How you start your morning has a huge impact on how the rest of your day unfolds. A good morning routine doesn’t just help you feel more in control—it also saves time, builds healthy habits, and boosts productivity. That’s why so many highly successful people follow specific routines after they wake up. These small, consistent habits help them stay focused, reduce stress, and make smarter decisions throughout the day.
Here are 10 morning routines that some of the world’s most successful people swear by—and why you might want to try them too:
1. Start With a Ritual
Doing the same thing every morning can help signal to your brain that it’s time to start the day. It could be something simple like lighting a candle, washing your face, or hugging your loved ones.
Famous dancer Twyla Tharp, for example, begins every day at 5:30 a.m. She gets dressed for her workout and takes a cab to the gym. She says the cab ride itself is her ritual. That simple act signals that her day has officially begun.
Author Marie Kondo has her own ritual too. She opens all the windows to let in fresh air and then burns incense. This helps her create a peaceful and positive energy in her home for the rest of the day.
2. Clear Your Mind
Many successful people begin their day with meditation or mindfulness. It helps calm the mind, reduce stress, and improve focus.
Jen Rubio, co-founder of Away, starts her mornings with meditation before she works out. Arianna Huffington meditates for 20 to 30 minutes before even checking her phone or emails. Jack Dorsey, former Twitter CEO, meditates for 30 minutes every morning before his six-mile run. Starting your day with mental clarity can help you handle anything that comes your way.
3. Move Your Body
Exercise is another powerful way to kickstart your morning. It boosts energy, improves mood, and sharpens your thinking.
Anna Wintour, editor-in-chief of Vogue, plays tennis for an hour every morning. Barack Obama used to lift weights and do cardio workouts in the White House before starting his presidential duties.
Mellody Hobson, president of Ariel Investments, switches it up with running, swimming, lifting weights, or cycling. After that, she takes a relaxing bath to unwind and prepare mentally for the day.
4. Practice Gratitude
Taking a few moments to be thankful can shift your entire mindset. It reminds you of the good things in your life and helps you start your day with positivity.
Marie Kondo says a prayer of thanks every morning for her family and team’s health. Oprah Winfrey reads five cards from her 365 Gathered Truths box, which shares quotes and pieces of wisdom. One of her favorites: “Wealth is not measured by dollars and cents, but by the love we make, the laughter we enjoy, the meals we share, the dreams we experience, and the hopes we create.”
5. Wake Up Early
Waking up early gives you more time to focus, think, and plan before the world gets busy. Research shows that early risers tend to procrastinate less.
Apple CEO Tim Cook wakes up at 3:45 a.m. to check emails and go to the gym. Richard Branson, founder of Virgin Group, gets up around 5 a.m. to work out and spend time with his family. He says the quiet hours of the morning are perfect for catching up on news and organizing his thoughts.
6. Read Something
Instead of checking social media first thing, consider reading a book, article, or even the news. It’s a great way to stimulate your brain and feed your curiosity.
Bill Gates and Barack Obama are both known for starting their day with reading. Research shows that just six minutes of reading can lower stress levels by up to 68%. It also increases brain function, improves vocabulary, and boosts focus.
7. Write in a Journal
Journaling in the morning can help you organize your thoughts, reflect on your feelings, and set intentions for the day.
Warren Buffett, Richard Branson, and Arianna Huffington all use journaling to clear their minds and make better decisions. Studies show that writing about your emotions can also help you recover from stress, improve your immune system, and even heal faster after illness.
8. Drink Water
After a long night of sleep, your body gets dehydrated. Drinking water first thing in the morning helps rehydrate you, flush out toxins, and kickstart your metabolism.
Cameron Diaz swears by this habit. She fills a large bottle of water every night and drinks it right after brushing her teeth in the morning. She says it instantly makes her feel alive and refreshed.
9. Eat a Healthy Breakfast
Breakfast gives your body the fuel it needs to start the day. Whether it’s a smoothie, toast, eggs, or oatmeal, having something nourishing in the morning helps improve mood, concentration, and energy.
Barack Obama enjoys eggs, wheat toast, and potatoes. Kelly Ripa prefers yogurt with granola and coffee. Reese Witherspoon sticks to her green smoothie recipe that she’s had for nearly a decade. Find a breakfast that works for your body and your schedule.
10. Make a To-Do List
Planning your day helps you stay organized and focused. Writing down your top tasks ensures you’re spending your time on what matters most.
Michelle Obama and Richard Branson are both big fans of making daily to-do lists. Branson says it helps him avoid getting lost in busy work. Plus, checking items off your list gives a sense of accomplishment and motivation.
The Bottom Line
You don’t need to follow all 10 routines to be successful. Even just one or two positive habits can make a huge difference. Try out a few and see what works best for your lifestyle.
Success isn’t about being perfect. It’s about being intentional. As Michelle Obama wisely said, “Success is only meaningful and enjoyable if it feels like your own.” So start your morning on the right note—with purpose, presence, and a little bit of inspiration.