10 things disciplined people do before 9 am every day

There’s a clear distinction between disciplined people and the rest of us. It all boils down to habits.

Disciplined people have a set of routines they perform religiously, especially in the morning. While others are still hitting snooze, they’re already ticking things off their to-do list.

What are these habits? Well, there are 10 things disciplined people do before 9 am every day that sets them apart. And the good news is, these are habits you can adopt too.

In this article, we’re going to dive into those 10 things. And who knows? Maybe you’ll find inspiration to kickstart your own morning routine.

1) They rise early

Disciplined people know the power of an early start.

While others are still nestled in their beds, disciplined folks are already up and moving. By waking up before the world, they have a head start on their day, which allows them to tackle tasks without any distractions.

This simple habit is more than just about getting ahead; it sets the tone for the rest of their day. It’s a commitment to their goals and a testament to their self-discipline.

But remember, it’s not just about waking up early—it’s about making the most of that time. So if you’re inspired to set your alarm for an earlier time, make sure you use those extra hours effectively.

After all, discipline isn’t just about doing things differently—it’s about doing things better.

2) They exercise

The second thing disciplined people do before 9 am every day is workout.

I can’t stress how much this habit has personally changed my life. I remember when I used to wake up, grab a cup of coffee, and head straight to my laptop. By noon, I’d feel sluggish and drained.

But then I decided to make a change. I started setting my alarm for 5:30 am, lacing up my running shoes, and heading out for a morning jog. And it was a game-changer.

Not only did these morning workouts wake me up more effectively than any cup of coffee ever could, but they also left me feeling energized and focused throughout the day.

Now, I can’t imagine starting my day any other way. Exercise has become an integral part of my morning routine – a non-negotiable habit that sets the pace for the rest of my day.

My advice? Find a physical activity you enjoy and make it a part of your morning routine. Trust me, it’s worth it.

3) They eat a nutritious breakfast

Many disciplined people understand the importance of fueling their bodies with a nutritious breakfast. This is the first meal of the day and it’s crucial for replenishing our energy stores after a night of fasting.

Rather than grabbing a quick coffee and pastry on your way out, try making time for a balanced meal in the morning. It could be as simple as a bowl of oatmeal with fruits or an omelette with vegetables.

It might take a bit more planning and time, but your body will thank you for it.

4) They prioritize their tasks

Before the clock strikes 9, disciplined people have already mapped out their day. They know what needs to be done, the order to do it in, and the deadlines they’re working against.

This isn’t about being a workaholic; it’s about being strategic. By prioritizing their tasks, they ensure that their energy and focus are directed towards what matters most.

Imagine heading into your day with a clear plan in place. No guessing, no confusion, just a streamlined process that keeps you on track and productive. That’s the power of prioritization.

5) They practice mindfulness

Before the hustle and bustle of the day sets in, disciplined people often take time for mindfulness. This could be through meditation, yoga, or simply sitting quietly with a cup of tea.

In our always-on society, it’s easy to overlook the importance of taking a moment to just be. But mindfulness has been shown to reduce stress, improve focus, and contribute to overall well-being.

Disciplined people understand this. They know the value of starting their day with a clear mind and a calm spirit.

6) They express gratitude

One of the most profound habits that disciplined people often have is expressing gratitude. They start their day by recognizing and appreciating the good things in their life.

There’s something incredibly powerful about starting your day on a positive note. It sets a tone of optimism and appreciation that carries through the rest of the day.

Whether it’s jotting down a few things they’re grateful for in a journal, or simply taking a moment to silently acknowledge their blessings, this practice of gratitude helps cultivate a positive outlook on life.

In a world where we’re often focused on what’s wrong or what we lack, this simple habit of recognizing what’s right can be truly transformative. It’s not just about discipline—it’s about fostering a mindset that encourages joy, peace, and positivity.

7) They read and learn

An integral part of a disciplined person’s morning routine is often dedicated to learning. This could mean reading a book, listening to a podcast, or watching an educational video.

I recall a period in my life when I felt stuck in a rut, both professionally and personally. I wasn’t progressing the way I wanted to, and it was taking a toll on my motivation.

That’s when I decided to incorporate reading into my morning routine. I started with books on personal development and gradually moved on to topics like leadership, financial literacy, and even psychology.

The result? My perspective broadened. I felt more confident, informed, and inspired. My conversations became more enriching, and my decisions more informed.

Now, I can’t imagine starting my day without investing at least 30 minutes in expanding my knowledge. It’s become as essential to my morning routine as brushing my teeth.

8) They disconnect

In a world where we are constantly connected, disciplined people often do the opposite. Before 9 am, they take time to disconnect from the digital world.

While it may seem more productive to check emails or scroll through social media first thing in the morning, this habit can actually set you up for a day of distraction and stress.

Instead, disciplined people use their morning hours to focus on themselves and their priorities, free from the distractions of notifications and updates.

By creating this digital-free space each morning, they allow themselves to start their day focused and centered, setting themselves up for a more productive and peaceful day.

9) They visualize their day

Before the day kicks off, disciplined people often take some time to visualize how they want it to unfold. They picture themselves achieving their goals, overcoming challenges, and ending the day on a high note.

This isn’t daydreaming. It’s a powerful exercise that helps cement their intentions for the day and fosters a positive mindset. By visualizing their success, they’re preparing themselves mentally to make it happen.

Think of it as a mental rehearsal for the day ahead. By seeing the outcome you want in your mind’s eye, you’re more likely to bring it to fruition in reality.

10) They commit to consistency

Perhaps the most important thing that disciplined people do before 9 am every day is commit to consistency. They understand that consistency is the key to long-term success.

A workout skipped or a healthy breakfast missed might not seem like a big deal in isolation. But over time, these small lapses can add up and derail your progress.

Disciplined people know this. They understand that success is not the result of a single grand action, but the accumulation of small, consistent efforts over time.

And so, they commit to their morning routine – not just for a day or a week, but consistently, day in and day out. Because they know that it’s these small, daily habits that will ultimately shape their lives.

Final thought: It’s all about the power of habit

The magic of discipline lies in the realm of habits. It’s not about momentary bursts of motivation or temporary spurts of productivity. It’s about the daily, consistent actions that gradually shape our lives.

At its core, the 10 things that disciplined people do before 9 am every day are habits – deeply ingrained routines that they’ve chosen to incorporate into their lives. They’re not always easy, and they’re not always fun. But they’re always worth it.

Charles Duhigg, in his book “The Power of Habit”, refers to these as ‘keystone habits’. These are habits that, once established, tend to ripple out and influence other areas of our life, creating a cascade of positive change.

So as we reflect on these 10 habits, let’s remember that it’s not about perfection. It’s about progress. It’s about making small, consistent changes every day that add up over time. Because in the end, we are what we repeatedly do. And discipline, well, it’s just choosing what we want to become.