9 Morning Habits of Successful Business Owners

If you’re running a small or medium-sized business (SMB) or startup, you already know how hectic mornings can get. Maybe you’ve woken up to a flood of emails, a too big to-do list, or just that nagging question, “where do I even start?” You’re not alone. Every business owner feels this way at some point. But here’s a little secret: The most successful entrepreneurs don’t leave their mornings to chance — ‌they build habits that set the tone for their entire day — and essentially their future.

Research has found that 64% of ‌successful entrepreneurs start their day before 6 A.M. because they believe they can get most of the work done peacefully, during those early hours. Morning habits help you start your day with a fresh mind and clear energy, making time for what really matters in life and business. We’re going to share the most successful habits for small business owners to pick up in the mornings.

What we’ll cover:

• Habitual research from the experts
• Prioritize your sleep
• Keep your mornings sacred (then schedule)
• Find clarity with mindfulness or meditation
• Make time for movement
• Fuel your body (and brain!) with nutrient-dense foods 
• Dial down digital distractions early
• Plan your day intentionally
• Stay informed strategically
• Last tip on making your miracle morning: keep going

Habitual research from the experts

Tony Robbins, a renowned life coach and motivational speaker, has a morning routine that he believes contributes significantly to his success. His morning ritual, often referred to as his “hour of power,” is designed to set a positive and productive tone for the day. Here’s a breakdown of his daily morning habits:

• Gratitude practice: Take a few minutes to think about the things you’re thankful for, which helps maintain a positive mindset.
• Meditation and visualization: Having a few silent moments where you can just sit and be at peace without any disturbances, can calm your mind and reduce stress. Form a mental image of your goals and outcomes you want to achieve to ‌stay focused and motivated.
• Affirmations: Use positive affirmations by repeating “I am” statements that align with your values and aspirations to boost ‌your confidence (even if you don’t feel like it).
• Movement: Any kind of physical movement or exercise improves overall health and boosts your mental clarity and energy levels, if even for a few minutes.
• Learning: Take a few moments to read something new, whether through books, blogs, or other educational materials, to help you stay informed.

Let’s dig into the top morning habits of incredibly successful people, and see which ones you can pick up, today:

1. Prioritize your sleep

What’s the saying — good sleep starts the moment you wake up, right? Prioritizing quality sleep is one of the hardest but smartest habits you should develop. As a business owner, you’ll feel well-rested to make better decisions, stay inspired, and handle stress like a pro. Studies show that nearly half of adults in the U.S. aren’t getting enough sleep, and that’s hitting business owners hard in their focus, mood, and health.

When you get a good rest, your brain is organized, and it boosts your ability to plan strategically and solve problems easier. On the flip side, sleep deprivation is a recipe for disaster. It impairs your judgment, makes you more impulsive, and cranks up stress levels.

Robert Roy Britt, author of Make Sleep Your Superpower states, “Multiple nights of poor sleep take a serious toll on cognitive skills and physical health. Over time, poor sleep adds up, like hidden little expenses you don’t notice in the ledger until suddenly one week you can’t make payroll.”

Tips to help you sleep better

So, how can you‌ prioritize quality sleep without feeling like you’re losing precious work hours? Here are some friendly, practical tips:

• Limit screen time before bed: The blue light emitted by smartphones, tablets, and computers can disrupt your natural sleep cycle by suppressing the production of melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep. Try to avoid screens at least an hour before bedtime.
• Create a relaxing bedtime routine: Establish a calming pre-sleep routine to signal to your body that it’s time to wind down. Try reading, taking a bath, or practicing relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditation.
• Change your sleep environment: Make your bedroom a sleep-friendly zone. Ensure it’s cool, quiet, and dark. Create a space for comfort, and consider using blackout curtains or a white noise machine to create an ideal sleeping environment.
• Maintain a consistent sleep schedule: Research suggests that going to bed at the same time and waking up at the same time is good for you, even on weekends. This helps regulate your body’s internal clock and can improve the quality of your sleep.

