The Importance of Productive Habits Before Bedtime

The most successful and productive people in the world all have certain habits in their daily routines that contribute to their success. They understand that their mental and physical health is almost entirely dependent upon their habits before bedtime. Here are ten things successful and super productive people do that lead them to be in the top 20 percent of money earners in our society.

1. Review their day
Before going to sleep, successful and wealthy people think about whether what they are doing has meaning. At the end of each day, they think about how they have positively contributed to the world and review if the goals achieved are in line with their overall vision. They make plans to track their progress and take notes to put the best in every single thing they do. Reviewing your day before going to bed will help you clarify what you want and motivate you to take action on your goals.

2. Write down their thoughts
Productive people write down their thoughts, sensations, feelings, and emotions. They try to analyze when and why things went right and wrong. Journaling helps them to sharpen their thinking, clear their mind, destroy negative self-talk, and pay attention to their most dominant emotions through the day. Many successful people like Theodore Roosevelt, Thomas Jefferson, Charles Darwin, Benjamin Franklin, Andrew Carnegie, Ralph Waldo Emerson, and Winston Churchill kept diaries, so giving journaling a try could change your life too.

3. Stick their noses into books
Many successful people are voracious readers. They read at least for 10-20 minutes before going to bed every day, and they learn from what others talk about. Reading improves the long-term health of your brain.

4. Set priorities for the next morning
Before bedtime, productive people review their schedule and plan for the following day. They make a list of everything they have to do and set priorities to go into the next workday feeling better prepared, more confident, and less stressed. Writing down the top 3-5 most important tasks you need to do the next day can be life-changing.

5. Spend quality time with family
Successful people know that you have to spend quality time with your family to get and stay connected. No matter how busy life can get, treating time with your family as a priority is really important. So, spend more time having meaningful conversations with your children, siblings, or parents. Turning off the TV, eating dinner with your family, and talking will give you the chance to share quality experiences.

6. Get things done
Super productive people use their skills, talents, energies, and knowledge to the fullest extent possible. They do the things that need to be done, not just the things they like to do. Committing to getting the job done by the end of the day is key.

7. Do a digital detox
Before going to bed, put your phone in another room, turn off the TV, and spend some time in stillness. It will help you feel energized and improve your overall health. It will also give you more time for other activities that you really enjoy.

8. Spend time in nature
To be refreshed and ready for anything, you need to find time to go into nature and have fun. Even having a walk routine can be a perfect way to turn off your thoughts about work after a stressful day and reflect on different things that interest you or to just empty your mind and enjoy the silence.

9. Meditate
Many super productive people like Russell Simmons, Tim Ferriss, and Oprah Winfrey meditate in the morning and before bed. When our mind is more relaxed, we are more receptive to ideas and can focus better on frustrating tasks. Set aside 10 minutes each day before going to sleep to meditate and let your thoughts flow naturally.

10. Envision their future
Many successful people take a few minutes before bed to envision a positive outcome unfolding for the projects they’re working on. Visualization techniques help them picture tomorrow’s success and get clarity on challenges and obstacles. Spend a few minutes each night visualizing yourself as successful the next day. This will help motivate you to make it happen because you’ve already seen it in your mind’s eye.

If you can develop these ten productive habits before bedtime, you will increase your productivity overnight, and your life will be a lot better. Start with one or two habits, and once they become natural habits, add more to your daily routine. You will be amazed at the results.