Do the most successful people really start their day at 4 a.m.?
So, I read recently online that the most successful people in the world start their day at 4 a.m. They claim it's the most productive time of the day, because they are free from distractions, and can really focus on the things that matter to them.
Who on Earth gets up at 4 a.m.?
- Apple CEO Tim Cook starts his morning routine at 3:45 a.m.
- Author Dan Brown gets his morning smoothie at 4 a.m.
- Oprah Winfrey, and Michelle Obama get up at the crack of dawn
- Lots of other CEO types that are very successful, but I have never heard of, also get up at 4 a.m.
I also wake up at 4 a.m., but that is not by design. My cats wake up at 3 a.m. to have their nightly crazy-time antics, and by 4 a.m. they are hungry and demanding food.
So, what are the benefits?
I have found that I can get all the time-consuming chores and errands, such as cleaning and going to the gym out the way, leaving me with a clear head to sit down with a coffee and plan my day, without feeling like I have so much else to do.
I don't have any kids, so they are not a distraction to begin with, but somehow, that time of the morning seems so much more peaceful than any other; it's like the rest of the world is asleep and I've stumbled onto these secret hours that no-one else has.
BUT, just because I get up early, does not always make me productive, and there are those of us out there that are genetically wired to rise later in the day.
So what is the takeaway point here?
It's all about a decent morning routine. Sure, rising at 4 a.m. works for some people; it works for me some days (though admittedly, not others!). But getting up that early is pointless if you don't have a decent routine in place - you can't be productive if you have nothing to stop you from watching TV or reading a book in your PJ's during those extra hours you gained.
I want more than anything to make my affiliate marketing business work, and sometimes, it feels like the other parts of my life drown it out and make it impossible to do. But, perhaps giving myself a routine in the morning, that I stick to as closely as I can, will aid me in reaching my goals. So, I'll keep getting up when my cats drag me out of bed for their breakfast, but from now on, I'll have a productive routine to get me closer to attaining my dream.
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I am often up at that time and the first thing I do is head for the gym. What a great feeling at 6am to have my workout done, the dogs walked, a nutritious breakfast eaten with the love of my life, and something yummy and healthy in the crockpot.
The girlfriend is off to work and now all-day WA!
And let's not forget how many times I am UP at 4 am blogging. lol
Making a living, making a difference.
Mark
ps. Being a functional insomniac really helps.
I think my day will start with the gym from now on as well - I just signed up to my local one and it's open 24 hours, so I can go as early as I like. If I can get that, breakfast and feeding the cats out of the way before 7am, then I wil have had the best start to the day :) I love the idea of having a crockpot - do you use it a lot? Is it worth getting one?
If my house caught fire, there are 3 things I make sure to save. My passport, my blender, and my crockpot. The dog is trained to grab my wallet and my pants. (Got to buy her treats, cause they went up in flames). Everything else can be replaced.
A crockpot is great for cooking really healthy meals and you always have some great leftovers. Thousand of good recipes on Pinterest too.
I am a Personal Trainer and Nutritionist if you have any questions in those areas would be glad to get you started right so you aren't wasting time at the gym. Love helping people who want to help themselves.
Making a living, making a difference.
Mark
Before I went on holiday I was getting up at 5am. I am however, an early riser though, and I love to get things all done in the morning. As I have two children and two jobs, I am usually far too exhausted in the evenings to function, or have the motivation to start writing or working.
My Husband on the other hand hates mornings and ha hates the thought of getting up before 9am. He functions (and works so much better at night).
Even though I am an early riser 4am would be a step too far. So total respect to you.
I guess as with anything, it is all down to personal circumstance and character.
Great post! Wishing you much success : )
I am the same as you - by the evening, I am pooped, and can just about manage to keep my eyes open in front of the TV! Can't exactly write engaging content like that haha. I didn't manage 4 am today, and got up at 5, but I've stil had a productive morning so far. I think I am just going to play it by ear!
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I am one of those lucky people who only require five hours of sleep per night. For as long as I can remember, I have gone to sleep at 1 am and got up at 6 am.
For the first hour, I check my emails, read the news, respond to WA private messages and comments, and play my favourite PC game.
Then its time to check my diary and planner, and work out my schedule for the day. No pets, daughter has long since grown-up, just my boyfriend to distract me when he gets up at 8 am!
(And, I have never eaten breakfast since I was a small child!)
Wow, I would love to be able to only sleep 5 hours a night! I've done that sort of thing before but always need a nap in the afternoon haha!
That sounds like the perfect routine, a nice, calm start to the day :)