7 Things Successful People Do
First Thing in the Morning

Not a morning person? You don't technically have to spring out bed, all bright eyed and bushy tailed to get the most out of your morning. But you should follow in the footsteps of successful overachievers if you want to ensure your days are productive. And those footsteps start by making the most of the morning while everyone else is groggy and unproductive.

Set That Alarm

Achievers don't waste time hitting the snooze button. Titans of industry such as Apple's Tim Cook, Virgin's Richard Branson and Disney's Bob Iger are all notoriously early risers. That's because they know if you want to stay ahead of the curve, you've got to get a head start on the day and there isn't a second to lose.

Get Moving

Those same men all get their exercise in for the day before heading into work. Not only does that ensure that the workouts don't get pushed aside during a busy day, it also provides them a healthy boost to start their days. And research supports the extra effort. A study conducted by the University of Bristol found that people who exercised during their workday had more energy and a more positive outlook, both of which come in handy for getting things done.

Create a Meditative Ritual

You don't have to sit on a pillow and chant for an hour. You can reap similar benefits with just a few minutes of quiet, mindful breathing. You can do it before hopping in the shower. Or while you're preparing your coffee or tea. Or while jotting down a few things for which you are grateful. Focus on inhaling for four counts and exhaling for four counts as your mind settles and your body releases any panic about the day ahead. You're not solving problems now. You're creating space for open thought and creativity later on.

Set Your Goals

Benjamin Franklin was obsessive about planning his days. Each morning, he would wake up, asking himself "What good shall I do this day?" and then meticulously piece together a schedule. Setting your intentions for the day will help you identify your priorities and it makes you more likely to achieve your goals.

Catch Up on News

Successful people tend to be curious by nature. So in the morning, they want to know about the world in which they're waking up. They want to keep tabs on what's going on so that they know if and how such news might affect their business and how they can develop solutions to make the world a better place. Reading the news each morning also ensures they know what people might be talking about at the office.

Tackle the Tough Stuff First

Even though it can be tempting to tackle a few quick and easy items on your to-do list first, successful people know the the quiet hours of the morning make for the ideal time to focus on an important work project without being interrupted. What's more, spending time on it at the beginning of your day ensures that it gets your attention before other things—be it an unexpected meeting, a sit-down with the boss or something with your family—demand it.

Eat and Drink Well

Seems simple enough, but a nourished body and mind can do great things. You don't have to sit down to a full breakfast, but if you fuel your body in the morning, you'll be less stressed, more alert and, of course, you won't be distracted by a growling stomach come 10 o'clock. You should also aim to drink around three glasses of water before lunch.