If you study the “greats” in most areas of life, you’ll find that one of their daily practices was to start early. There are many from all walks of life: the music industry, retail, fashion, CEO of the home, and ministry.
Here is a shortlist, and I chose the business world arena:
CEO at General Motors: Mary Barra: Just as her predecessor was before her, the current chief executive at GM, Mary Barra, is very much an early riser. Regularly, she arrives at the office by 6 a.m., and she’s been doing just that even before her appointment as CEO.
CEO at Apple: Tim Cook: Cook wakes at 3.45 every morning to get on with e-mails for the first hour. He then heads to the gym, then to Starbucks, where he deals with more e-mails, and then to work. He says that if you really love what you do, then it’s never thought of as work, and this is his good fortune.
CEO at Disney: Bob Iger. Iger rises at 4.30 in the morning and reads the papers while exercising, listening to music, watching TV, and checking e-mails – all at once. It’s his “quiet time,” but he’s still intent on multi-tasking. (see more here)
Brain science confirms that early morning risers are more alert and focused throughout the day.
Dr. Doha Ayish from Houston Methodist Hospital says,
“Our brains are hardwired to be more alert in the morning, providing a mental boost to help you focus and concentrate and giving you the energy you need to get through the day.”
If you can harness the morning, you can ride the day! (Click to Tweet that!)
Jesus made this his daily practice as he focused on Body, Soul, and Spirit.
“Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house, and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.”
Mark 1:35
What would it take to wake up thirty minutes earlier than normal, pray and meditate, and reflect and refresh?
Prepare for the day, and you conquer your fear.
Peace!
Todd Stocker 
80 years old and I do not get up early.