As a long time follower of Jocko Willink on Instagram, it’s hard not to notice the consistent pictures he posts of his watch at 4:30am. He is incredibly consistent at it, but why does he wake up so early?
Jocko Willink rises at 4:30 am to work and exercise without disruptions from his family, friends, or colleagues. His consistent early wake-up time allows him to accomplish tasks before anyone else is awake, providing him with a strong sense of achievement.
In an interview with Business Insider, Jocko was asked why he wakes up at 4:30 a.m. His response: “Why would you not wake up at 4:30?” Fortunately, he expanded more in-depth on his reasoning and gave a few recommendations for sleep habits and success.
Also see: The 15 Best Jocko Willink Quotes on Discipline
Getting A Jump On The Day
Jocko described getting up early as providing him a jump on the day. As a former Navy SEAL with combat experience, it also gives him that competitive advantage that he thrives on.
“If you want something done, ask a busy person.”
-Benjamin Franklin
By waking up at 4:30 a.m., when nobody else is awake, it gives him the opportunity to get the things done that he needs to get done.
Jocko said he wakes up early for selfish reasons. But, it might actually make him more unselfish, because later in the day he can spend more time with his family – because he’s already got his stuff done early in the morning.
Of course, Jocko hits the gym hard in the morning. By 7 a.m. he already has more things done than most people have by 5 p.m.
Also see: What is Joe Rogan’s Morning Routine?
Jocko Wakes Up at 4:30am Everyday
Jocko recommends waking up at the same time everyday, even if it’s not as early as him. For him, that time is 4:30, but he has no problem if other people sleep in later. Depending on your schedule it might make sense to wake up at 6 a.m., for example.
He puts emphasize on routine and consistency. That’s why he has been waking up at the same time for many years and plans to continue doing so. And yes, he still wakes up super early even when he has to stay up late.
Also see: Joe Rogan’s Thoughts on Sleep Habits
Jocko Likes to Prepare For The Day
Another tip that Jocko recommends is to prepare the night before, especially if you think that you are going to try to wimp out in the morning.
He suggests laying out your exercise clothes, shoes, and gym bag the night before. This will help, but not fully conquer your tendency of hitting the snooze button. Preparing the night before also makes for a stealthy awakening and exit without disturbing your spouse.
The Secret About Going to Bed Early
We’ve all heard the obvious secret that going to bed earlier will help you wake up earlier. But there is a massive hidden secret in this advice, which Jocko signaled in his interview, calling it the “extra benefits.”
Most of our worst habits are late at night when we are tired. In fact, there is a famous acronym – HALT – used in AA to provide awareness of triggers to alcoholics:
- H – Hungry
- A – Angry
- L – Lonely
- T – Tired
Late at night we get hungry, tired, and make our worst decisions. (Drinking, Netflix, Ice Cream, Pizza). It is literally, for most people, the least productive hours of the day.
By going to bed early, it will help carve out some of the least desirable habits of your daily life and give you that “extra benefit”, like Jocko.
“Early to bed and early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise”.
-Benjamin Franklin
If You Want Freedom, Be Disciplined
Lastly, Jocko wakes up early as part of emphasis on being disciplined. By focusing on discipline, in turn he creates enormous freedom in his life. He has become a multi-millionaire with his top-selling books, been on Joe Rogan’s podcast, created his own Jocko podcast, and launched his own supplement brand.
It all starts with simplicity, consistency, and the discipline of waking up at 4:30 a.m. every day and getting stuff done, without distraction, before anybody else is up.
For an in-depth guide to this subject, you must read Jocko’s book, Discipline Equals Freedom, which I’ve read and highly recommend.
