Waking up early is not just a trend—for many millionaire CEOs, it’s a deliberate strategy that allows them to start the day with clarity, energy, and focus. From Jeff Bezos to Tim Cook, these leaders use the early morning hours to plan, take care of their bodies, and prepare their minds before facing the intensity of the business world.
In this article, we analyze what CEOs do before 6 a.m., why it works, and how you can apply these practices in your professional and personal life.
Waking Up Before Dawn
A common trait among many successful individuals is waking up at dawn. According to an article by Preferred CFO, around 80% of surveyed CEOs reported waking up at 5:30 a.m. or earlier; none started their day after 6:00 a.m.
Notable examples include:
- Tim Cook, CEO of Apple, wakes up at 3:45 a.m. to answer emails and work out.
- Richard Branson starts his day at 5:30 a.m., combining exercise and planning.
- Howard Schultz, former CEO of Starbucks, wakes up at 4:30 a.m. to enjoy personal time before work.
This early start is no coincidence: it provides calm, silence, and uninterrupted time, allowing leaders to think clearly and begin the day with a competitive advantage over those still asleep.
Different Ways to Start the Day
Before 6 a.m., many CEOs prioritize activating both body and mind:
- Physical exercise: running, yoga, stretching, or gym sessions to clear the mind and boost energy.
- Meditation and breathing exercises: help reduce stress and maintain focus throughout the day.
- Journaling or reading: moments to reflect, plan goals, and maintain mental clarity.
- Hydration and a healthy breakfast: taking care of the body early supports performance and productivity.
The Benefits of Waking Up Early
Getting up early isn’t just about feeling productive—it has proven benefits for both body and mind:
- Competitive advantage: while others sleep, you can make progress on key tasks or plan your day.
- Mental clarity: the combination of exercise and meditation improves concentration and reduces stress.
- Emotional well-being: morning exercise increases the release of hormones such as oxytocin, creating a sense of happiness and positivity from the start of the day.
- Organization and discipline: following a morning routine helps structure time and prioritize important tasks.
Not All CEOs Wake Up Early
Although waking up early is a trend, not all CEOs follow this routine:
- Jeff Bezos wakes up around 6:30 a.m., spending time having breakfast with his family and preparing for the day.
- Mark Zuckerberg starts his day later, first checking his digital platforms: Facebook, Messenger, and WhatsApp.
This shows that success doesn’t depend solely on wake-up time, but on finding a rhythm that works for each person while prioritizing energy, mental clarity, and strategic planning.
And in Spain?
In Spain, there are fewer studies on CEOs’ morning routines, but the trend of waking up early has become popular through books, podcasts, and articles on productivity and leadership. The key is time management: maintaining focus, energy, and organization from early hours requires discipline—especially when working long days or dealing with constant change.
The Philosophy Behind Waking Up Early: Leadership and Self-Management
Waking up before 6 a.m. is not just about discipline—it’s a philosophy of self-management. It means:
- Prioritizing physical and mental well-being.
- Creating space to think clearly before the chaos of the day.
- Planning strategies, goals, and important decisions without distractions.
- Making time for yourself, your family, or activities that enhance well-being and creativity.
At ENEB, we teach how these habits can be incorporated into professional and personal life to improve productivity, leadership, and strategic decision-making.
Conclusion
The secret of many millionaire CEOs is not just talent or experience—it’s how they manage their time and energy from the very start of the day. Waking up before 6 a.m. provides a unique opportunity to plan, care for your health, and start the day with focus and clarity.
Although not all leaders follow the same routine, the lesson is clear: prioritizing personal time and structuring your day strategically makes the difference between reacting to the day and leading it.
If you want to learn more about leadership and productivity habits, our training programs at ENEB provide the tools to implement these strategies and boost your professional career.