#374: Okay, I'm up at 5am, now what?

Do these three simple steps each day, to get you started the best possible way

Over the past several years, I have listened to a Podcast called EOFire, hosted by John Lee Dumas. Seven days a week, he interviews entrepreneurs. His format is virtually the same for every interview, asking about the person’s strengths & weaknesses, an Aha Moment, and a bad moment of the person’s career. At the end of each interview, he asks what your ‘secret to success is.'

The typical answer is the 5 am club.

A high percentage of the guests say that this is the time that is best used to get themselves together. These are the reasons that and benefits that are claimed.

The question is, what exactly can you do at 5 O’Clock in the morning?

A while back, I listened to the EOFire Podcast, Episode 1297, with Garrett Gunderson as the guest. You can listen to his entrepreneurial story on your own. I want to discuss the secret to his success, which he named the Three E's: Exercise, Education, and Enlightenment.

Exercise:  

Each morning, exercise in one way or another. Walk, run, do yoga, stretch, or do whatever you do to keep your body fit. Exercise is a way to kick off those endorphins and clear your mind. I walk daily and aim to walk at least 3 miles with my dog seven days a week. Rain, sleet, snow (and I live in Michigan), I am out there trudging along. On an average basis, I miss 4 or 5 days per year.

I don’t care what exercise you do, but do something. Walk, jog, do yoga, stretch, or lift weights. The benefits of moving that blood and the endorphins firing early are tremendous. Start with a 15-minute walk around the block to warm up. When I started walking as a routine, I barely made it to the end of the block, and now I can’t stop until I hit the three-mile mark, often going to four or even five miles.

Education: 

Do something every morning to increase your career skills or general knowledge. Read an article on management or marketing, find a blog you like (this one is excellent, by the way), or listen to a podcast. Whatever it is, the goal is to improve continuously every day. It will help you on those high-stress days when you need to find solutions to new problems.

Over the years, I have used audiobooks to listen while walking. I have added podcasts on everything from financial management to the Joe Rogan show. Technology has allowed us to download anything from a biography of Thomas Jefferson to the 15-minute MBA. Use the morning to improve - remember, we don’t compare ourselves with others, we compare ourselves to us, yesterday.

Enlightenment: 

This is up to you. You can meditate, read the Bible, or write a gratitude journal, but do something. Do it for yourself. How can you get your creative juices going, clear your mind, and start your day thinking positively? My suggestion here is to start with a gratitude journal. Maintaining a gratitude journal is associated with numerous benefits across various aspects of life:

• Mental health: Reduced symptoms of depression and anxiety, increased optimism.

• Happiness: Higher levels of happiness and life satisfaction.

• Emotional well-being: Increased positive emotions, better relationships, reduced loneliness.

• Physical health: Improved sleep quality, better overall health, increased likelihood of healthy behaviors.

One of the greatest motivational speakers of all time, Mr. Zig Ziglar, has a great story about gratitude. Take the 9 minutes (maybe tomorrow at 5 am) to enlighten yourself.

The Three E’s!

I‘ve been doing this in one way or another since I was 12 when I began my Detroit Free Press paper route at 4:15. I am very happy to have found a name for what I have been doing since then!

As I write this blog (7 a.m.), I have already finished four miles with Oliver, my Labrador (exercise), listened to a podcast about spousal benefits for social security (education), and journaled for twenty minutes (enlightenment).

The best part of this routine is it costs you nothing. You can start this tomorrow for free. Do it for a few weeks, and it will become a habit. And as the son of Zig Ziglar once said:

The fastest way to success is to replace bad habits with good ones - Tom Ziglar

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Benefits of the 5 AM Club

• Increased Productivity:

  • Quiet Time: Early mornings are often more peaceful, allowing for uninterrupted work and deep focus.

  • Head Start: Getting up early gives you a head start on the day, allowing you to accomplish more before most people wake up.

• Enhanced Mental Clarity:

  • Morning Meditation: Early mornings are ideal for meditation, which helps clear the mind and reduce stress.

  • Planning and Reflection: This time can be used to plan your day, set goals, and reflect on long-term objectives.

• Improved Physical Health:

  • Morning Exercise: Morning exercise can boost energy levels, improve mood, and enhance overall physical health.

  • Consistent Routine: A consistent wake-up time helps regulate your body's internal clock, improving sleep quality.

• Personal Growth and Development:

  • Learning and Skills: Use this time for personal development activities like reading, learning new skills, or pursuing hobbies.

  • Self-Discipline: Consistently waking up early requires and fosters self-discipline, which can translate into other areas of life.

• Better Mental Health:

  • Reduced Stress: Starting the day early and with a clear plan can reduce the rush and stress often associated with mornings.

  • Positive Outlook: Positive activities like gratitude journaling or affirmations in the morning can set a positive tone for the day.

• Enhanced Creativity:

  • Peak Creativity: Many people find their creativity peaks in the early morning hours, making it a good time for brainstorming and creative work.

• Stronger Relationships:

  • Time for Family: Waking up early can free up more time in the evening to spend with family and friends, strengthening relationships.

• Sense of Accomplishment:

  • Early Wins: Accomplishing essential tasks early in the day provides a sense of achievement and motivates you to maintain productivity throughout the day.

If you need help in this area, let’s talk. Schedule a 30-minute meeting with me to get on the path to success.