent?

Adopting this practice of setting clear daily goals can transform an ordinary day into a productive and purposeful one, steering you closer to your broader ambitions with each sunrise.