Waking up early can be a simple and effective productivity technique. In fact, it’s one of the best approaches in my arsenal—here’s why.

Draw from Willpower

It’s 8 a.m.—not exactly early—but it’s Saturday and for me this is the proverbial “stay in bed.” Normally I wake up at 6 a.m., despite my job not requiring my presence before 9 a.m. At this hour I can deal with something for which, in the evening, I wouldn’t have the mental energy—like writing this post.

The most beneficial aspect of the early rise is circumventing decision fatigue: many studies suggest that we have a finite quantity of willpower each day, replenished by sleep. It’s highest on awakening and consumed throughout the day.

By fully exploiting the morning we can employ our willpower toward our goals—the things that really matter to us and, frankly, often never get done. Energy gets deducted from the end of the day when it’s biologically better to wind down in preparation for sleep.

Treasure the Morning

The morning can be endearing: the clear sky, dawn’s colors, life that slowly awakens. Morning is quiet—and energizing.

Some things I really appreciate about my mornings:

  • devote energy to the necessary
  • don’t fall prey to distractions
  • the gym is uncrowded
  • find small moments for meditation
  • save 10–20 minutes of commuting in traffic
  • treat myself to a “state‑of‑the‑art” cappuccino at the café

Build the Habit

I know the task can be daunting, and if not sufficiently fueled with motivation there’s a good chance of giving up soon. Below are some suggestions that might help smooth the transition.

Exploit the evening

It’s a chance to prepare for a top morning: pack bags, take care of personal hygiene, and take a brief moment to recap the next day’s commitments. The morning is meant to be dedicated to producing value, not spent on maintenance!

Set an alarm for bedtime

It’s key to enjoy all necessary hours of sleep—6–9 depending on your preference—therefore it becomes vital not to postpone bedtime. Set an alarm to remind you of sleep time. My fitness tracker vibrates (Fitbit HR) each evening at 10 p.m.

Be patient

It wouldn’t be fair to expect ourselves to succeed immediately at a habit that can seem unpleasant at first—but becomes less discouraging with experience. Building habits takes time. It’s important to be patient; our circadian rhythms and comfort zones will resist the adjustment.

Final Thoughts

If on one hand waking up early may require sacrifices—social interaction, evenings out, TV shows—on the other it can lead to a more active role in your life. I like to think of it as a long‑term investment.