(cover image credit: Marvin Meyer)
So, it's finally time! With all the podcasts and books we have been reading, we are self-motivated. One day, we will get a house in Bellaire, CA, with a cliff-side infinity pool and 53 bathrooms. Our first step? Waking up at 3 am for no reason! Why? Because all the millionaires and billionaires say so.
So about a year ago, I made the decision to start waking up early to buy myself more time before work instead. Waking up at 3 am gives me a solid 5 hours to dedicate to We Are E.G.G., followed by an hour to get ready for work. When I come back from work around 5:30 pm, I give myself about an hour of downtime to relax and do nothing before having dinner and winding down. Then I sleep for 6 hours and repeat the cycle.
Ever since I started this lifestyle, a lot have changed. My life become more discipline and organized. My drinking has drastically reduced. This being said, even if you don't have a side hustle, this lifestyle can still be beneficial for you to have a more focus and intentional life for self-development.
For some people, however, those early morning hours can feel boring, lonely, and slightly disorienting. The sun is still down and the rest of the world is fast asleep - it's a unique moment of tranquillity that I embrace but can be isolating for others.
If you have decided to give this early morning routine a try, here are some tips to help you get started:
At night:
Waking up early is not always easy, but it can be a great way to get a head start on your day and be more productive. Here are a few tips to help you wake up early and be more productive:
- Start gradually: If you are not used to waking up early, start by gradually adjusting your sleep schedule. For example, you could try going to bed 30 minutes earlier each night for a week. This will help your body adjust to the new sleep schedule and make it easier to wake up early in the morning.
- Create a relaxing bedtime routine: A relaxing bedtime routine can help you to wind down before bed and make it easier to fall asleep. This could include taking a warm bath, reading a book, or listening to calming music.
- Make sure your bedroom is dark, quiet, and cool: Your bedroom should be a place where you can relax and get a good night's sleep. Make sure that your bedroom is dark, quiet, and cool to create an environment that is conducive to sleep.
- Set realistic expectations: Waking up early is not going to magically make you more productive or successful. However, it can help you to get a head start on your day and focus on your goals.
In the morning
At 3am, here you are, wide awake in your home instead of snoozing in bed, feeling as if you are going to concur the world with all these extra hours prior to work. But with no set goal or objective, soon the solitude will become monotonous, dreary and draining.
One thing that is certain is having a routine. A routine allows you to execute tasks effortlessly, knowing what needs to be done instead of dreading what comes next every morning. So, let's brainstorm!
- if you have a goal, get started by making a realistic plan
- finish the books that have been lingering on your mind
- finish all the unfinished projects, one at a time
Exercise
Meditate
Wake up early to meditate and enhance your performance. Meditation can help you focus, improve memory, reduce stress, and increase self-awareness. This can lead to greater motivation and energy, which can benefit your performance throughout the day.
Learn a new skill
- Create a morning routine
- Spend time with loved ones
The followings are something I do personally in my morning routine. Maybe this can give you some ideas:
Clearing up mess and clutter also gives me a sense of satisfaction. But I'm just talking about the result; I hate the process of cleaning. Since it's a mundane task that can be done effortlessly, I usually listen to Podcasts while tidying up the house and making it nice and beautiful!
I hate working out, straight-up. So, to motivate myself to break a sweat in the morning with my drowsy head, power yoga is one of the only things that works for me. It's still a demanding workout, yet it's graduate and slow. It helps me wake up and get my day going. Two birds with one stone!
Breakfast
I spend around 30 minutes to make a good and satisfying breakfast. I also make sure I have at least 30-45 minutes to enjoy my breakfast. It's like an active rest; during breakfast, I play something that's meaningful regarding the project I am working on at the moment.
