Morning routine habits are my jam, but let’s be real—I’m a hot mess most days. Sitting here in my tiny Seattle apartment, the rain’s tapping the window like it’s got a personal vendetta, and my coffee’s already cold because I forgot it on the counter. Again. Successful people, though? They’ve got this morning thing down. I’ve been chasing their vibe for years, picking up scraps of their wisdom while spilling oatmeal on my laptop. Here’s my raw, slightly embarrassing take on the seven morning routine habits of highly successful people, straight from my chaotic American life.
Why Morning Routine Habits Are My Obsession
I used to think mornings were just for surviving. Like, roll outta bed, chug coffee, pray I don’t trip over my dog, Luna, on the way to the shower. But then I read about folks like Oprah Winfrey and Tim Ferriss, who treat mornings like a sacred ritual. It hit me: morning routine habits aren’t just about waking up—they’re about setting the tone for crushing it. I tried copying them, and let’s just say my first attempt at meditating ended with me snoring on the couch. Still, I’m learning, and these habits? They’re gold.
Habit 1: Wake Up Stupid Early (Like, Why Early)
Successful people are up before the sun, and I’m over here wondering if 5 a.m. is a myth. I tried it last week, set my alarm for 4:45, and accidentally knocked my phone into a glass of water. Classic me. But there’s something about that quiet, pre-dawn hush—like the world’s holding its breath. Harvard Business Review says early risers get a head start on focus. My tip? Keep your phone across the room so you have to get up. Also, maybe don’t keep water nearby.
- My fail: Overslept and missed my 5 a.m. yoga class. Luna licked my face at 7:30 instead.
- Pro move: Set a gentle alarm (I use birds chirping, it’s less jarring) and prep your coffee maker the night before.
Habit 2: Hydrate Like You’re a Plant
Every successful person I’ve stalked—er, researched—chugs water first thing. Not coffee, not Red Bull, but plain ol’ H2O. I tried this after reading Healthline’s take on hydration, and I’ll admit, chugging a glass of water at 6 a.m. feels like a mini-rebellion against my coffee addiction. My kitchen sink’s got this weird drip, so I fill my glass and pretend I’m at a fancy spa. Spoiler: It’s not fancy. It’s just Seattle tap water.
- Why it works: Hydrates your brain, kicks your metabolism into gear.
- My goof: Spilled water on my journal. Now my “gratitude list” looks like abstract art.
Habit 3: Move Your Body, Even If It Hates You Morning Routine Habits
Whether it’s yoga, running, or dancing like nobody’s watching (spoiler: Luna’s always watching), successful people move. I tried jogging around my neighborhood, but the Seattle hills? Brutal. I ended up walking and pretending I meant to. Mayo Clinic says morning exercise boosts mood and focus. I’m not there yet, but I do some stretches while Luna stares judgmentally.
Habit 4: Journaling (Or Doodling Your Existential Crisis)
Journaling’s huge for successful folks. They write gratitude lists, goals, or just brain-dump. I started this after reading about Bullet Journaling, and y’all, my journal’s a mess—coffee stains, random doodles of Luna, half-finished thoughts. But it clears my head. Sitting at my wobbly kitchen table, with the neighbor’s lawnmower buzzing, I scribble and feel slightly less chaotic.
- My tip: Don’t aim for perfect. Scribble one thing you’re grateful for, even if it’s just “coffee exists.”
- My fail: Wrote “buy dog food” instead of a deep thought. Progress, not perfection.
Habit 5: Meditate (Or At Least Try Not to Check X)
Meditation’s the darling of morning routine habits. Headspace swears it rewires your brain for calm. I tried it, but my brain’s like, “Yo, did you pay the electric bill?” while I’m sitting cross-legged on my rug, which smells faintly of dog. Still, even five minutes of breathing makes me feel like I’ve got my life together. Kinda.
- Pro tip: Use an app, but hide your phone after so you don’t doomscroll on X.
- My goof: Fell asleep mid-meditation. Woke up with rug imprints on my face.
Habit 6: Plan Your Day Like a Boss Morning Routine Habits
Successful people don’t wing it. They plan. I got a cheap planner from Target, and now I’m obsessed with checking boxes. My desk’s a disaster—pens, sticky notes, a random sock (why is it always socks?)—but writing my to-do list feels like I’m adulting hard. Forbes says planning the night before saves morning brainpower. I’m trying, okay?
Habit 7: Eat Something That Won’t Kill You Later Morning Routine Habits
Successful people don’t scarf Pop-Tarts (guilty). They eat real food—avocado toast, smoothies, whatever’s trending on Bon Appétit. I tried making a smoothie, but my blender sounds like a dying lawnmower, and I got spinach in my hair. Still, starting with something green makes me feel like I’m winning at morning routine habits, even if I’m wiping kale off my counter.
- My hack: Prep ingredients the night before. Less morning stress.
- My fail: Ate cereal out of a mug because all my bowls were dirty. Send help.
Wrapping Up My Morning Routine Habits Journey
Look, I’m no Oprah, and my mornings are still a circus. But these morning routine habits? They’re like little anchors keeping me from floating into chaos. I’m sitting here, rain still drumming, Luna snoring on the couch, and I’m kinda proud I’ve stuck with this. If I can do it—coffee spills, dog hair, and all—you can too. Try one habit. Just one. Maybe don’t start with the 5 a.m. wakeup, though. Ease into it.
