Waking up at 4:45 is no longer the exclusive domain of monks, soldiers, or confused roosters. It's the secret weapon of billionaires who believe that this hour - somewhere between the last dreams of ordinary mortals and the first light of dawn - is the key to power, mental clarity, and simply... world domination. But what's really happening to your brain when you wake up before 5 a.m.? Aside from your body whispering "why are you doing this to me?" So - why do the richest people in the world get up in the morning?!
Why do the richest people in the world get up at 4:45 in the morning?! While most of the world is still dreaming of a vacation to the Maldives (in economy class, of course), the most successful have already completed a five-kilometer run, read two chapters of a book, and sent 27 emails – five of which were to themselves, for a dose of productivity. Tim Cook gets up at 3:45 (probably before Siri is even ready to talk), Richard Branson at 5:45, Michelle Obama and swears by the silence of the morning hours as a new form of meditation. So is this the new formula for success – or just torture in pajamas with the faint smell of coffee?
Why the richest people in the world get up at 4:45 in the morning : Getting up early as a strategic attack on the day
If you've ever wondered what people like Tim Cook (Apple), Jack Dorsey (ex-Twitter and Square), Oprah Winfrey and Richard Branson have in common - the answer is very simple: they get up when most people are just thinking about whether they would get up at all.
According to research by Thomas C. Corley, nearly 50% of millionaires get up at least three hours before the start of their workday (resource). Why? Because the morning silence offers them an unobstructed space to concentrate, practice, and mentally prepare for the day—without emails, notifications, and the neighbor's lawnmower at 7:00.
Why do the richest people in the world get up in the morning – or so early?! What does waking up early do to your brain?
Science is more reliable than your alarm clock on this point. Research shows that waking up before the sun has a positive effect on memory, mood, and cognitive abilities. And yes, there's less of that pesky "sleep fog" that makes you swap your toothbrush for deodorant in the morning.
| Effect on the brain | Description |
|---|---|
| Improved concentration | Reduced “sleep inertia”, increased focus |
| More energy | Waking up early is associated with better sleep and feeling refreshed. |
| Better mental clarity | Alignment with natural circadian rhythm |
| Lower stress | Exercise and meditation in the morning lower cortisol levels |
Your body naturally increases its activity between 6 and 8 a.m. cortisol level – the hormone that prepares you for “fight or flight.” So why not take advantage of this by doing some yoga instead of frantically searching for the snooze button?
The psychological power of the “five o’clock battle”
Waking up at 4:45 isn't just a physical discipline—it's an inner manifesto, a mini-rebellion against mediocrity. When you're up before the world, you don't have to worry about the day. happens, you him you createIt offers a sense of control, freedom, and the opportunity for a calm start – with journals, books, or just some very precious silence (read: another espresso without distractions).
Many successful individuals – from Oprah to Howard Schultz (Starbucks) – use their mornings for introspection and strategic visioning. Because if you don't get at least one idea a day from the smell of your morning coffee, you're really messing it up.
And a psychological bonus: Standing out before most of the world creates a sense of competitive advantage. In a business where every click and every “sent from my iPhone at 5:03 a.m.” counts, that’s no small feat.
It's not for everyone – but it can be life-changing
Let's not pretend: this isn't for everyone. Night owls are probably already deep in Google searches for "is waking up early bad for your health?" But if you're looking to switch to a "high performance" lifestyle, this habit offers you a combination of: more energy, less stress, better focus, and... less guilt.
Richard Branson says that waking up early allows him to “fly around the world” – and he doesn’t just mean in a hot air balloon. If he can wake up before the sun on a private island, maybe you can open your eyes at 4:45 a.m. on the Vič.
Conclusion: Placebo or the path to success?
Waking up at 4:45 isn't a new-age fad, it's a proven, effective ritual. It brings more focus, less stress, and a space for mental clarity before the world even says "good morning." It may not guarantee millions, but it's pretty close to mental and physical superpowers.
And while no one is saying you'll become a billionaire if you wake up at 4:45 a.m. – well, no one is saying that either. no you will Your alarm clock, your choice.
