Two Inspiring Morning Routines for INTJs

Starting your morning off on the right foot is so important and can set the tone and focus for the entire day. If you’ve ever had those days that you just felt groggy, uninspired, and distracted, you know what I’m talking about (I’ve certainly had those days). With that in mind, I started thinking about the 16 personality types and what they need to feel focused, in flow, satisfied, and energized. Yesterday I published an article about morning routines for the INFJ, and today I want to move on to the INTJ, my own personality type.

INTJs, or “The Strategists” as I like to call them, need to start the day with a clear head. They need to feel like they can direct their energy fully towards their goals, without a lot of stress, noise, or mental clutter getting in the way. How they start their day is especially important.

With that in mind, I’m going to detail out two different morning routines specifically for strategists. The first is a quick routine for those who have very little time in the mornings. The second is a longer and more in-depth routine for those who wake up especially early or have more time to themselves in the mornings. I hope one or both of these will inspire you! Please let me know your experience in the comments if you decide to try one of these!

Not sure what your personality type is? Take our new personality questionnaire here. Or you can take the official MBTI® here.

The Night Before

Before we jump into the morning routines, let’s set the stage for a successful day:

• Get Enough Sleep: Aim for a minimum of 7 hours. A well-rested mind is your greatest asset.
• Put Your Phone in Another Room: Keeping your phone out of reach minimizes the temptation to check social media or your emails and get distracted. It might feel weird to be apart from your phone, but it’s highly effective. My own doctor recommended this to me when I was having trouble sleeping because he’d seen phones being close to the bed as a major setback to so many of his patients with sleep problems.
• Find a Good Quote: Pick a quote that resonates with you and place it next to your bed. Having an inspiring quote can really set the tone for the day and direct your energy in a positive way. Here are a few I personally like, but you can definitely peruse your books or online sources to find your own:

“Try not to become a man of success, but rather try to become a man of value.” – Albert Einstein

“On the mountains of truth you can never climb in vain. Either you will reach a point higher up today, or you will be training your powers so that you will be able to climb higher tomorrow.” – Friedrich Nietzsche

“Look up at the stars and not down at your feet. Try to make sense of what you see, and wonder about what makes the universe exist. Be curious.” – Stephen Hawking

By setting these intentions the night before, you’re already paving the way for a focused and deliberate start to your morning.

Weekday Morning Routine (Short on Time)

1. Wake Up Early

Wake up early to give yourself some extra time for quiet. As soon as your alarm goes off, try to immediately get up and out of bed. This is the hardest part. It’s so easy to hit “Snooze” and snuggle back into the blankets (believe me, I’ve done this myself enough times). But the minute you get up and start moving, your brain will start realizing it’s time to wake up, and you’ll be glad you have a few more moments to yourself.

Oh, and don’t forget to look at your quote first thing in the morning! You could even keep the slip of paper with the quote on it in your pocket to remind you of your focus for the rest of the day.

2. Open the Windows

Allow natural light to flood your room. This helps regulate your circadian rhythm and signals to your brain that it’s time to wake up. If it’s an overcast day, go ahead and turn on an overhead light or light a candle.

3. Make Your Bed

It may seem silly because you’re just going to crawl right back into your bed at the end of the day, but making your bed allows you to start your day with a sense of accomplishment and order. People who make their beds every morning tend to feel more relaxed, focused, and on top of the game.

4. Drink a Glass of Ice Water

Hydrating first thing in the morning kick-starts your metabolism and helps flush out toxins. It can also help you to increase your energy levels and boost mental performance!

5. Quick Exercise (15 minutes)

I’m going to be honest here. I hate working out. I almost never feel like doing it when I get up in the morning. But, alas, I have noticed that I feel more refreshed, focused, and physically and mentally strong during the day on those days where I do work out. And there’s actually science behind that! According to Calm.com, working out in the morning elevates your mood, improves mental focus and clarity, gives you time for reflection and planning, and even enhances your sleep quality (along with a host of other health benefits). So whether it’s a brisk walk, some yoga, or a quick HIIT routine, getting your blood pumping is crucial.