Tools and apps to help improve sleep

If you’re looking to sleep better and wake up feeling refreshed, there are plenty of easy to use apps and tools that can help. Tools can help you relax, block noises, and guide you to build a sleep environment. For example, you can use Calm, Insight Timer, BetterSleep, and White Noise Lite.

2. Keep your mornings sacred (then schedule)

Waking up early — ‌and doing it consistently — might sound tough, especially if you’re burning the candle at both ends to keep your business running. Most successful business owners swear by this habit, not because it’s trendy, but because it genuinely works. Just look at the routines of CEOs from GE, Starbucks, and Pepsi — they’re up and moving while most people are still snoozing, using those quiet hours to get a head-start on the day.

Those early morning hours mean fewer distractions with more focus for business owners’ precious time. Many entrepreneurs find they’re super productive before lunchtime. It’s also a great time for some self-care, whether it’s a workout or just a peaceful cup of tea, this time has proven to be very important to the business process.

Tips on how to start waking up early

If you’re trying to wake up earlier, keep it simple. You don’t need to join the 4:00 a.m. club overnight. Here’s how you can ease into the habit:

• Shift your bedtime gradually: Try going to bed 15-30 minutes earlier each night until you reach your ideal wake-up time.
• Set a consistent wake-up time: Even on weekends. Consistency helps your body clock adjust, making mornings less painful.
• Prep for the morning the night before: Make your mornings smoother and less stressful. Lay out your clothes, prep your meals, or jot down your top three priorities. 
• Let in natural light: Open your curtains or step outside for a few minutes. Light helps signal to your brain that it’s time to be alert.
• Reward yourself: Give yourself something to look forward to in the morning-a favorite podcast, a warm cup of tea, or a short walk.

Tools and apps you can try to wake up early

An alarm clock is for sure the easiest tool to wake you up. But to make the most of your mornings, there are some handy tools and apps like Sleep Cycle, Toggl, and Todoist that can help you build this habit and stick with it.

3. Find clarity with mindfulness or meditation

As a business owner, feeling the pressure to always be “on,” and dealing with constant decisions can be overwhelming. But with meditation and mindfulness, it can be managed. In fact, research says that meditation can reduce your stress by 30%.

Mindfulness and meditation help you slow down and face the day with a clear head. It’s like a mental warm-up. Regular meditation can lower stress, boost creativity, improve decision-making, and make you a better leader. You’ll notice lower stress and anxiety that’ll help you handle business curveballs calmly. You can reduce making mistakes and get better results with sharper focus and clearer decision-making. More creativity and fresh ideas (no more mental blocks). You’ll gain more patience and emotional intelligence, making it easier to lead your team and connect with clients.

Tips on how to start meditation and mindfulness

Meditation isn’t sitting cross-legged for an hour trying to turn your mind off. It’s more than that and studies have shown that it’s helping people all over the world with their physical and mental health levels. Here’s how you can easily add mindfulness to your morning:

• Go slow: Try a 5-minute meditation or take a few deep breaths before your first meeting or after lunch.
• Enlist professionals: Use guided sessions to help unwind after a tough day.
• Wind down: Pause and focus on your breath, or take a mindful walk before checking your phone or emails.
• Practice: The real magic happens when you do it daily, even if it’s just for a few minutes.
• Find your style: Explore different meditations, breathwork, yoga, or your own style until you find what works best for you.

Tools and apps you can try for meditation 

You don’t need to be an expert to start meditating. With the right tools, you can get guided meditations from Insight Timer, Goodful, Boho Beautiful Yoga, or have your own artificial intelligence (AI) powered meditation coach on Vital.

4. Make time for movement

When you’re busy with business operations, your movement and exercise slide down the priority list. But you need to directly invest in your body, too, just like your business. There’s no business without you. So make sure you do what you can, at your level best.

Movement isn’t just good for your body and brain, but business too. A 45-minute workout can improve your decision-making and problem-solving‌ skills. Regular exercise makes you and your teammates more productive, and lowers stress. Research suggests that those that make time for movement take fewer sick days and have more energy at work. Plus, it ‌increases lung function, muscular strength, and endurance, making daily tasks easier.

