The Link Between Productivity & What Time You Get Up
What do The Rock and Richard Branson have in common? They both get up before 6 am. Even though these two men have very different focuses in life, they both find real value in waking up before the sun. And if they can benefit from doing so, couldn’t you? I would argue you can.
Whether you wake up early now but want to try to leverage the 5 am alarm or if you’re just curious if there are any advantages to waking up early and your productivity, this post is for you.
What Science Has To Say About Early Rising & Productivity
One of the most important elements of productivity is routine. Did you know that having no daily structure can kill your productivity?
It’s true. If you don’t have a routine that nourishes your goals and puts you on the path to success, you will find your life stalled, at best. However, waking up early can become a benchmark for greater productivity down the line.
According to science, waking up early makes you more proactive. And a proactive mindset helps you be more curious about the challenges you face—a common reality for any entrepreneur. We all are familiar with the voice in our heads telling us to press snooze on the alarm clock. It’s tempting, to be sure, but denying it the privilege of winning helps us realize just how capable we are of creating the life we want.
This, in turn, creates confidence, because you feel more capable of handling the challenges you face. You recognize you have the ability to build a life that supports your dreams, instead of one that hinders them.
Yes, this is all possible as a result of waking up earlier.
A bonus of early rising was discovered by researchers of a University of Toronto study. They found that morning people were also happier than their slow-to-rise peers. Happier people tend to get more done and focus more on the positive in their lives, as well. You too can create that kind of life, simply by setting the alarm clock for an earlier time.
Tips To Wake Up Earlier
1) EXERCISE REGULARLY
Yes, exercise is a key component to creating and sticking to an early rise routine. Even a 30-minute walk with your dog is enough to help with your sleep cycle. Stay committed to this routine to improve your sleep and ensure you’re tired when your head hits the pillow.
If sleep is something you struggle with, check out my popular article 10 Ways to Get Better Sleep, or my book notes on Why We Sleep by Matthew Walker, PhD. so you are getting the most out of every snore!
2) CREATE YOUR ‘WHY’
It’s not enough to know that getting up earlier increases your productivity. You need a strong conviction to get yourself out of bed at 5 am every single morning.
Brainstorm the reasons why doing this matters to your life. Explore how it will benefit you directly. Write down your why, and post it somewhere you can see it every morning to help you avoid the snooze button. Use the worksheet above to help!
3) BE FLEXIBLE
If you’ve been getting up at 8 am your entire life, this new shift will take time—recognize that fact and be gentle with yourself and forgive yourself on days you mess up.
To Wrap Up
Science has made it clear: productivity increases the earlier you get up in the morning. Put it into practice this week, and see how your productivity improves.
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