Mornings Are Your Cheat Code
Are you Mentally Fit?
True fitness isn’t just physical—it's training your mind to be as resilient, focused, and unstoppable as your body. At Mentally Fit With Ellin, we build strength from the inside out.
Mornings Are Your Cheat Code
“There’s no such thing as a loser who wakes up at 5 AM.” — Sahil Bloom
This quote hit me hard when I first read it. It made me realize that waking up early isn’t just about the time on the clock—it’s about taking charge of my day before the world does. The simple act of getting up and taking action before the world demands anything from me builds confidence, control, and a sense of accomplishment that carries into the rest of my day.
And honestly? If being that so-called "loser" means prioritizing myself, setting the tone for my day, and building unstoppable momentum—then sign me up.
Now, before you roll your eyes and think, I’m not a morning person, hear me out. This isn’t about waking up at an ungodly hour just for the sake of it. It’s about taking control of your day before the world has a chance to dictate it for you. It’s about using the quietest hours of the day to show up for yourself and get things done.
Not because waking up early magically makes you successful, but because taking control of your morning puts you in the driver’s seat of your life. Before the emails, texts, and to-do lists start pulling you in every direction, you have time to check in with yourself first.
Why Mornings Matter
Here’s the truth: Willpower fades as the day goes on. By evening, you’ve made hundreds of micro-decisions, your energy is drained, and the last thing you want to do is tackle something challenging. That’s why it’s so much easier to get things done first thing in the morning—before decision fatigue kicks in, before distractions pull you in different directions, and before the chaos of the day takes over.
Think about it: How often have you told yourself you’d work out after work, only to feel exhausted and skip it? How many times have you planned to start a side project in the evening but ended up doom-scrolling instead? Getting things done in the morning—before life gets in the way—is the ultimate cheat code.
The Ripple Effect of Starting Your Day Strong
The way you start your day sets the tone for everything that follows. When you wake up early and do something hard—like working out—you’re not just checking off a task. You’re proving to yourself, before the day even begins, that you can show up, do the work, and push through discomfort. That sense of accomplishment builds confidence, self-love, discipline, and mental toughness, which then ripples into every other area of your life.
Once you open your phone in the morning, you’re letting other people’s messages, demands, and moods dictate your mindset. What if you gained control over your thoughts and emotions before letting the outside world in?
So many problems are solved simply by waking up early, being intentional, and moving your body. Struggling with focus? Meditate or do deep breathing. Feeling anxious? Journal, pray or get a head start on your day. Lacking confidence? Exercise pushes you physically and builds inner security. That one daily action—choosing to start your day with intention—creates major ripple effects: more confidence, more resilience, more clarity.
For example, strength training in the morning isn’t just about fitness—it’s about proving to yourself that you can lift heavy things, push through discomfort, and show up even when it’s hard. That same resilience carries into your work, relationships, and life.
Because when you’ve already done something hard first thing in the morning, the rest of the day feels easier. You walk into work, meetings, and challenges with a different energy—because you’ve already won the first battle of the day.
No Such Thing as a Loser Who Wakes Up Early
Waking up early isn’t about joining the 5 AM club—it’s about creating space for yourself before you start responding to texts, emails, or other people’s needs. Maybe that’s 5 AM, maybe it’s 6:30 AM. The time itself doesn’t matter; what matters is giving yourself time before the world comes rushing in.
Then you can be there for others fully because you were already there for yourself. You can’t give from a half-empty cup. When you feel full and proud of yourself, you give so much more, and your performance at work, in relationships, and in life flows.
Making Mornings Work for You
If you’re not used to waking up early, don’t shock your system by setting your alarm two hours earlier overnight. Instead, ease into it:
Start by waking up just 15 minutes earlier than usual. Small shifts lead to big results.
Avoid checking your phone first thing—give yourself a moment before letting external noise in.
Use this extra time for something meaningful: pray, stretch, journal, go for a walk, or simply sit with your coffee and breathe.
Seek out a coach for accountability: a coach can help you identify areas of improvement and provide support when you face challenges along the way.
3 Mentally Fit Mindset Shifts
Am I giving myself time before the world demands my attention? Even 10 minutes of stillness can change the tone of your day.
What’s one small shift I can make to wake up earlier? Start with just 15 minutes. Progress happens in small, sustainable steps.
How can I make my mornings easier for Future Me? Set out your clothes, plan your first task, use a timer for your room light to turn on when you wake up, and minimize decision fatigue so waking up feels effortless.
Final Thought
There’s a reason high performers protect their mornings—it’s their cheat code.
You don’t have to wake up at 5 AM to change your life. But you do need to reclaim your mornings and be intentional with how you start your day. Because the way you start your morning is the way you build your life.
So tomorrow, before the world barges in, check in with you first.
What’s one small shift you can make tomorrow morning?
Let’s Keep Building: What’s Next for You
In every issue, I share strategies, insights, and tools designed for ambitious high achievers like you—athletes, professionals, parents, and students—who are looking to elevate their mental game. You can expect coaching techniques, real-life examples, and mindset hacks to help you stay Mentally Fit, no matter what challenges come your way.
Let’s Stay Connected! If you’re not already following me on Instagram, join the conversation @mentallyfitwithellin, where I share daily insights, mental fitness strategies, and behind-the-scenes moments to keep you inspired.
Exciting News! My 6-week self-paced program is in the works! It’s the perfect first step before working with me 1:1, giving you the tools to start strengthening your mindset on your own terms. Stay tuned for more details!
Ready to take your mental fitness to the next level? Book a FREE consultation call, and let’s dive deeper into how these strategies can work for you.
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Mental fitness is a journey, not a destination—let’s keep showing up and growing together!
Love this ellin! So proud