There’s a huge gap between being disciplined and just playing the part.
Wondering what the difference is?
It’s all about habits. Disciplined people have habits that set them up for success, especially in the morning.
On the flip side, there are certain things they consciously avoid doing first thing in the morning.
In this article, I’m going to reveal 7 things naturally disciplined people steer clear of when they rise and shine.
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 allure of ten more minutes in bed is just too tempting.
But naturally disciplined people know the trap that lies behind that seemingly innocent snooze button.
Here’s the thing: when you hit snooze and drift 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 groggy and disoriented.
You see, disciplined folks avoid the snooze button like the plague.
Instead, they get up at the first ring of their alarm, kick-starting their day with decisiveness and purpose.
Skipping the snooze button isn’t just a time-saver—it’s a clear statement that they’re ready to seize the day.
2) Skipping 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 head out the door with nothing more than a cup of coffee in my hand. By 10 am, I’d be starving, unable to focus, and counting down the minutes until lunch.
But disciplined people?
They don’t make this mistake because they understand the importance of starting the day with a nutritious meal.
They make sure to fuel their body with the right nutrients to power them through their busy mornings.
Since I started eating breakfast regularly, I’ve noticed a significant difference in my energy levels and focus throughout the day.
3) Checking emails or social media
Naturally disciplined people avoid starting their day with emails or social media. It might 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 feeds, you’re essentially beginning your day on someone else’s terms.
Your attention is immediately drawn to other people’s
And here’s something to chew on – research found that people who checked their email only three times a day felt significantly less stressed than their peers who checked their email continuously.
So, disciplined people carefully guard their first hours of the day, using them to focus on their own priorities before diving into the digital world.
4) Neglecting hydration
Another habit disciplined people avoid in the morning is forgetting to hydrate.
After a long night’s sleep, your body is naturally dehydrated.
Drinking water rehydrates you, kick-starts your metabolism, and aids in digestion.
Disciplined individuals often start their day with a glass of water or even lemon water for added vitamin C.
This simple habit helps them to feel refreshed, rejuvenated, and ready to tackle whatever the day might bring.
Failing to hydrate first thing in the morning can leave you feeling sluggish and off-kilter.
In short, if you want to start your day like the disciplined folks, remember to grab that glass of water before diving into your morning routine.
5) Leaving the bed unmade
It might seem like a small thing, but leaving the bed unmade is something disciplined people rarely do.
Making your bed first thing in the morning is a quick and easy task that sets a productive tone for the rest of the day.
It’s a small win, a box checked off, a task completed. And it helps create a sense of order and calm in your personal space.
Naturally disciplined people understand this.
They know that this simple act can kick-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 mornings aren’t just for ticking tasks off a to-do list.
They’re 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, taking time for oneself in the morning is crucial.
It sets a positive tone for the day and helps to reduce stress.
Ignoring self-care in the morning is something disciplined people avoid.
They know that to take care of others and to excel in their work, they first need to take care of themselves.
Remember, self-care isn’t selfish. It’s essential.
And making it a 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 days haphazardly, doing whatever tasks popped into my mind first.
The result? By the end of the day, I often felt like I hadn’t accomplished much of anything.
Disciplined people don’t make that mistake.
They know 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 outline their priorities for the day.
This doesn’t have to be a detailed schedule or a rigid plan.
Just 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 each morning, I’ve felt more in control, productive, and satisfied with what I’ve accomplished.
And that’s a feeling I wouldn’t trade for anything.
8) Rushing
Nothing sets the tone for a hectic, stressful day like rushing around first thing in the morning.
Disciplined people understand the importance of a calm and measured start to the day.
They avoid rushing and instead, build extra time into their morning routine to ensure they can start their day in a peaceful, deliberate way.
Whether it’s waking up a little earlier, preparing things the night before, or just moving at a steady pace, disciplined folks know that a rushed morning often leads to a rushed day.
9) Neglecting physical activity
Disciplined people know 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 to come.
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 impact on your mood, energy levels, and overall productivity.
To cultivate discipline, make sure you’re not neglecting physical activity in your morning routine.
It’s more than just good for your health—it’s essential for 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 stringent routines, but 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 carving out time for self-care, these actions are chosen with purpose and deliberation.
The practices we’ve discussed aren’t just tasks to be checked 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, consider the power of intentionality in your own life.
Remember, each morning provides a fresh start, a new opportunity to live with purpose.
Choose wisely.