Apple chief executive officer Tim Cook likes waking up before 5am, and for a spell he nailed 3.45am. He will spend an hour responding to his daily avalanche of 700 or 800 e-mails. His morning routine also involves strength exercises and a stop at Starbucks on his 7am drive to work.
Another early bird, former US first lady Michelle Obama, hits the gym every day after she rises and shines at 4.30am.
American actress-entrepreneur Gwyneth Paltrow is more esoteric. She sets the alarm for 5am, starting her day with a tongue-scrape, transcendental meditation and celery juice.
The trio are knights exemplar of the 5AM Club: high achievers and disciplined sunrisers at war with wasted mornings.
Leadership expert Robin Sharma, who wrote The 5AM Club (2018), lives by this sunny manifesto: "Own your morning, elevate your life."
He has worked out a 20/20/20 formula for optimal mornings. The first hour is spent on 20 minutes of exercise, 20 minutes of reflection and 20 minutes of planning or learning.
Though I don't set my alarm for 5am, I am unintentionally awake at that hour often enough to discern the appeal of an early start. With the day stretching languorously ahead, I have the luxury of time to write or work out, or do little.
A week ago, when my eyes opened at 5.05am, I remembered the 20/20/20 strategy.
Esta historia es de la edición November 03, 2024 de The Straits Times.
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Esta historia es de la edición November 03, 2024 de The Straits Times.
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TACKLE PLASTIC WASTE, ONE NAIL AT A TIME
Before global leaders take the problem of plastic pollution into their hands in November, Japanese manicurist Naomi Arimoto is putting it on her fingernails.
Unpacking Ireland's cultural and creative renaissance
From Sally Rooney's bestsellers to actor Paul Mescal, Ireland, which holds a general election on Nov 29, has been enjoying a cultural and creative renaissance.
Jung Ho-yeon and Lee Dong-hwi split
Squid Game (2021 to present) star Jung Ho-yeon has split from her actor-boyfriend Lee Dong-hwi after a nine-year relationship.
Dorothy's ruby slippers to go under the hammer
The ruby slippers worn by the late American actress Judy Garland in classic film The Wizard Of Oz (1939) will be sold at auction in December, nearly 20 years after they were stolen.
Artist Julie Mehretu opens solo Show in Sydney
Ethiopia-born New York artist Julie Mehretu (right), considered one of the most influential living painters, has opened her first solo show in the Southern Hemisphere in Sydney.
Wicked's renowned costume designer returns to Oz
Tony Award-winning designer Paul Tazewell first created costumes for The Wizard Of Oz in a high-school production
ULTIMATE SELF-CARE
'Tis the season to treat yourself at spas and salons, which have introduced a slew of treatments for head-to-toe pampering
Fifa using $67m legacy fund for social initiatives
LAUSANNE - Fifa launched a US$50 million (S$67 million) legacy fund for social programmes on Nov 27, in collaboration with 2022 World Cup hosts Qatar and the World Health Organisation (WHO), the World Trade Organisation (WTO) and UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency.
THE MARATHON BIKER GUY
Veteran Aussie has cycled over 50 courses in 12 years to ensure the route is 42.195km
Emery upbeat despite late drama against Juve
DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVE