9 things unsuccessful people do at the start of every day

There’s a stark contrast between habits that lead to success and those that don’t.

It all starts with how you begin your day. Unsuccessful people often fall into bad habits right from the moment they wake up.

These habits can have a significant impact on the rest of their day, and ultimately, their lives. After all, our habits define us.

In this article, I’ll be sharing the 9 things unsuccessful people do at the start of every day. By highlighting these pitfalls, my aim is to help you avoid them and set your day up for success instead.

1) Hitting the snooze button

Have you ever heard the saying, “You snooze, you lose”?

Well, it turns out there’s some truth to this old adage.

Starting your day by hitting the snooze button is a common habit of unsuccessful people. It’s a sign of procrastination – putting off the inevitable start of the day.

This simple act can set a negative tone for your entire day. It sends a message to your brain that your goals and responsibilities can wait.

Successful people, on the other hand, understand the value of an early start. They know that each morning presents a fresh opportunity to make progress towards their goals.

If you want to change your life for the better, resist the temptation of that snooze button. Make the decision to rise and shine!

2) Skipping breakfast

I remember a time when my mornings were rushed and hectic. I’d wake up late, skip breakfast, and rush out the door. It was a routine I thought I could handle.

But I soon realized that this habit was doing me more harm than good. I would feel sluggish by mid-morning, my concentration would wane and my productivity would take a hit.

I understand now the importance of fueling your body first thing in the morning. Breakfast provides the energy you need to kickstart your day and keeps you focused and alert.

Skipping breakfast is a typical habit of unsuccessful people, but it’s one that can be easily corrected. Believe me, your future self will thank you for it!

3) Ignoring physical activity

Unsuccessful people often neglect physical activity in their morning routine.

The American Heart Association recommends at least 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or 75 minutes per week of vigorous aerobic activity, or a combination of both. Yet, it’s surprising how many people ignore this advice.

Starting your day with some form of exercise, even if it’s just a brisk walk or a short yoga session, can have a major impact on your day. It helps to wake up your body, boosts your mood and increases your energy levels.

4) Neglecting to plan their day

Imagine setting off on a journey without a map or GPS. Sounds stressful, right? The same principle applies to your day.

Unsuccessful people often start their day without a clear plan. They move aimlessly from one task to another, without prioritizing or strategizing. As a result, their productivity suffers, and they often fall short of achieving their goals.

Successful people, on the other hand, understand the importance of planning. They take time each morning to outline their tasks for the day, set their priorities, and determine how they will achieve their goals.

5) Checking their phones first thing

We’re all guilty of this one at some point. The alarm goes off, we reach for our phones, and before we know it, we’re scrolling through emails, social media, and news feeds.

Starting your day this way can be incredibly distracting and sets a reactive tone for the rest of the day. Instead of focusing on your own goals and tasks, you’re immediately drawn into responding to other people’s needs.

Unsuccessful people often fall into this trap. They let their devices dictate their morning routines and, consequently, their entire day.

To avoid this pitfall, try starting your day without looking at your phone. Give yourself some time to wake up, plan your day, and focus on your goals before diving into the digital world.

6) Neglecting self-care

In the hustle and bustle of life, it’s easy to forget about taking care of ourselves.

Unsuccessful people often neglect self-care in the morning. They’re so focused on getting out the door or diving into work that they forget to take a moment for themselves.

But here’s the thing – self-care isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity. It’s about valuing yourself enough to give your body and mind the care they deserve.

Starting your day with a self-care routine – whether it’s meditating, reading, journaling, or simply enjoying a quiet cup of coffee – can make all the difference in how your day unfolds.

7) Running late

There was a time when I was constantly rushing in the morning. My alarm would go off, and it was a mad dash to get ready and out the door. I’d often arrive at work flustered, my mind racing from the stress of the morning rush.

Running late is a common trait among unsuccessful people. It adds unnecessary stress to your day and can leave you feeling disorganized and overwhelmed.

Now, I make a conscious effort to wake up earlier, allowing myself plenty of time to get ready without rushing. It’s made a significant difference in my mood and productivity throughout the day.

Starting your day in a calm and relaxed state can set a positive tone for the rest of your day. So, try to manage your time effectively in the morning to avoid running late.

8) Avoiding difficult tasks

We all have tasks that we’d rather not do. They’re often challenging or time-consuming, and it’s tempting to put them off.

Unsuccessful people often fall into the trap of avoiding these difficult tasks in the morning. They opt for easier tasks, leaving the challenging ones for later. But as the day progresses, our energy and focus levels drop, making it even harder to tackle those difficult tasks.

Contrarily, taking on your most challenging task first thing in the morning, when your energy levels are at their highest, can lead to a more productive day. This concept, known as ‘eating the frog’, is a common practice among successful people.

9) Lacking gratitude

Unsuccessful people often start their day focusing on the negatives – the challenges, the stresses, the endless to-do list.

But starting your day with a sense of gratitude can significantly change your outlook. It shifts your focus from what’s wrong in your life to what’s right, fostering a positive mindset for the day ahead.

Gratitude is a powerful tool for success. It cultivates an attitude of positivity and abundance, which can lead to better decision-making, improved relationships, and increased productivity.

Make it a habit to start your day by acknowledging and appreciating the good in your life. It could be as simple as writing down three things you’re grateful for each morning. This small act can have a big impact on your day, and ultimately, your success.

Final thoughts: It’s about choices

The patterns and behaviors that shape our lives are fundamentally tied to the choices we make, especially those we make first thing in the morning.

These choices, as mundane as they may seem, hold the power to set the tone for our entire day. A rushed morning can lead to a chaotic day. On the other hand, a calm and intentional start can pave the way for productivity and success.

As we’ve explored in this article, unsuccessful people often fall into unhelpful morning habits. But it’s important to remember that habits are not set in stone – they can be broken and reshaped.

Every morning presents a fresh opportunity for change. It’s a chance to break away from old patterns and establish new, healthier routines.

So, consider your morning habits. Are they serving you well? Or are there changes you could make to set your day up for success?

The choice is yours. And it begins each morning, with the rise of a new day.