6. Meditate (5 minutes)

As an Introverted Intuitive type, I really can’t stress enough the importance of some quiet time for meditation and reflection. Your best insights tend to come to you during moments of quiet, where no distractions can clutter your thoughts. When you calm your body, breathe deeply, and become more mindful, this allows you to stay focused, get those epiphanies that INJs are so famous for, and feel more ready to tackle whatever the day throws at you. Spend a few minutes meditating to center your mind and set a calm, focused tone for the day.

7. Breakfast

Opt for an energy-inducing breakfast. Think protein-rich options like Greek yogurt with berries, or a smoothie packed with greens and fruits.

8. Write a To-Do List

Jot down a few must-do tasks to set clear intentions and priorities for the day.

9. Deep Work (8 AM – 2 PM)

Use this high-energy time block to tackle your most demanding tasks. Your brain is most active during these hours, making it the prime time for deep, focused work. If you work outside of the home, try to maximize your morning commute by listening to a podcast that teaches you something new, learn a few words in a new language with a language-learning app, or simply enjoy the silence and use it to process your thoughts and feelings.

Weekend Morning Routine (More Time)

1. Wake Up Early

Just like on weekdays, start your morning with some quiet time for contemplation. This is especially true if you’re a parent. INTJ parents need to feel like they’ve had a little time to themselves before they deal with the hustle and bustle and stimulation of parenting. Jumping right into the day with a lot of personal contact can be overwhelming and quickly run down your battery.

2. Open the Windows

Fill your space with fresh air and natural light to invigorate your senses. Exposure to sunlight in the morning helps regulate your body’s sleep-wake cycle and get you more energized.

3. Make Your Bed

A made bed sets a positive tone for the day ahead.

4. Drink a Glass of Ice Water

No, not just coffee. Ice water will help you to be more focused while flushing out toxins and improving your overall well-being and health.

5. Extended Exercise (30-45 minutes)

Use the extra time to try out a more thorough workout. Go for a long run, take a hike, or do a more intense yoga session. Physical activity is essential for staying grounded and connected to your body.

6. Meditate (10-15 minutes)

A longer meditation session can deepen your sense of calm and focus, helping you prepare mentally for the day.

7. Read

Dedicate some time to reading. Whether it’s fiction, non-fiction, or professional material, reading stimulates your mind and keeps you informed and mentally exercised. Better yet, create a really atmospheric ritual around reading to make it more enjoyable. You could light a candle, play some classical music, and read in your favorite chair or you could set up a little reading section outside in the fresh air. Creating a quiet, calming space where you really enjoy not just reading, but the atmosphere around it, will help you to feel even more inspired.

8. Fresh Air

Spend time outdoors, whether it’s a walk in the park or simply sitting on your balcony. Fresh air and nature can clear your mind and energize your spirit.

9. Breakfast

Enjoy a nutritious and leisurely breakfast. Perhaps experiment with new recipes or savor a more elaborate meal like avocado toast with eggs and a side of fruit.

10. Write a To-Do List

Plan out your day with clear, actionable goals. Reflect on what you want to accomplish and set your intentions. Remember that your personal goals also matter; taking time to relax, laugh, or connect with friends and family.

11. Deep Work (Flexible Hours)

Given the flexibility of weekends, you might choose to engage in deep work later in the day. Use this time for activities that require high focus and creativity.

What Do You Think?

By following these structured routines, you’ll find yourself more focused, less distracted, and ready to tackle the day with your characteristic INTJ efficiency and insight. Some of these tips might seem small, but even tiny adjustments can lead to big improvements in your productivity and overall well-being.

Do you have any other tips for fellow INTJs? Be sure to let us and other readers know in the comments! Find out more about your personality type in our eBook specifically for INTJs: The INTJ – Understanding the Strategist. You can also connect with me via Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter!

Other Articles You Might Enjoy:

10 Things You Crave Every Day as an INTJ Personality Type

12 Awkward Moments INTJs Absolutely Hate

10 Things People Misunderstand About INTJs