— BY REMON — IN Personal growth Productivity

Focus on impact, not hours

I can understand how easy it is to get caught up in the hype during the early years of a career; I used to feel the same way. You know, the one about waking up at 5 AM, meditating, journaling, working out, and starting your day like a productivity guru. I tried it all setting my alarm before sunrise and forcing myself to go through the motions. I expected to transform into some superhuman productivity machine. Instead? I was exhausted, cranky, and drinking too much coffee just to feel human. And honestly, my work didn’t get any better. If anything, it felt forced, robotic.

The Morning Routine Myth

Hustle culture wants you to believe that early mornings = success. But real success? That’s about knowing yourself and optimizing your time accordingly. But here’s the truth: Your routine should support you, not stress you out. There’s this idea that all successful people start their days at dawn, crushing their to-do lists before the world wakes up. But the more I researched, and the more I experimented with my own routine. The more I realized that success isn’t about the clock. It’s about how you use your time. I realized my best ideas don’t show up at 5 AM. They pop up at random times—while cooking dinner, or even late at night when the world is quiet. And that’s okay.

The best routine is the one that works for you.

Why Flexible Routines Win

I used to feel guilty if I didn’t follow my morning checklist perfectly. But life isn’t that predictable. Some days I wake up inspired and dive straight into work. On other days, I need a slow start, a quiet cup of coffee or a walk to clear my head. I’ve learned that flexibility beats rigidity every time. Your routine should support you, not stress you out.

How to Find What Works for You:

Pay Attention to Your Energy: Notice when you feel most focused and creative. That’s your golden hour. Protect it.
Experiment and Adapt: Try different routines, but don’t force anything. If something feels off, change it.
​Prioritize Impact, Not Hours: It’s not about how early you start but how effectively you use your time. Focus on meaningful work, not just checking off tasks.

What about you? Are you a structured morning person, or do you go with the flow? Hit reply and let’s chat.


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Hi! I'm Remon Leijtens

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