"Before the rest of the world is eating breakfast, the most successful people have already scored daily victories that are advancing them toward the lives they want."

That's according to productivity author Laura Vanderkam who wrote the above quote in her book, What the Most Successful People Do Before Breakfast.

Upon waking, these successful people make it a point to claim their "me" time. They don't immediately check their email, instead they spend the morning hours preparing for a productive day.

So the question is: What do the world's most highly successful people actually do first thing in the morning when they awake?

MoneyBuildr shares their ten morning habits:

10. Wake up Early

Many successful people, be they professionals or politicians, believe that an early start to the day is key as time is a valuable commodity. According to Forbes, ex-British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher awoke daily at 5am, while Frank Lloyd Write rose even earlier at 4am. According to many people, utilizing the early morning hours before the working day starts is the key to a successful and healthy lifestyle, as well as a highly productive day.

9. Exercise

Many people will tell you that exercising daily is another way to ensure a successful day, even if you only have 20 minutes to spare. It is a well-known fact that when one exercises in the morning it triggers their metabolism, which remains elevated throughout the day. If you can't afford a gym membership then a workout dvd at home or a quick jog around the block are just as good.

8. Meditate

Meditation helps lower stress levels, improve cognitive functioning, enable creativity and productivity, and also improve your physical health. Many corporate leaders find that meditation helps them deal with the stress of their high pressure careers: "Meditation more than anything in my life was the biggest ingredient of whatever success i've had," says Ray Dalio, the billionaire founder of Bridgewater Associates, the world's largest hedge fund firm.

7. Ask themselves that one important question

In a commencement address in 2005, Steve Jobs revealed the motivational tactic he used to start each day: "For the past 33 years, I have looked in the mirror every morning and asked myself: If today were the last day of my life, would I want to do what I am about to do today? And whenever the answer has been no for too many days in a row, I know I need to change something." If you too find yourself saying no too many days in a row, it's time to make a change.

6. Write down gratitude

By jotting down the blessings they are grateful for, highly successful people become more inspired, and improve their overall outlook on life. They are appreciative for what they have, and are humbled to go to work and work even harder.

5. Do their most dreaded task first

Because willpower is highest in the morning, the waking hours are the best time to complete your most dreaded task. You are more likely to complete your task then, as you probably experience less interruptions, with most of the household being asleep. Choose your task for the day, and make it your business to complete it before even eating breakfast.

4. Write in a journal

Many successful professionals write in a journal to record their daily acts of progress. If everyday you record small acts of daily progress- "the small win theory," you dump dopamine in your brain, which is a great source of motivation. Writing down your small daily wins will make you feel like you're making progress, and you will feel happy, strong, and inspired.

3. Plan and strategize

The only way you will know if you are headed in the right direction is if you take a few minutes in the morning to map out your day. The most successful people know this, and they spend time in the morning visualizing their life goals and reviewing their plans for the day. They also factor in time for breaks, in order to keep their mind refreshed. You too should practice this habit, as it is key to your success.

2. Eat a healthy breakfast

Rushing out of the door on an empty stomach is not a good feeling. You wind up sitting down at your desk ready to scarf down whatever food you see first. This is no good for your your health or your metabolism. Take that extra time in the morning to eat a nutritious breakfast, and give your body fuel it needs to take on the tasks of the day.

1. Bond with family

This bonding can take place over a nice bowl of oatmeal, or getting your kids ready for school. In the morning where there is less stress in your system, make a habit to bond with your family, and even talk to them about their dreams. You are working so hard so your family will have a better life, but you don't want to miss out on watching them grow up.