Make your mornings matter! I’m the world’s biggest believer in creating a morning routine that sets you up for success, and that routine can be a combination of SO many different habits.

Wanna hear a few of the ones that changed my life?

20 LIFE-CHANGING THINGS TO DO IN THE MORNING

1. Morning Pages

I live by morning pages. This is my time to take all the thoughts in my head and put them on the page, no matter what they are. How did you sleep last night? What dreams did you have? Any lingering thoughts or worries from the day before? Write it alllllll down so you have the space in your head for more productive things.

2. Hydrate

Your body has been snoozin’ for the last 7 to 8 hours. It’s probably a little thirsty. I drink lemon water every morning for a little extra jolt in the citrus, but grab at least 8oz of any kind of water to start your morning!

3. Gratefulness Reflection

Your life will totally change when you incorporate gratitude into your day. Keep a list of the things you’re grateful for and reflect on those things when life starts to get you down.

4. Skin Care

You can’t feel prepared to take on the day when your skin is feeling a little less than clean. Wash your face and incorporate some skincare into your morning so you can present your freshest face to the world!

5. Goal Review

Take a moment to reflect on your goals. What are they? Write them down and think about what you can do to get a little closer to them throughout your day.

6. Read a book

Don’t start the morning off with a mindless Instagram scroll. Crack open a book, make yourself a cup of coffee, and spend some time reading. Find a book that will get your mindset right for the day ahead! I recommend The Daily Stoic for a quick page-a-day read that will truly make the difference in how you see the world.

7. Meditate

Adding a moment of stillness to my morning has done wonders for my mindset. Even if it’s just for two or three minutes, try out meditation and see where your thoughts go (and yes, it’s okay if your mind wanders!).

8. Workout

Get up and get going! Start your morning off with a workout to get that much needed energy boost to power you through the rest of the day.

9. Visualization

What does success look like for you? What does an ideal day feel like? Visualize the things you want and get specific.

10. Write

It could be a simple Instagram caption, a blog, or even an email! Get a little creative in your morning and write something every day.

11. Eat the frog

Sorry, but frogs are not cute. And they are not fun. Maybe there’s a looming task that sounds a little like that to you. Take on the biggest task of the day first, so your most challenging thing in the day is already taken care of.

12. Research your passions

Maybe you don’t have time later in your day that you can dedicate to your passions. Make time in your morning! Take some time each day to learn anything that you can about whatever you’re passionate about. You’ll be an expert before you know it!

13. Learn a new language

I recommend Duolingo for this one! Add a moment of mastery into your morning and take on a foreign language.

14. Rewrite passages from books

Start a commonplace book where you can keep the knowledge, wisdom, and ideas that really resonated with you. This is a great mindfulness practice when you can reflect on why those passages meant something to you!

15. Plan your day

What do you have to get done? What do you want to do? Look at your schedule for the day and plan out the what/when/where’s. Getting prepared is a fantastic way to feel in-control and productive. Try out calendar blocking to really take control of your schedule!

16. Write thank-you notes

Is there a note you’ve been meaning to send? Set aside time in your routine to write thank-you notes for interviews, coffee meetings, gifts, or just because! Reflect on why you’re grateful for these things as you’re writing.

17. Spend some quality time

Make breakfast with your partner or snuggle up on the couch with your dog (unless he’s not allowed on the couch. You can make that call.). Spend some quality time with a loved one before you head out into the world!

18. Stretch

Get those muscles moving! Stretching is a great way to wake your body up and be mindful of your movements in the early hours. Find a routine that works for you, and maybe even try some yoga to go with it.

19. Collect ideas

There might be ideas buzzing around in your head that you haven’t had the time or brainspace to fully flesh out. Take a minute to check in with yourself and brain-dump those ideas onto the page.

20. Change one thing

What’s one thing you can do to make today better? Make one tiny change each day to be a little more positive or productive. If you can change one day, you can change your entire life.

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Q: What’s a morning habit that changed your life? Leave it in a comment!