There’s a big gap between being disciplined and just doing the role.
Wondering what the difference is?
It’s all about habits. Disciplined people have habits that make them successful, especially in the morning.
On the other hand, there are certain things that they intentionally avoid doing first thing in the morning.
In this article, I’ll reveal 7 things that naturally disciplined people avoid when they wake up and get up.
And trust me, avoiding these things isn’t just about setting a morning routine—it’s about setting the tone for the rest of your day.
1) Hitting the snooze button
For most of us, the lure of an extra ten minutes in bed is very tempting.
But naturally disciplined people know the trap that lurks behind the seemingly innocent snooze button.
Here’s the thing: When you hit the snooze button and go back to sleep, your body starts a new sleep cycle that it won’t have time to finish.
This interferes with your body’s natural waking process, leaving you feeling sluggish and disoriented.
You see, disciplined people avoid the snooze button like the plague.
Instead, they wake up when the alarm goes off, and start their day with purpose and determination.
Skipping the snooze button isn’t just a time saver—it’s a clear statement that they’re ready to seize the day.
2) Skip breakfast
I know, I know. We’ve all heard it a million times: “Breakfast is the most important meal of the day.”
But listen, there’s a reason this advice is repeated so often.
I used to skip breakfast. I’d wake up late, rush to get ready and run out the door with nothing but a cup of coffee in my hand. By 10 a.m., I was hungry, unable to concentrate, and counting the minutes until lunch.
But what about disciplined people?
People don’t make this mistake because they understand the importance of starting the day with a nutritious meal.
They make sure to fuel their bodies with the right nutrients to power them through their busy mornings.
Since I started eating breakfast regularly, I’ve noticed a huge difference in my energy levels and focus throughout the day.
3) Checking emails or social media
Disciplined people naturally avoid starting their day with emails or social media. This may seem counterintuitive in our hyper-connected world, but there’s a good reason for it.
When you start your day by scrolling through your inbox or social media feeds, you’re essentially starting your day on someone else’s terms.
Your attention is immediately drawn to
- agendas
- problems
- demands
And here’s something to think about – research has found that people who check their email only three times a day feel significantly less stressed than their peers who check their email constantly.
So disciplined people carefully guard their first few hours of the day, using them to focus on their priorities before engaging in the digital world.
4) Skipping hydration
Another habit that disciplined people avoid in the morning is forgetting to hydrate.
After a long night of sleep, your body naturally dehydrates.
Drinking water hydrates you, boosts your metabolism, and aids in digestion.
Disciplined people often start their day with a glass of water or even lemon water for a boost of vitamin C.
This simple habit helps them feel refreshed, rejuvenated, and ready to take on whatever the day may bring.
Not hydrating first thing in the morning can leave you feeling sluggish and unbalanced.
In short, if you want to start your day like disciplined people, remember to have a glass of water before you get into your morning routine.
5) Make Your Bed Unmade
It may seem simple, but making your bed unmade is something disciplined people rarely do.
Making your bed first thing in the morning is a quick and easy task that sets the tone for the rest of the day.
It’s a small win, a task accomplished, or a task completed. It helps create a sense of order and calm in your personal space.
Disciplined people naturally understand this.
They know that this simple act can start a chain of other productive behaviors throughout the day.
Try making your bed first thing in the morning. It’s an easy habit to adopt, but its impact can be significant.
6) Ignoring Self-Care
Disciplined people understand that morning isn’t just a time to tick off a to-do list.
It’s also an important time for self-care.
Whether it’s a quick meditation session, some gentle stretching, or simply enjoying a quiet cup of coffee, making time for yourself in the morning is crucial.
It sets a positive tone for the day and helps reduce stress.
Disciplined people avoid ignoring self-care in the morning.
They know that to care for others and excel at their work, they need to care for themselves first.
Remember, self-care isn’t selfish. It’s essential.
Making it part of your morning routine can help you start your day on a positive, mindful note.
7) Starting the Day Without a Plan
I used to start my day randomly, doing whatever task came to mind first.
The result? By the end of the day, I often felt like I hadn’t accomplished anything.
Disciplined people don’t make this mistake.
They understand that starting the day without a plan is like setting off on a journey without a map.
So they always take a few minutes in the morning to set their priorities for the day.
It doesn’t have to be a detailed schedule or a strict plan.
Just having a clear idea of what needs to be done and what’s most important can make a huge difference.
Since I started planning my days every morning, I’ve felt more in control, more productive, and more satisfied with what I’ve accomplished.
That’s a feeling I can’t replace with anything.
8) Rush
Nothing sets the tone for a hectic, stressful day like rushing around in the early morning.
Disciplined people understand the importance of a calm, thoughtful start to the day.
They avoid rushing and instead build in extra time to their morning routine to ensure they can start their day in a peaceful, thoughtful way.
Whether it’s waking up a little earlier, getting things ready the night before, or simply moving at a steady pace, disciplined people understand that a rushed morning often leads to a rushed day.
9) Skipping Physical Activity
Disciplined people understand that physical activity in the morning is key to a successful day.
It wakes up the body, sharpens the mind, and sets a positive tone for the hours ahead.
Even if it’s just a short walk, a quick stretch, or some yoga poses, getting your body moving first thing in the morning can have a profound effect on your mood, energy levels, and overall productivity.
To cultivate discipline, make sure you don’t neglect physical activity in your morning routine.
It’s more than just good for your health—it’s essential to your success.
Final Thoughts
The beauty of a well-disciplined life, especially in the morning, often lies in the power of intentionality.
This intentionality is reflected in the habits and actions of disciplined people.
It’s not about rigid schedules or strict routines, it’s about conscious decisions that set the tone for the day.
Whether it’s hydrating first thing in the morning, avoiding the temptation of the snooze button, or making time for self-care, these actions are chosen with purpose and forethought.
The practices we’ve discussed aren’t just tasks to check off a to-do list.
They’re a reflection of an intentional mindset, one that values purpose over chaos, peace over rush, and self-care over neglect.
As you reflect on these habits of disciplined individuals, think about the power of intentionality in your own life.
Remember that every morning offers a fresh start, a new opportunity to live with purpose.
Choose wisely.
