Our Director, Biswajit Jha, shares his thoughts on how waking up early can transform your life, improve productivity, and enhance well-being.
My dear students,
You’re all growing up fast and learning so many new things. But as your mentor, I feel it’s my responsibility to share a few thoughts that could help you lead not just a successful life but a fulfilling one too. Today, I want to discuss the importance of waking up early. If you aim to be physically and mentally fit, this is a habit you must adopt.
When I was your age, despite my father’s insistence, I despised getting up early. I’d sleep in, and it cost me dearly. Looking back, I wish I’d followed his advice. As a student, I would stay up late studying, and that became a habit. Going to bed early and rising early felt impossible.
There was a time when I worked as the Sports Editor at Zee News in Delhi. I developed high blood pressure, largely due to working night shifts, eating at odd hours, and consuming unhealthy food. I wasn’t leading a healthy lifestyle at all.
When I eventually left that job, I made a promise to myself—to get up early each day. And that decision transformed my life. Not only did I become healthier, but my days also became far more productive. So, I encourage you to follow this simple tip—wake up early and see how your life changes.
There are some marvellous books on the subject. The 5 AM Club by Robin S. Sharma, the well-known author of The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari, Morning Miracles by Hal Elrod, and What I Talk About When I Talk About Running by Haruki Murakami are just a few that inspired me to take control of my mornings after I returned to North Bengal from Delhi.
Once I started waking up early and using my mornings productively, my life changed dramatically. The success I’ve had since leaving my job can largely be attributed to this shift in routine. Now, I wake up at 5 AM, meditate for half an hour, and then go for a walk. After that, I spend time reading or writing. I’ve managed to write two books by carving out time in the early morning when there are no distractions. Most people are still asleep, and it’s a peaceful, uninterrupted time to be productive. My mind remains fresh, free from anxiety, and I can concentrate far better.
As you know, meditation is an excellent way to improve focus, but it can be hard to find a quiet moment during the day. I, too, struggled with this. However, since I started waking up early, I’ve been able to meditate regularly.
If you wake up early, you’ll have time for meditation and a good study session before school. Those two hours in the morning will be far more productive than any late-night cram session. By finishing much of your study in the morning, you’ll feel more relaxed and happier throughout the day. Research shows that those who wake up early have better memory than those who sleep in. Academically, early risers tend to perform better.
Eating healthy is also a key part of my morning routine. When you start the day on a positive note, it sets the tone for everything else. After meditating and feeling refreshed, you’ll be less tempted to indulge in unhealthy food.
In the past, when I stayed up late, I often struggled to fall asleep. But now that I rise at 5 AM, sleep comes naturally around 10:30 PM. I rarely have trouble falling asleep, and most nights I enjoy a deep, restful sleep. This keeps me fresh and active throughout the day.
If you’re thinking of starting this habit tomorrow, bear in mind that it won’t be easy at first. No one likes waking up early—not even those who do it daily. Murakami, the famous writer and long-distance runner, once asked an Olympic athlete if there was ever a day he didn’t feel like getting up early to train. The athlete replied that he had that feeling every single day! But successful people push through that initial laziness and do the hard things, even when they don’t feel like it.
A 2013 interview by The Guardian found that the CEOs of major companies all wake up very early. It’s not because they want to, but because they know it’s a key to success. They’ve mastered the art of doing difficult things, which is why so many successful people I’ve met or read about are early risers.
So, if you want to be successful, learn to wake up early, meditate, and study before school. It will improve your memory, make you more productive, and help you feel relaxed throughout the day. Your relationships with friends and family will improve, and I’m confident that once you start waking up early, you’ll become a better person and achieve whatever you set out to do.
Waking up early has changed my life, and it can change yours too.
Wishing you all the best in advance,
Your Director Sir,
Biswajit Jha
