You win the day in the morning as it sets the tone for everything that follows.
Don't sleep in; it's one of the worst habits you can form.
A disorganised start can leave you scattered, impacting productivity, mood, and focus.
To rise early, prioritise bedtime: Aim for at least 6 hours of sleep, ideally 8.
I'm not suggesting extreme rituals like ice baths, but here are practical tips to enhance your mornings:
- Incorporate some light activity before eating to energise your body.
- Avoid reaching for your smartphone right away.
- Allow time to simply reflect and plan without distractions.
- Save high-intensity tasks for after 8 AM.
- If you wake at 5 AM, you gain 3 uninterrupted hours for thoughtful preparation.
Why mornings work
Most people are still asleep early on, minimising interruptions—it's a social norm not to bother others before 8 AM.
Mastering those early hours can elevate you significantly.
Just 2 hours daily equates to 91.25 eight-hour workdays annually—far exceeding the average 220 workdays per year. That's immense added productivity.
Map out your morning
Approach mornings with strict discipline. Key elements include:
- A clean kitchen from the night before: Waking to a mess kills motivation—tidy up beforehand.
- Prepared clothing: Have outfits ready, including exercise and daily wear, to avoid unnecessary searching.
- Prioritise health: Plan physical or wellness activities as a non-negotiable start.
- Work or tasks before 9 AM: Outline what you'll accomplish—some days light, others intensive—for a structured launch.
Mornings can make or break your day.
Conclusion
Choose one morning habit to commit to and schedule it.
Set a reliable alarm or prepare essentials the night before.
Small adjustments compound over time. What will you optimise first?