Recently, I caught up with Manish Kumar, a friend from my IIM Bangalore days. He is now a Director in Analytics Consulting at Mastercard, based in Vancouver. While we spoke about his work and life, one thing that stood out was his early morning work schedule. He starts his day at 6 am and typically finishes by 2 pm, extending to 4 pm on busier days. What fascinated me wasn’t just his routine but the underlying principle of how starting work early can create a more balanced and productive day.
Working early in the morning has several advantages. For one, the early hours are often the quietest, free from the usual distractions that come later in the day. This uninterrupted time allows for deep focus, making it easier to tackle complex tasks or projects that require significant mental energy. In Manish’s case, his early start is partly driven by the need to collaborate with teams on the East Coast of the United States. However, even without such external factors, the benefits of early mornings are undeniable. By the time most people are logging in or attending their first meetings, he has already made substantial progress on his work. This head start not only boosts productivity but also reduces the stress of looming deadlines.
Another significant advantage of finishing work early is the freedom it creates for the rest of the day. By wrapping up his professional responsibilities by mid-afternoon, Manish has the entire evening to himself. This time can be used for personal pursuits, whether it’s spending time with family, pursuing hobbies, or simply relaxing. It’s a stark contrast to the typical 9-to-5 grind, where evenings are often spent recovering from the day’s stress. Early mornings, in this sense, act as a productivity hack, allowing you to reclaim your evenings for things that truly matter.
Of course, adopting an early morning routine requires discipline and consistency. It’s not just about waking up early but also about optimizing those hours for maximum efficiency. For Manish, this means prioritizing high-impact tasks in the morning and using the later part of his workday for meetings and collaborative efforts. This structured approach ensures that his mornings are productive while still leaving room for flexibility in the afternoon. It’s a balance that many of us could benefit from, especially in a world where work-life boundaries are increasingly blurred.
Reflecting on our conversation, I realized how much potential lies in starting the day early. It’s not just about getting more done but also about creating space for the things that bring joy and fulfillment. While not everyone can or needs to start work at 6 am, the broader lesson is about finding a routine that aligns with your goals and priorities. For me, this was a reminder to reevaluate my own habits and explore how small changes, like waking up a bit earlier, could lead to a more balanced and satisfying life.