Monday. For many, it’s a dreaded day that signals the end of weekend freedom and the start of yet another grinding workweek.
But what if I told you that Monday doesn’t have to be a drag?
What if it could be the launch pad for a week filled with achievements, progress, and a sense of fulfillment?
Successful people don’t view Monday as a day to survive — they see it as an opportunity to thrive.
Trust me, how you start your Monday can set the tone for what follows.
Wondering how to seize your week right from the get-go?
Here are 8 things successful people always do on Monday mornings.
1) They wake up early
As cliche as it sounds, one of the first things successful people do on a Monday morning is wake up early.
It’s not just about beating the sunrise or being an early bird, though.
I’m talking about having those precious extra hours to organize their thoughts, plan their day, and get a jump start on their tasks.
Sounds impressive?
Well, it’s not just for show. Studies have found that early risers tend to be more proactive and optimistic, traits that are instrumental in achieving success.
That extra time in the morning is like a blank canvas.
It’s free from distractions and interruptions, allowing you to focus on what really matters.
I’ve observed this pattern myself as well — starting my day before everyone else gives me a sense of control and productivity that sets a positive tone for the rest of the week.
So, here’s the thing:
Whether it’s catching up on emails, working out, or strategizing for the week ahead, those extra morning hours are a goldmine of opportunity for those looking to elevate their game.
2) They exercise
After waking up early, what’s next on the agenda?
For many high-achievers, exercise is non-negotiable.
Why?
Let’s break it down:
- Physical benefits: Exercise boosts endorphins, helping to shake off any morning grogginess and leaving you energized for the day.
- Mental clarity: A good workout can clear your mind, reduce stress, and improve focus.
- Habit building: Consistent exercise fosters discipline, a crucial trait for success.
But you know what?
The type of exercise varies from person to person — some prefer a brisk jog, others a quick session of yoga or a full-on gym workout.
The key is movement, kickstarting both your body and your mind, and setting a proactive tone for the rest of the day.
Now, let me ask you a question:
Are you looking to join the ranks of the successful?
Then, maybe it’s time to set that alarm a little earlier and throw on some workout gear.
3) They take time for reflection
While most people associate Monday mornings with getting straight into work mode, successful people often do the opposite.
They set aside quiet time for reflection.
How so?
This could mean meditating for a few minutes, journaling, or simply sitting in silence with a cup of coffee.
Whatever it is, this isn’t about dwelling on the past, but about assessing the previous week’s accomplishments and setbacks.
The idea is to take a moment to pause and assess.
Believe it or not, this simple act is an opportunity to contemplate the past week’s successes and failures, and more importantly, to plan for the week ahead.
To me, reflection is like a Monday morning pit stop for your soul.
It’s a chance to refuel, recalibrate, and set your intentions.
By investing a few quiet moments in reflection, successful people aren’t just preparing for the day, but for a successful week, month, and year ahead.
4) They prioritize their tasks
Another common trait among successful people is that they don’t just dive into their work haphazardly.
Instead, they prioritize their tasks for the day and the week ahead.
But here’s the counter-intuitive part:
Successful people often focus on fewer tasks, not more.
While the temptation might be to fill up their to-do list with dozens of items, they resist. Why?
Because they understand the power of doing a few things exceptionally well, rather than spreading themselves too thin.
Ever heard of the Pareto Principle?
It suggests that 80% of your results come from just 20% of your efforts. As fascinating as that.
What’s the takeaway?
Well, honing in on the most impactful tasks first, successful people are not just ticking off to-do lists — they’re strategically advancing their goals.
Before you start your Monday work, take a moment to prioritize your tasks and focus your efforts on what really matters.
Focus on what will move the needle the most. After all, it’s not about how much you do, but how impactful your actions are.
5) They fuel their bodies right
Let me get personal for a moment.
I used to skip breakfast or grab whatever was convenient, thinking it was a trivial part of my day.
I couldn’t have been more wrong.
Believe it or not, successful people take breakfast seriously.
It’s not about scarfing down a doughnut and a cup of coffee as you rush out the door. No, they fuel their bodies with nutrients that set the stage for a day of high performance.
Fortunately, I’ve since changed my habits, taking a page from these high-achievers.
Now, my breakfast usually includes proteins, healthy fats, and some good carbs to keep me energized and focused throughout the morning.
Trust me, the difference is night and day. Want to know why?
Well, here’s the truth:
If you think about it, your body is like a machine, and what you put in it determines how well it will function.
Successful people understand this, so they are very deliberate about their first meal of the day.
Whether it’s a smoothie packed with fruits and veggies or a more hearty omelet, the goal is to provide the body with the fuel it needs to tackle the day’s challenges.
6) They stay hydrated
Speaking of fueling the body right, let’s talk about something that naturally extends from the previous point: hydration.
It’s easy to overlook, but just as your car wouldn’t run well without the proper fluids, neither will you.
We all know that water is essential for our bodies to function properly, right?
But let’s face it:
Only a few of us actually make a conscious effort to stay adequately hydrated, especially in the hustle and bustle of a Monday morning.
Successful people, however, get this.
They not only keep a water bottle handy throughout the day but also make sure they’re sipping on it regularly.
It’s like their secret weapon for maintaining high energy levels and mental clarity.
So if you find yourself frequently tired or unable to focus, it might just be that you’re not hydrating enough.
Before reaching for that extra cup of coffee, try downing a glass of water and see how you feel.
Chances are, you’ll notice an immediate difference.
7) They face their challenges head-on
What’s the one thing that successful people dread but also eagerly embrace?
It’s challenges.
While most of us would rather ease into our week, avoiding any confrontation or difficult tasks, successful people do the opposite.
They face their challenges head-on, especially on a Monday morning. It sets the tone for the rest of the week.
The thing is, challenges are inevitable.
They’re a part of life, work, and growth.
The key difference is that successful people see challenges not as roadblocks but as opportunities for growth and learning.
Rather than procrastinate and push that daunting task to the bottom of the to-do list, they tackle it first thing in the morning.
It’s like ripping off a Band-Aid —it might be painful for a moment, but it’s immensely freeing.
8) They network
Successful people understand the value of building and maintaining relationships, and they integrate it into their weekly routine, starting with Monday mornings.
Take Elon Musk, for example. He’s known for reaching out to experts in various fields, often via social media, to discuss ideas or potential collaborations.
Or consider how Oprah Winfrey has built an extensive network over the years by continually engaging with people who inspire her, starting from her days as a talk show host to her current media empire.
What does this mean?
Well, networking isn’t something successful people reserve for special events or conferences, they make it a part of their regular routine.
Monday mornings are a great time for this because it’s when everyone is getting back into work mode and open to new opportunities.
The simple thing is that by reaching out to others in their industry or field of interest, successful people create a cycle of mutual benefit.
These connections often lead to new opportunities, fresh perspectives, and valuable advice.
Final takeaway: Make Mondays work for you
Now you know that often overlook Mondays as the beginning of the ‘grind,’ but let’s shift that perspective.
Successful people see Mondays as mini New Year’s Days, providing 52 fresh starts a year.
Before you leave, let me share some final insights to make Mondays work for you:
- Utilize Mondays as a reset button for your mindset
- Treat the start of the week as a ‘soft launch’ for implementing new habits
- Leverage the ‘fresh start effect,’ a psychological phenomenon where our motivation spikes after temporal landmarks like the beginning of a week
These insights might just make your Mondays something to look forward to, turning them into your most productive and fulfilling days.
Now, that’s how you win the week before it even starts.
