We’ve all heard the phrase “breakfast is the most important meal of the day,” but it turns out, what you do before breakfast might just be the key to success. For millionaires and high achievers, the early hours of the morning aren’t just about waking up - they’re about setting the tone for the day and creating momentum toward their goals.
Here are the 10 things millionaires do before breakfast that keep them ahead of the game, and how you can incorporate these habits into your own routine.
Millionaires are insatiable learners. They don’t settle for the status quo - they seek to improve constantly, and a big part of that is staying informed. Many billionaires credit their success to voracious reading and continuous learning.
In today’s world, learning is more accessible than ever:
Pro Tip: Don’t just consume information - apply it. As the saying goes, “Knowledge is not power. It’s the application of knowledge that gives you power.”
For high achievers, waking up early isn’t a chore - it’s an opportunity. Whether it’s hitting the gym, cycling at sunrise, or taking a peaceful morning walk with their dog, successful people incorporate activities they enjoy into their morning routine.
This mindset helps them start the day on a positive note, energised and ready to tackle whatever comes next.
Water before coffee? Millionaires know the importance of staying hydrated and starting the day with healthy habits. A few simple swaps can make a big difference:
Studies show that staying hydrated improves energy, focus, and even skin health - small changes with big benefits.
Mornings can be the best time to connect with family, especially if evenings are packed with meetings and deadlines. Whether it’s playing with the kids, chatting over breakfast, or walking the dog, these moments strengthen relationships and create lasting memories.
A happy home sets the stage for a productive day.
Small habits can lead to big results. Take, for instance, the simple act of making your bed.
Naval Admiral William McRaven famously said:
“If you make your bed every morning, you will have accomplished the first task of the day. It will give you a small sense of pride and encourage you to do another task and another. By the end of the day, that one task completed will have turned into many tasks completed.”
Success is built on small wins - start with your bed.
Mindfulness practices like meditation and deep breathing are common among millionaires. Taking even five minutes to focus on your breath can lower stress and improve focus throughout the day.
If you’re new to meditation, start with guided apps like Headspace or Calm. You don’t need a lot of time - just a quiet space and a few moments to centre yourself.
Rather than jumping straight into “busy work,” successful people set clear intentions for their day.
A good habit is to plan your day the night before. Identify your most important tasks (MITs) and aim to complete them early in the morning. At Cleancorp, we challenge ourselves to finish our MITs before 11 AM.
This approach shifts the focus from “just staying busy” to “making meaningful progress.”
Mornings are a golden time to pursue personal passions. Whether it’s writing a book, practising an instrument, or building a side hustle, dedicating an hour each morning to what truly matters can lead to incredible progress over time.
As the saying goes:
“If you’re not building your dream, someone else will hire you to build theirs.”
With busy schedules, it’s easy to neglect personal relationships - but successful people make time for connection.
Even small gestures can strengthen bonds and remind you of what truly matters.
Gratitude has a way of transforming your mindset. Harvard studies have shown that practising gratitude can lead to increased happiness and better mental health.
Here’s an easy exercise:
The more gratitude you express, the more positivity you’ll attract.
The 10 things millionaires do before breakfast aren’t complicated - they’re rooted in discipline, intention, and self-care. By incorporating just one or two of these habits into your routine, you can set yourself up for success and feel more in control of your day.
Challenge yourself:
The path to success isn’t just about what you do during the workday - it’s about how you start it. Let us know which habits resonate with you, and share your progress. Who knows? You might just find yourself on your way to millionaire status.
