Have you ever rushed out of bed, jumped into your car or commute, and hurriedly ran into your
office bumping into passer-by’s just to make it in time, only to then realise you’ve forgotten a very
important file at home? I have. So. Many. Times.
This, fortunately, hasn’t been my reality for a long time.
I discovered something the rich live by and added it to my own lifestyle.
I wake up at the crack of dawn and find myself ten times more productive,
healthy, and happy. There are so many benefits to waking up early – I mean there has to be a reason
why over half of the world’s CEOs swear by it. I am hoping, after hearing all the benefits,
you too will be infected by the early bug and see positive changes in your life.
1. They plan for the day
My most favourite benefit of waking up early is having the time to plan my day.
When you’ve got (what seems like) a million and one things to do, the easiest way to overcome the
overwhelm is to accordingly map out your day based on what needs to be done. The rich have every
second of their day carved out, and some even use their weekends to complete their to-do lists.
They also ensure that they have sufficient breaks so that they get some rejuvenation time.
The important thing to remember is that you need to be realistic. I used to suffer
from super-human syndrome when I foolishly thought I could finish 50 things in one day
all of which required me to travel from one end of town to the other, multiple times.
You see, you know what you can accomplish, and you know how long each task will take. Using the
early hours, which are almost always peaceful, can help you sensibly plan what you can do.
Starting this habit when you’ve still got a small amount to handle is the secret.
This way, when you’ve got a daunting number of tasks to accomplish, you’ll already be filled
with the self-confidence that you can not only plan your day, but can also achieve everything.
2. Work out
Did you know that exercising reduces stress, improves your mood and increases your attention
span? These are just some of the countless benefits of working out. On top of that,
studies have shown that there are more benefits to reap when you work out first thing in the morning,
as compared to any other time of day. One study proves that a morning workout leads to efficient
and quick decision-making during the rest of the day. One can also note an increase in productivity
levels. Working out in the morning allows the rich to cash in on the benefits later in the day.
Another reason they work out in the morning is so that they don’t get swept away with the day’s
responsibility and completely neglect their health. This is, unfortunately, what happens
with most of us: although we’ve made plans about working out, we don’t act on it. Before we know
it, the day’s almost done, we’re too tired, and it’s another opportunity wasted. You do not need
to lift weights or take part in a CrossFit class for it to count as a ‘work out’. Taking your dog
out on a walk is also an exercise. The point is, find what feels good to you, and do it.
3. Breakfast
Breakfast really is the most important meal of the day. If you’re going to be on your feet all day,
running from meeting to meeting, you need the physical energy and brain power to
be at your best. A lot of people skip breakfast because they wake up too late
and don’t have time to eat. Many opt for quick fixes and unhealthy options
that will only keep them satisfied for only a small amount of time.
Going hungry for the first few hours of your day has a knock-on effect.
Studies prove that you end up eating more than you need during the rest of the day. There is
also evidence which suggests that you’re more likely to pick unhealthy options during the
day. This could eventually lead to a feeling of lethargy, mood swings, and even weight gain.
Waking up early provides you with the time to enjoy a balanced meal
which will satiate you and fill you with energy. If you feel like, try as you might, you really
don’t have time to cook and eat breakfast, you can make your breakfast the night before (something
like overnights oats or chia seed pudding) and grab it in the morning to eat on your way to work.
4. Work on personal projects
Do you have a passion project you desperately want to work on
but seemingly don’t have time for? The wee small hours of the morning are yours to conquer.
There are two main benefits of this: the first is the obvious one.
You are able to focus on your personal goals thereby making you feel more fulfilled.
The second is that you’ll go to your actual day job in an already productive state.
Seeing as you’ve spent the early morning working and concentrating you won’t need
to force yourself into that productive mindset. You may also be more creative during this time.
Nobody is around to distract you; your creative juices are flowing.
You can accomplish a lot. This is what the rich do. Because their time is so restricted,
they steal chances, like the early hours, to work on their personal goals.
5. Spend time with family
Striving for a healthy work/life balance is one of the things successful people try to do every day.
That’s because they know that spending time with friends and family
makes them feel more relaxed and more excited about coming home to be with them again.
Research shows that spending time with your family helps decrease stress, encourages you
to eat healthier, and subsequently, makes you happier. Your family is your support system.
Enjoying a fun breakfast with your loved ones boosts your mood and fills everyone
with the sense of confidence and accomplishment to battle the day.
When family members take time to engage in conversations with each other especially in
the morning they become more confident to go out into the world. Life shouldn’t be all about work.
6. Network
Networking is important if you want to continue to succeed in your field.
The ironic thing is, however, the more you’re growing and succeeding, the less time you have to
network and meet potential clients and partners. Once again, waking up early can help you here.
Some CEOs have mentioned that mornings have become a great time to connect with people.
It’s during this time that they get to meet potential client’s associates,
friends from the same industry or anyone else who would be a valuable asset.
Successful people know the value of exchanging ideas with others through networking.
They also know the value of collaboration and team work. It’s a lot easier to do business with people
you’re friendly with than strangers. It also helps you stay in tune with industry developments and
opportunities. That’s why they do this whenever they can even if it’s before heading out to work.
The good thing about setting up meet ups in the morning over a cup of coffee is that you’re not
as rushed as you would be when you make lunch plans only for there to be a delay at work.
7. Read
Reading works of fiction for pleasure is a great way to entertain yourself. Reading non-fiction
like world affairs, economic reports and other such things can help your personal growth.
In turn, you can apply all the knowledge you’ve learnt to your business and make it grow.
If you don’t have the patience for books, you can also use audiobook apps to help
you absorb useful information. Knowledge is power and you can use it to your advantage.
8. Clear Your Mind
Taking care of your mental health is just as important as taking care of your physical health.
The wealthy love taking time each morning to meditate. Not only does it help them quiet
down their busy mind, it also allows them to seek clarity on what their goals are.
Meditation evokes a sense of calmness. During their busy and stressful days,
the rich rely on this feeling to guide them through their obstacles.
Mindful meditation is all about focusing on the present, clearing you mind, and accepting the
present moment without judgement. It allows you to becoming fully engaged with the world around you
and gives you the tools to deal with the stresses and strains of the world.
If you feel like you’ve got too much on your mind, give meditation a try.
I can guarantee that even after one session you’ll be feeling a lot lighter.
In conclusion, a morning routine is an inevitable part of many successful people’s lives.
You don’t have to do exactly as they do but take inspiration and try it for yourself,
and then see how it fares for you.