Waking up early and going to bed early used to be things people moaned about – but now people seriously think that it’ll boost their chances of success.
I saw an article in The Times last month that explored the shift in perception of early mornings and nights. One of those people who shocked the public by claiming his morning routine was beneficial to him, and even helped him to become healthier, was actor Mark Wahlberg.
He revealed on his YouTube channel that he had begun a strict daily routine which saw him complete the following: 2.30 am wake-up, prayer, two workouts, golf and cryotherapy before most people around the world had even blinked for the first time. He then went on to issue an update, stating he now allows himself the luxury of having a lie-in until 3:30 am. (I bet he’s single!)
However, while some people might scoff at this early wake-up (many people), according to research, 40% of a company’s success depends on the CEO’s leadership. And a CEO’s leadership ultimately depends on their discipline and drive – but not many seem to be getting up that early.
According to a study in the Journal of Occupational and Organizational Psychology, people who begin their day with a clear routine are more focused and productive during the rest of the day. Experts from Harvard Business Review also revealed that top executives spend 10 hours a week looking for ways to better their routines for success.
According to The University of Queensland (UQ) Business School management researchers and UQ MBA lecturers Associate Professor Terry Fitzsimmons and Professor Victor Callan AM, successful CEOs share several common attributes.
“In our research into the attributes of successful CEOs, we conducted interviews with 120 individuals – 30 board chairpersons, 30 executive recruiters specialising in CEO appointments, and 60 current CEOs in large Australian corporations,” Terry said. “Across these different groups, there was considerable similarity in how they defined the attributes of a successful CEO.”
Just one of those commonly shared attributes was their resilience. I don’t know about you, but waking up at 4 am every morning without pressing the snooze button is up there with being the most resilient to temptation. But it’s more than that.
Changing the way you think
According to a 2017 study published in The Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, people with strict routines can better regulate their emotions and stress, which is essential for CEOs in high-stress situations. A 2018 study from the American Psychological Association further suggests that stable work routines lead to more satisfaction and less burnout across the board.
So, if people are bragging about waking up early and going to sleep earlier – they’ve got the evidence to back up why this is the ultimate power move and not just a trend to hop on.
