You know how at night you’re saying that you’ll do everything in the morning, you’ll be super productive, you’ll work out, you’ll answer those emails, you’ll eat super healthy, etc., and then, the morning comes and you don’t do any of that shit? Well, that’s what I was doing for a better part of my life until I started these habits.
Let’s be real—mornings can be tough, and setting yourself up for success actually starts the night before. One of the simplest things you can do is make yourself a healthy breakfast in advance. Think overnight oats or a smoothie you just need to blend. When you’ve already got something nutritious ready to go, you’re not going to reach for a sugary cereal or skip breakfast altogether. It’s like giving your morning self a little gift.
2. Limit decision fatigue
Ever notice how exhausting it can be to make even the smallest decisions in the morning? What to wear, what to eat, what to tackle first on your to-do list—it all adds up. Successful mornings are all about minimizing that mental clutter. Try picking out your outfit the night before or having a pre-set morning playlist that energizes you. Even planning your first task of the day ahead of time can save you from staring blankly at your to-do list.
3. Move your body, even if it’s just for 5 minutes
Let’s cut the bullshit: you don’t need an hour-long workout to feel good. If you’re not a morning person, the idea of hitting the gym at 6 AM might make you want to crawl back under the covers. Instead, aim for just 5 minutes of movement. Stretching, a short walk, or even dancing around your kitchen—anything to get your blood flowing and your body awake. Once you start moving, you might find you want to keep going, but if not, at least you did something.
4. Start with something you enjoy
If your morning routine feels like a chore, you’re not going to stick with it. So, start your day with something you actually look forward to. It could be savoring a cup of coffee, reading a few pages of a book, or spending a few minutes journaling. The point is to start your day on a positive note, so you feel good about getting out of bed.
5. Knock out a quick win
There’s something incredibly satisfying about ticking something off your list first thing in the morning. But don’t overwhelm yourself with a huge task—pick something small that you can accomplish quickly. It could be as simple as making your bed or sending that one email you’ve been putting off. Starting your day with a win, no matter how small, sets a positive tone for everything that follows.
6. Use a to-do list that works for you
Finally, let’s talk about staying on track. A to-do list is only helpful if it actually works for you. I’ve tried everything from sticky notes to apps, but nothing clicked until I started using Notion. It’s a game-changer for organizing my day in a way that feels natural and less overwhelming. You can plan out your day, prioritize tasks, and even track your progress—all in one place. If you want to give it a try, you can grab my to-do list template here (it’s completely free).
I hope these habits help you turn those “tomorrow I’ll be productive” nights into real, successful mornings. See you next time for another Soulution!
