They say the early bird gets the worm, but it’s not just about waking up early—it’s about what you do with that time. Imagine your day as a mountain. By tackling the steepest climb first, you set the tone for a day of resilience, productivity, and achievement. Starting your day with the hard things doesn’t just build discipline—it builds confidence, sharpens focus, and lays the foundation for a life driven by purpose.
Why Start Your Day with Hard Things?
The first hours of your day are a golden opportunity to take control. Studies show that our willpower and decision-making ability are strongest in the morning. This makes it the perfect time to tackle challenging tasks, whether it’s a grueling workout, a tough work project, or something you’ve been procrastinating on.
Starting with hard things trains your mind and body to lean into discomfort. It reinforces the belief that you are capable of doing difficult things, no matter how daunting they might seem. The sense of accomplishment you feel afterward creates momentum that carries you through the rest of your day.
Examples of Hard Things to Start Your Day
Here are a variety of “hard things” you can tackle first thing in the morning to build momentum:
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A Tough Workout:
- Complete a high-intensity interval training (HIIT) session.
- Try a long run or challenging yoga flow.
- Focus on strength training, pushing for heavier weights or higher reps.
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Learning Something New:
- Dedicate 30 minutes to learning a new language or skill.
- Tackle a difficult chapter in a book or course you’ve been avoiding.
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A Work Challenge:
- Write that report, presentation, or proposal you’ve been putting off.
- Respond to emails that require thoughtful or uncomfortable replies.
- Map out a complex project or solve a problem requiring deep focus.
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Confronting Procrastination:
- Pay overdue bills or organize your finances.
- Clean and organize a messy area of your home or workspace.
- Return a phone call, text, or email you’ve been avoiding.
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Mental Toughness Practices:
- Take a cold shower to build resilience and jump-start your day.
- Meditate for 10 minutes, even if your mind resists slowing down.
- Write in a gratitude or goal journal, reflecting on meaningful actions to take.
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Emotional Challenges:
- Have that difficult conversation you’ve been dreading (plan and rehearse your words first).
- Set boundaries with someone or say “no” to a commitment you can’t handle.
- Apologize for something you’ve been avoiding addressing.
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Creative Endeavors:
- Sketch out ideas for a passion project.
- Write a page of a book, poem, or blog post, even if inspiration feels distant.
- Brainstorm solutions for a problem in your personal or professional life.
Plan Your Morning for Success
- Prepare the Night Before: Whether it’s setting out workout clothes, drafting an outline for a project, or writing a to-do list, make it easy to start.
- Create a Morning Ritual: Pair the hard task with something enjoyable, like brewing a favorite coffee or listening to energizing music.
- Break It Down: If the task feels overwhelming, focus on the first step. For example, instead of cleaning the whole garage, just start with one section.
A Morning Workout as the Ultimate Hard Thing
For many, a challenging workout first thing in the morning can be the ultimate act of discipline. It demands energy, focus, and effort when your body might still crave the comfort of bed. But the payoff is unmatched. Exercise clears your mind, releases endorphins, and boosts your energy levels. Plus, starting your day with physical exertion makes everything else feel a little easier in comparison.
Here’s a simple workout to kickstart your day:
- Warm-Up (5 minutes): Dynamic stretches and light cardio (e.g., jumping jacks or jogging in place).
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Hard Thing Circuit (15 minutes):
- 10 Push-Ups
- 15 Air Squats
- 20 Mountain Climbers
- 30-Second Plank Hold
Repeat the circuit 3 times with minimal rest.
- Cool Down (5 minutes): Stretching to relax and reset.
Final Thoughts: Lean In, Level Up
When you start your day with hard things, you take control of your narrative. You become the kind of person who doesn’t shy away from challenges but leans into them. Over time, this habit strengthens not just your discipline but your identity. You’ll wake up knowing that you have what it takes to handle whatever life throws at you.
So tomorrow morning, don’t hit snooze. Don’t procrastinate. Face the hard thing head-on. As you conquer it, you’ll feel the momentum build, and your day will be unstoppable.
