The Big Impact of Showing Up Early

Recently, I came across a very insightful LinkedIn post by Ford Coleman, who owns a company dedicated to helping others advance their careers. He outlined nine habits that could help one quickly climb the job ladder. While I like each of his insights, I want to share my reflections on the first one Ford listed: "Show up before the boss does." Some might overlook the importance of showing up early at work, but it significantly impacts how a person is perceived and their career growth.

What are the benefits of arriving at work early, and why does it matter? It's more than just being on time; it's about managing the day, showcasing dedication, and setting yourself up for success. Inspired by Ford's post, I reflect on being an early riser and how this habit has contributed to my personal and professional growth.

The benefits of showing up early

First, it lets me settle in and organize before the day starts. This helps me feel more prepared and less stressed. For me, arriving at work early is more than just clocking in; it's a ritual that lays the foundation for a successful and fulfilling day. It's a habit I developed in my school days – the stress of rushing taught me the importance of a calm and prepared start. It wasn't about competition but about creating a peaceful environment to focus. A few years ago, I came across a book, "The 5 AM Club: Own Your Morning. Elevate Your Life." which reinforced this mindset and inspired me to wake up even earlier. The book’s key takeaway is that lasting success and fulfillment begin with mastering your mornings. By waking up early and dedicating time to personal growth, exercise, and deep work, you build discipline, clarity, and momentum that shape the rest of your day. Small, consistent morning habits lead to significant personal and professional transformation over time. This early-bird approach has become a cornerstone of my personal and professional development. (I’ll share my reading notes in a future blog!)

Second, it allows me to start my work efficiently. This is especially advantageous when I have many tasks or work against deadlines. The initial hours are my "power hours," devoid of interruptions and distractions. I can engage in deep work, tackle complex tasks, and make substantial progress. This proactive strategy lets me begin the day with clarity and focus rather than scrambling to catch up. Arriving early means I am physically present and mentally prepared, setting the tone for the day.

ChatGPT generated the photo

Third, while not the primary reason I arrive early, I've found that it does send a positive message. It demonstrates my dedication and commitment to my work. Beyond the practical benefits mentioned above, it also helps cultivate a positive mindset, highly valued by leaders and organizations. In my experiences, consistently showing up early reinforces my reliability and professionalism, fostering trust and strengthening my reputation as someone who takes their work seriously. More importantly, it demonstrates my ownership of my future and success. Throughout my career, I've learned that punctuality and dedication open doors. By consistently arriving early and staying late, I earned my supervisor's trust and the confidence of my colleagues, which led to greater responsibilities and accelerated growth. This old-school strategy has never failed me, and I believe it remains a powerful tool for advancing my career.

Why it Matters

In today's competitive work environment, standing out from the crowd and achieving success cannot be easy. Showing up early means creating opportunities for yourself. When leadership sees you as always prepared, you naturally stand out, especially when compared to some people who do the bare minimum (I'm sorry to say that, but it's true). Being early shows initiative, dedication, and a strong work ethic, all qualities that lead to more responsibility and career growth. It is a small but powerful habit that sets you apart.

The Takeaway

Growth and success often come down to small, consistent habits. If you want to improve your work ethic and achieve success, consider showing up early at work. It could be the key to your success. Set your alarm a little earlier, get to work ahead of the rush, and watch how it transforms your productivity and career trajectory.

Own your success, one early morning at a time.