The world’s most successful entrepreneurs understand the value of time. Your early morning hours provide an opportunity to get a lot done with relatively few interruptions. While the rest of the world is still struggling to get out of bed, you could already have been up for hours, making huge strides towards your wildest dreams. Early risers report that the first hours of the day provide enhanced creativity and inspiration which take them further in life, faster. The beginnings of your day can set the tone for the next 24 hours, so why not do everything you can to start strong? You can choose to get up, get going, be optimistic, radiate positivity and tap your own inherent genius. Try emulating the habits of highly successful people. Here are a few things that most high achievers do as part of their everyday morning routines:

Have an attitude of gratitude

Some of the top CEOs in the country make it a habit to write down something for which they are grateful for every morning. You might keep a journal beside your bed, and when you first sit up, jot down one thing you’re grateful for. It can be something little like an appreciation for the bird song just out your window, or for that great deal you got yesterday on those running shoes you’ve been wanting. By literally counting your blessings, you become more open minded and develop a positive outlook on life. By being more open and optimistic, you’re more likely to recognize the opportunities around you.

Drink up!

Coffee may be the morning drink of choice for most, but many successful entrepreneurs reach for water first thing in the morning. When you wake, you’ve probably noticed that your mouth is dry. However, the rest of your body (including your brain) also needs rehydration after you sleep.

Move it, move it!

Exercise in the morning will help your entire body wake up and oxygenate, leading to better brain function, overall increased energy, and enhanced productivity. In fact, you don’t necessarily ever have to engage in as many different activities, but if you’re not getting much physical activity at all, it’s time to start. You might try the smartphone app called “7-Minute Workout” to guide you in a new morning routine, and it will only take a whopping seven minutes of your time.

Clear your mind

It’s been estimated that 90% of illnesses are stress-related. Sometimes as a business owner, stress will be inevitable. But you can be in better form to face them and block them from having a lasting negative effect on your health and life if you make meditation part of your daily routine. There’s no shortage of resources out there that can help you learn to meditate – videos, podcasts, guided audio meditations, workshops, etc. In its simplest form, meditation is simply a focus on your own breath. Some people hear the word “meditation” and they think they have to spend an hour sitting cross-legged on a cushion, and they’re hesitant to “throw away” that much of their time. However, just five minutes of meditation in the morning can have a major impact, keeping you calm and mentally agile throughout the day.

Get inspired

Having positive thoughts is easy. It’s staying positive throughout the day that’s the real challenge. Successful people know that listening to inspirational or uplifting music or podcasts when they first wake up conditions their minds to be lastingly optimistic.

Make big plans

Entrepreneurs often take at least ten minutes of their morning to visualize life goals and prioritize tasks. Its ten well-spent minutes that they say make their days more manageable and less stressful. Using our mornings to plan and strategize helps set the trajectory toward big-picture goals. You might try planning a day, a week, a month ahead.