Tips on how to make physical activity a habit 

Many entrepreneurs credit regular movement for their resilience and focus. Here’s how you can also make it a regular habit:

• Put it on your calendar: Treat exercise like any other important meeting-schedule it and stick to it.
• Start somewhere: Consistency over intensity. Even a brisk 10-minute walk, a quick yoga session, or a set of stretches helps.
• Go social: Exercise with friends, colleagues, or accountability partners. Group fitness classes or a workout buddy can keep you motivated.
• Take breaks: Take short movement breaks throughout the day — walk during phone calls, stretch between meetings, or move during lunch.
• Don’t be monotonous: Try high-intensity interval training (HIIT) for a quick, effective workout, or yoga for stress relief and focus.
• Track your progress: Keeping track of your progress can motivate you to do more and maintain the streak.

Tools and apps you can try to become physically active

Entrepreneurs and small business owners are always on the move, so finding fitness apps that fit a busy, unpredictable schedule is important. You can try out 7 Minute Workout, MyFitnessPal, or FitOn apps to customize your workouts.

5. Fuel your body (and brain!) with nutrient-dense foods

To eat or not to eat — or what to eat? That is the question. A national survey found that breakfast typically provides about 20% of the daily energy, fiber, and key nutrients. The important choice is to give your body and brain the fuel it needs to build your business, and have the energy to sustain every-day growth.

Whenever you choose to break your fast (breakfast), choose nutrient-dense ‌foods. Reach for foods that are rich in vitamins, healthy fats, and proteins. It all helps to develop your cognitive functions and makes your brain ‌sharper.

Studies show that people who eat a balanced breakfast are more focused, have better memory, and are generally more productive throughout the day. Depending on your goals and physical health, your nutrition depends on your lifestyle choices. Listen to your body and your professional support system to guide you to be the best business owner you can be. 

Tips on how to build healthy habits

You can eat healthy without spending hours in the kitchen or whipping up fancy meals. Choose foods that combine protein, fiber, and healthy fats for lasting energy and focus. Here’s how you can make it work, even on your busiest mornings:

• Plan ahead: Prep meals the night before to save time. 
• Keep it simple: Try smaller portions, in controlled containers. 
• Try new things: Rotate a few favorite recipes to keep things interesting.

Tools and apps to help you eat healthy

There’s a simple way to make breakfast easier and healthier. Apps like MealPrepPro, Mealime, and Daily Meal Planner are designed to help you plan, prep, and enjoy your morning meals — even on the busiest days.

6. Dial down digital distractions early

Studies show that after a digital distraction, it takes over 23 minutes to regain your focus, leading to substantial time and energy loss. We all know how tempting it is to check emails or scroll through social media first thing in the morning, but those habits can seriously derail your focus and productivity before your workday even begins.

On average, employees lose about 720 work hours a year due to distractions, costing U.S. businesses around $650 billion annually. Starting the day without digital noise fosters mental clarity and sparks creativity, both vital for business growth. Plus, it can improve mood and reduce stress levels.

Tips on how to stay away from digital distractions

Getting distracted can take your progress two steps back. But here are a few tips you can try to break the pattern:

• Start with analog activities: Begin your day with something non-digital, like reading, journaling, exercising, or simply enjoying breakfast without screens.
• Set device boundaries: Store your phone away from you at night or during crucial times. 
• Create tech-free zones: Designate certain areas or times as “no screen” zones, like during breakfast or your morning routine.
• Manage notifications: Silence non-essential notifications on your devices, especially overnight and during the first hour of work.
• Batch digital tasks: Schedule specific times later in the morning to check messages and emails, instead of reacting to every ping as soon as you wake up.

Tools and apps to limit digital distraction

Digital apps can help you stay away from digital distractions. Try apps like Forest, SelfControl, and Kill Newsfeed to help you manage digital distractions and stay focused on your goals.

