Get the Most Important Thing Done First: How Prioritizing Your Workout Can Change Your Day—and Your Life
Get the Most Important Thing Done First: How Prioritizing Your Workout Can Change Your Day—and Your Life
We’ve all had those days where life feels like a relentless hurricane of to-do lists, meetings, errands, and unexpected distractions. And for a lot of us, the one thing that always seems to get blown away in the storm is our workout. You had the best of intentions. But before you know it, the day’s gone, and you’re left wondering where your time went.
That’s why a growing number of people—especially those serious about building a fitness habit—are adopting a simple yet transformative mindset: Get the most important thing done first. In other words, schedule your workout at your first possible opportunity. But why is this so effective? And more importantly, how can this seemingly small shift in routine have such a significant impact on your life? Let’s dig into it.
1. Life Gets in the Way Otherwise
First off, let’s be real: life will get in the way. Whether it’s an unexpected meeting at work, a surprise errand, or just the day-to-day demands of life, things come up. And the later you push your workout, the more likely it is to get bumped off the schedule entirely. Research backs this up. A study published in the journal Health Psychology found that people who exercise in the morning are more consistent with their workout routine than those who try to squeeze it in later in the day . Why? Because the morning is, for many people, the only time of day they can truly control.
By knocking out your workout first thing, you’re not leaving your health to chance. You’ve done the thing that matters most before the whirlwind of the day begins. And that’s a big deal because, unlike answering emails or folding laundry, building a consistent fitness habit is something that compounds over time.
2. It Sets Up the Rest of Your Day Well
Starting your day with a workout doesn’t just tick off an item from your to-do list; it fundamentally changes the tone of your day. It’s like a psychological boost that echoes throughout the next 12 hours.
There’s science behind this as well. Exercise, particularly in the morning, has been shown to improve mood and cognitive function for the rest of the day . Endorphins, your body’s feel-good chemicals, flood your system post-workout, reducing stress and making you feel more accomplished before your day even truly begins. And then there’s the mental clarity that comes from working out. Studies from the British Journal of Sports Medicine highlight that people who exercise in the morning report better concentration, sharper decision-making, and more creativity throughout the day .
So not only do you feel physically better, but your mind is firing on all cylinders. You’re sharper, more focused, and ready to tackle whatever challenges come your way. In essence, you’ve won the day by 9 a.m.
3. It’s an Act of Prioritization—and That Makes It Stick
When you make fitness the first thing you do, you’re sending a message—to yourself, primarily—that this is important. And just by doing that, you’re already a step ahead. The act of prioritizing something embeds it deeper into your routine and your identity. It’s a mental commitment that goes beyond the physical act of exercise.
James Clear, author of Atomic Habits, talks extensively about the power of identity-based habits. By consistently choosing to prioritize your workout, you’re reinforcing the belief that fitness is a core part of who you are. And that shift, from seeing exercise as a chore to seeing it as part of your identity, is what makes the habit stick. The simple act of getting up and getting it done first thing transforms the way you approach fitness. It’s no longer optional—it’s essential.
This doesn’t mean you have to hit the gym for hours at 5 a.m. You can start small—a 20-minute bodyweight workout at home, a quick run around the block, or a short yoga session to stretch things out. The key is in the consistency and the commitment to make it the first thing on your agenda.
The Power of Momentum
There’s an element of momentum that happens when you get the most important thing done first. That sense of accomplishment carries over into other parts of your day. It’s much easier to make healthy food choices, stay hydrated, and manage stress when you’ve already prioritized your well-being from the get-go.
Moreover, the first action of the day often sets the tone for the rest of it. Productivity experts frequently stress the importance of a strong morning routine because it creates a sense of momentum. This is sometimes referred to as the “domino effect”—knock down one positive action, and it triggers a cascade of other good decisions throughout the day.
Conclusion: How to Make This Work for You
So, how do you make this concept work in your life? Start by carving out a time early in the morning that’s yours. Even if it means waking up 30 minutes earlier, make that time sacred. Set your clothes out the night before. Make a non-negotiable plan for your morning workout, and treat it like an appointment with the most important person in your life—your future self.
In fitness, as in life, success is often about momentum and consistency. Getting the most important thing done first isn’t just about checking a box; it’s about setting the stage for a healthier, more productive, and more intentional life. The workout isn’t just a workout—it’s a statement of who you are and where your priorities lie.
And if you make it a priority, the rest will fall into place.