Waking Up Early: Tips and Insights by Liz

Introduction

• Liz shares her journey of waking up at 4:30 a.m. since Spring 2020.
• Previous attempts to become a morning person had failed, but this time felt fulfilling.
• Importance of having a compelling reason to wake up early.

Importance of a Clear Reason

• Need a clear and specific reason to wake up early.
• Without this reason, temptation to hit snooze increases.
• Liz's previous struggles:
  • Full-time job.
  • Raising two young boys.
  • Mild depression and uncertainty about life.
• Decided to wake up early to learn calligraphy, which became a passion.
• Early mornings provided undistracted time for personal growth.

Morning Routine

• Typical morning schedule:
  • 10 minutes: waking routine (drink water, stretch).
  • 30 minutes: Bible reading and prayer.
  • 20 minutes: handle social media and admin tasks.
  • 5:30 - 7:00 a.m.: calligraphy practice and content creation.
  • 7:00 a.m.: wake kids for school.

Types of Compelling Reasons to Wake Up Early

• Personal goals:
  • Learning a new skill (like calligraphy).
  • Business aspirations.
  • Self-improvement through exercise, journaling, reading, etc.
• Two crucial aspects for success:
  1. Specific tasks must be planned the night before.
  2. The reason must excite and motivate you.

The Importance of Sleep

• Waking up early should not mean sacrificing sleep.
• Sleep deprivation can lead to fatigue and decreased productivity.
• Aim to adjust daily schedule instead of cutting sleep.
• Liz sleeps by 10 p.m. to ensure adequate rest before waking up at 4:30 a.m.
• Napping during the day can help replenish energy.

Creating a Morning Routine

• Having a consistent morning routine aids in waking up early.
• Suggestions for morning routines:
  • Simple tasks like stretching, drinking water, and using wake-up apps.
  • Liz uses gentle alarm vibrations to wake up without disturbing her husband.
  • Designating a specific space for morning activities can enhance focus.

Harnessing Desperation for Change

• The motivation behind waking up early often stems from the need for change.
• The pain of stagnation can push individuals to wake up early for growth.
• Liz’s experiences:
  • Improved calligraphy skills.
  • Boosted self-esteem and confidence.
  • Enhanced spiritual life through morning practices.

Circadian Rhythms and Optimal Wake Times

• Liz found that waking up at 4:30 a.m. worked best due to her circadian rhythms.
• Understanding individual sleep cycles can help optimize waking times.
• Recommend experimenting with wake-up times to find what feels best.

Conclusion

• Willpower is important, but having the right system is crucial for success.
• Having a clear, compelling reason to wake up early is essential.
• Expressed hope for viewers to embrace early mornings and achieve personal growth.