7. Plan your day intentionally

People who prioritize and plan their tasks are more likely to complete them successfully. In fact, just 10–12 minutes of daily planning can save you up to two hours of wasted time each day. Yet, over half of team members feel overwhelmed by daily tasks, and 35% say time management is their biggest productivity challenge. 

Tips on how to plan your day intentionally

You don’t need an elaborate system — ‌ just a few minutes each morning or the night before can make a huge difference. Here’s how to get started:

• Set goals: Spend just 10 minutes planning each day. Identify your top 3–5 tasks that will move your business forward, and start there.. 
• Block time: Schedule your most important work during your peak energy hours, and batch similar tasks together to maintain focus.
• Reflect and adjust: At the end of the day, review what you accomplished and note what you can improve.

Tools and apps to plan your day

Intentional planning is about making every day count by aligning your actions with your long-term vision and business goals. Slack can be your go-to space to plan everything, or you can also try Life Plan Workbook, and Google Calendar.

8. Stay informed — strategically

It’s best to also be intentional about what information you consume, so you can make smarter decisions and keep your business ahead of the curve. Don’t confuse this with reading every headline or drowning in data. 

Gathering relevant information strategically helps you concentrate on what matters most, avoiding information overload and wasted time. If you use data-driven insights, you can easily identify trends, and spot opportunities to outpace competitors. Data-driven businesses are more efficient because it helps spot risks early and adapt quickly without missing any opportunity, and is less likely to rely on guesswork. 

Tips on how to stay informed without overwhelm

Block a short time for you to consume only trusted news sources. Make sure you’re tailoring the information to your business and it brings you value, not opinion. Here are some tips on how to consume business trends without overwhelm:

• Use trusted sources: Rely on reputable industry publications, government reports, and professional networks for your information. 
• Define what matters: Focus on information that directly impacts your industry, customers, and business goals. Don’t try to keep up with everything, but what’s most relevant.
• Use data: Use your own business data (sales, customer feedback, website analytics) to spot trends and make decisions.
• Segment and analyze: Break down your data by customer segment, product, or channel.

Tools and apps to stay informed strategically

Here are some resources to help you gather the right information and to guide your business decisions without getting overwhelmed by data overload:

• Customer relationship management (CRM) system: CRM tools can track customer data, sales trends, and feedback to inform your strategy.
• Google Alerts: Set up alerts for your industry, competitors, and key topics so important news comes to you.
• Business intelligence platforms: Tableau and Generative Canvas can help visualize and analyze complex data for deeper insights.
• Agentforce 360: You can build AI agents using Agentforce 360 that can help you simplify and understand customer information, aiding in making data-driven business decisions.

9. Last tip on making your miracle morning: Keep going

Now, you know where to start with each of your morning habits and what can make it easier. But what if we tell you that’s not the end. Success isn’t about one big breakthrough. It’s about the small actions you take every day. When you’re consistent, it’s easier to plan, measure progress, and hold yourself (and your team) accountable. Building consistency over time is all about showing up, sticking to your routines, and taking small, steady steps-even when progress feels slow.

Building consistency in your business involves taking small, reliable steps daily. Focus on one or two habits, break down goals into actionable steps, and establish regular processes for key tasks like lead follow-up or social media. Share your goals, reward adherence to routines, and adapt your approach when necessary. Always prioritizing simplicity and easy-to-follow processes to ensure steady progress. For example, instead of having different tools for different functions, go for Slack. It organizes tasks, sets reminders, and automates recurring activities to keep routines on track.

Make your mornings yours

Thinking about leading a healthy life and building habits that‌ lead to it makes all the difference. It all starts when you take the first step. That first step toward waking up early, eating healthy over quick breakfast, take out time to engage in some sort of physical activity. This slowly builds your habit of choosing yourself over digital distractions. 

With a CRM tool that can help you have all your important data and information stored in one place, your mornings can be much more productive, and less stressful. 

Start your journey with the Starter Suite today. Looking for more customization? Explore Pro Suite. Already a Salesforce customer? Activate Foundations and try out Agentforce 360 today.

AI supported the writers and editors who created this article.