33 Advantages of Rising Early & Refusing to Snooze

I realize that not everyone is an early riser, however, if you’re interested, you can train yourself to wake up early.

For those aroused by the idea of waking up early and refusing to snooze, here are 33 advantages which may be of benefit to you:

1. Master the Force. I’m beginning to understand Mel Robbins when she says: “The force required to get yourself out of bed is the exact same emotional force that’s required to stick to a diet, to go out the door to exercise, to push yourself to pick up the phone and make that call you’ve been avoiding.” Master the force that is required to get yourself moving in a new direction!
2. Develop your purpose. If you’re still figuring out your purpose, start early in the morning. Sometimes you’ll find clues right away; other times insights will show up throughout the day, if you remain alert and observant.
3. Review goals. Earl Nightingale clearly communicates the essence of waking up early to review your goals: “Think about your goal in a cheerful, relaxed, positive way each morning when you get up. Immediately you have something to work for; something to get out of bed for; something to live for.”
4. Meditation time. Find time to clear your mind.
5. Greet the sunrise. It only happens once a day and it’s one of nature’s most beautiful displays. Don’t miss out!
6. More inspiration. Interestingly, Inspiration wakes up early too!
7. Increased creativity. Like inspiration, Creativity may be more easily discovered while everyone else is slumbering.
8. Personal time with nature. You’ll be able to embrace the blissful sounds of nature and crisp air. Empty hiking paths, beaches and even city streets are nice too.
9. Uninterrupted time at work or school. I get serious amounts of work done at the office while others are still in bed or rushing to work. With no distractions from email, phone and uninvited visitors, your undivided attention remains on getting things done.
10. Extra study sessions. Enjoy bonus study time for school, work, personal growth, or your professional path. In my study of success, I’ve learned that many people who have created their own success have been early risers.
11. Less stress. Imagine not having to rush to get dressed, commute, and make it to work/school/appointments on time. Experience less stress from being properly prepared for the day.
12. Become a better planner. Bring clarity to your day by getting your priorities straight.
13. Earn a reputation for being on time. People will have no choice but to respect you for valuing their time and showing up when you say you will.
14. More time for writing. You can create time for journaling, poetry, short stories, blogging, love letters, and more!
15. Increased fitness. Get your exercise done before work or class begins! You’re much more likely to skip a workout after a long day of work with temptations and unexpected situations that come up later in the day.
16. No waiting at the gym. While most of the world is sleeping, you’ll have the equipment and gym space available to you. I especially enjoy having the sauna or steam room all to myself, without others loudly gossiping about trivial stuff.
17. Free flowing commute. Avoid rush hour, congestion, and highway headaches.
18. Save on gasoline. As a result of skipping stop-and-go traffic, your driving becomes more efficient.
19. More stamina and energy. Before developing this habit of refusing to snooze, a little resistant voice almost convinced me that I’d be tired the entire day if I chose to wake up early. I must admit that the first few days were a challenge, but somehow my body has adjusted and I’ve even managed to incorporate higher performance activities into my life. With an abundance of energy, you will also feel less of a desire for napping.
20. Increased self-reliance. Instead of giving in to that snooze button, you can rely on your own decision-making abilities. Soon your independence from the snooze button will become automatic!
21. More motivation! Once you begin building the momentum to take control of your morning, you will generate motivation that will carry you throughout the day.
22. Enjoy a proper breakfast. Instead of skipping or eating a poorly planned breakfast, you’ll have time to properly fuel your body.
23. Prepare a more healthful lunch for the day. Use your early morning time wisely to pack a lunch plus snacks. This will help fend off fast food and the vending machine later in the day.
24. Get more reading done. I love how Mr. Rohn puts it: “The book you don’t read, won’t help. It isn’t what the book costs; it’s what it will cost if you don’t read it.”
25. Thinking time. Many high level achievers wake up early, not just to do works of labor, but simply to sit and think.
26. Overcome procrastination. The energy it takes to overcome temptation to sleep in and defeat resistance to rise early, takes form in other areas of your life. Once you dissolve the bad habit of choosing procrastination as your first action of the day (via snoozing), you’ll also strengthen your ability to conquer procrastination in other areas of your life: health, relationships, finances, school, career, etc.
27. Experience better sleep. Surprisingly, I’ve experienced higher quality sleep from a more consistent waking time as opposed to a more consistent sleeping time. If I have a very active day, I’ll allow myself to naturally sleep earlier. If my day is not as active, I’ll be able to fit in a few more leisurely activities before I get sleepy. Your sleep requirements depend greatly on your activities of the day, rather than the time you wake up. Set up a consistent wake time and eventually you’ll become better attuned to when your body requires sleep.
28. Better organization. Many times the early morning gets me into cleaning and organizing mode. Utilize your morning time to get your living and working space in order. Often times, your personal and professional space are a reflection of how well organized your thoughts and life are.
29. Increased confidence. I’m not sure what it is, but I definitely feel more confident from rising without snoozing. Perhaps it’s knowing that I’m in command of my actions and decisions. It’s probably also a result from increased productivity and preparation. Maybe it’s from feeling fit and accomplished after physical exercise. Whatever the reason, the chances are good that you’ll also experience a higher level of confidence.
30. Nap properly. Although I’ve had less of a desire to nap, when I do nap, it’s usually for only 10 – 15 minutes and I’m able to wake up right away feeling reenergized. I used to take naps that would last up to 4 hours and somehow wake up still tired. Now, I can take a quick energizing power nap and rise ready to take action.
31. Passion time. Ideally, you’re already doing what you love. If you’re not there yet, nobody can stop you from making time to do what you love outside of your present profession. Sing that song, write that script, build that business. Start off your day with passion!
32. Brighter mood. Greeting the day engaged in activities you love, feeling well rested, and not having to rush will naturally have you aligned with positive vibes.
33. You’re in control and not sleeping your life away. You’re free to create the lifestyle you deserve to live!