Be Successful, Wake Up Early?

It's cold. It's dark. And the alarm's going off. Stretch an arm out from under the warm cosy duvet to turn it off... not a chance. The central heating hasn't come on yet. Getting out of bed's a problem.

Why would anyone want to subject themselves to such circumstances? Most are still happily snoozing. Even the sun isn't going to make an appearance for a few hours yet. However, there's a notion spreading amongst the successful. It's playing with minds. Almost forcing a requirement and sense of failure.

With rationals circulating, maybe that 5 am alarm should be adhered to. Because Richard Branson, Lord Sugar, and Harriet Green all rise early. But what's the true benefit of getting up this early? What's in it that fuels success?

Superior Sense...

...I've heard people say that they actually enjoy getting out and experiencing their world while it's quiet. They see different events and happenings and relish the feeling that getting ahead brings. Well, they do say "the early bird catches the worm"... but where's this worm... what are they trying to achieve... who are they trying to beat?

It's all well and good if there's a purpose. Simply getting up at 5 am for the fun of it is not good enough.

By taking a closer look, I think I've uncovered two sides of the same coin...

...the currency that invests into your success

In the business world, there's a suggestion that getting up early allows you to get important things done. In fact, there's some science to this too. Apparently, we're more productive in the first few hours after we get up. So by hopping out of bed and getting to work before all other daily distractions start getting in the way, you can actually produce with efficiency. Then, when your phone starts vibrating and people begin to clamour for your attention, you've already managed to achieve something.

Now flip over to the other side to find the likes of Richard Branson, Lord Sugar, and Harriet Green who use this time to exercise. These people believe it is best to start your day with an activity... a swim or a bike ride or a session with a personal trainer. Again, there are some benefits here too. By starting your day with an exercise boost, you'll be changing your body's chemistry. You'll feel better, positive, stimulated, and motivated. With some daily morning exercise, you will efficiently provide your best work.

Obey that 5 am alarm?

Here's the thing... the idea of getting up a 5 am has spread wildly, however, the average person doesn't know why they should. To simplify it, the reasoning swirls around time management and productivity. So, if your schedule demands you be somewhere at 9 am sharp and you end up going through your days not squeezing in the one thing that would increase your success, then maybe, try getting up a little earlier and do it then.

That means, if there's a task you need to complete or a project you're starting or working on, then it might be a good idea to do it first thing in the morning. Because, in reality, we generally plan to do these things during the day or after work, although, life often gets in the way. Your motivation and concentration diminish later in the day. You're easily talking into socialising. And social media, TV, games... entertainment can suck up your time. You can readily procrastinate.

What's more, it is true about exercise too... you might plan to attend an evening class, go to the gym, or dust off that DVD you got in the new year when you get home, but for the same reasons it simply doesn't get done. Procrastination strikes. You're lacking the energy and motivation to cut through waning thoughts.

The lesson here is to use your time wisely. Because there are only 24 hours in a day and a good chunk is designated to being tucked up nice and warm under the duvet. And then there's that time you have to get up, at the latest, and the hour you get under that duvet. Now by shifting these times a little anticlockwise to empower work or exercise first thing, what would that look like? Do you really need to get up at 5 am to take advantage of your early morning productivity ability or get an exercise boost so that you're more effective throughout the day?

The truth be told, you don't have to sweat for an hour to get the benefits exercise offers... you can get them in 20 minutes. And 20 to 30 minutes per day might just be enough time to get some work done.

Ultimately, don't feel as if you should roll out of bed at 5 am because some successful people are doing it. Instead, structure your lifestyle so that you get the most out of every day. And be sure that it fulfils your desires and wellbeing.