The Night-Before Routine That Will Transform Your Mornings
Why preparing the night before is the secret to actually following through on your goals
By
Josh Felgoise
May 30, 2025
The secret to better mornings doesn’t start when you wake up. It starts the night before. Luke’s simple evening routine proves that preparation creates calm, and calm turns into consistency.
“Most of the time I have all that stuff all packed already. I’m like pretty good on that... The more you do that stuff before you go to bed, the more sleep you get.”
Luke’s comment sounds simple, but it’s one of the biggest game-changers for productivity and peace of mind.
If you want to wake up early, hit the gym, or start your day without chaos, what you do before bed matters more than what you do in the morning.
The Morning Decision Trap
Here’s what happens when you don’t prepare the night before:
You wake up and immediately start solving problems while your brain’s still half asleep.
What should I wear?
Where’s my gym gear?
What am I eating for breakfast?
Did I charge my phone?
Where are my keys?
Each tiny decision drains energy before the day even starts. By the time you’ve figured it all out, you’re rushed, stressed, and skipping what matters most.
Luke learned that the real secret to good mornings starts the night before.
Luke’s Evening Preparation System
The Basics
“I honestly, most of the time I have all that stuff all packed already.”
His setup is simple:
Gym clothes ready
Work bag packed
Everything for tomorrow organized
It’s not complicated. It’s consistent. And it removes the morning scramble that wrecks momentum.
The Sleep Connection
“The more you do that stuff before you go to bed, the more sleep you get.”
That line says it all.
Evening prep isn’t just about efficiency. It’s about sleep.
When everything’s ready:
You go to bed earlier
You fall asleep faster
You wake up calmer
You might even get a few extra minutes of rest
Preparation equals peace of mind.
Why This Works
Less Decision Fatigue
Every choice you make uses up willpower. Handling small decisions at night preserves your energy for real ones tomorrow.
Lower Activation Energy
When your gym bag is packed and your clothes are ready, it’s easier to follow through. No friction, no excuses.
Less Stress
Being unprepared creates anxiety. Waking up to order and routine creates calm.
More Consistency
Habits stick when they’re simple and repeatable. Prep makes discipline automatic.
The Compound Effect
Luke’s nighttime habit makes everything else possible.
6:50 AM wake-up? Easy.
7:15 AM gym session? Always happens.
Morning routine? Smooth.
Without prep, none of that consistency exists.
Preparation is what turns “I’ll try” into “I do.”
Building Your Own Evening Routine
Start Small: The 10-Minute Setup
You don’t need a full-blown system. Start here:
Lay out tomorrow’s outfit
Set out gym clothes
Pack your work bag
Charge your phone
Review your schedule
Set out breakfast or lunch items
Ten minutes at night saves thirty in the morning.
Level Up: The 20-Minute Power Session
Once you’re consistent, go further:
Plan your week
Batch-prep meals
Organize clothes for multiple days
Set out anything related to tomorrow’s goals
Clear your workspace before bed
The goal isn’t perfection. It’s flow.
Common Excuses and Fixes
“I’m too tired.”
Start with five minutes. You’ll actually feel more rested the next morning.
“I forget.”
Attach it to something you already do, like brushing your teeth or setting your alarm.
“My schedule changes too much.”
Prep the basics every night — keys, wallet, charger, bag — and adjust the rest.
“It feels like work.”
It’s not. It’s a gift to your future self. You’re trading five minutes now for a calmer tomorrow.
The Morning Transformation
When you prep the night before, mornings become:
Calmer: No frantic searching
Faster: You move automatically
Predictable: You know exactly what’s next
Less stressful: You start the day ahead, not behind
Luke’s early mornings aren’t about superhuman willpower. They’re about removing friction.
Advanced Prep Moves
The Weekly Reset
Sunday is prep day.
Plan outfits, prep meals, check your schedule, and handle admin tasks.
The Seasonal Shift
Update your routine as life changes.
New job? New schedule? Adjust and keep going.
The Emergency Backup
Have backup items ready:
Extra phone charger
Spare gym clothes
Emergency lunch or snacks
Preparation builds confidence.
Your Evening Prep Action Plan
Week 1: Start Simple
Pick one thing to improve and prep for it every night.
Week 2: Build Consistency
Add it to your existing routine. Notice how mornings feel easier.
Week 3: Expand Gradually
Add new elements as the habit sticks.
Month 2: Optimize
Tweak what works. Drop what doesn’t. Keep evolving your system.
The Bottom Line
Luke nailed it:
“The more you do that stuff before you go to bed, the more sleep you get.”
The truth is simple. Success starts in the setup.
You’re not just prepping your stuff. You’re setting up your future self to win.
Start tonight.
Pick one thing.
Prepare it before bed.
Tomorrow morning will feel completely different.
Want more real, practical tips for building routines that actually stick?
Subscribe to Guyset for weekly insights on habits, productivity, and becoming the kind of guy who’s got it together.
