15 Mega-Successful Celebrities and CEOs That Wake Up Before Sunrise Every Day

15 Mega-Successful Celebrities and CEOs That Wake Up Before Sunrise Every Day

There’s something powerful about rising before the rest of the world. Whether it’s the quiet calm of the early morning, the uninterrupted focus, or the chance to set the tone for the day—waking up before sunrise is a habit shared by many of the world’s most successful people. It’s not just about getting more done—it’s about having the mental clarity and discipline that drives high performance.

Tim Cook (CEO of Apple)

Apple’s CEO is known for setting an alarm at 3:45 a.m., long before most people have even stirred in their sleep. By the time the sun rises, Tim Cook has already answered emails, worked out, and reviewed business metrics.

He believes that this time allows him to stay ahead, both strategically and mentally. The early hours offer a rare silence that’s perfect for high-level decision-making. Cook’s approach proves that maximizing your day starts with how you begin it.

Michelle Obama (Former First Lady)

As First Lady, Michelle Obama managed a whirlwind schedule, but her early mornings were sacred. She typically rises around 4:30 a.m. to focus on herself—especially her physical and mental health.

Starting her day with a workout helps her feel centered and strong before facing responsibilities. Michelle has spoken about how difficult it is to find time once the day begins, which is why she carves out space for herself before the rest of the world wakes up.

Richard Branson (Founder of Virgin Group)

Running over 400 companies doesn’t happen without structure, and Richard Branson credits much of his success to waking up at 5:00 a.m. He uses that time to exercise, eat breakfast, and plan his day.

Branson says that the early morning gives him a positive outlook and helps him maintain energy throughout the day. Even when traveling, he sticks to this habit. For him, the sunrise marks the start of creativity, productivity, and momentum.

Oprah Winfrey (Media Mogul)

Oprah doesn’t rely on an alarm clock, but she often rises naturally before 6 a.m. Her mornings are calm and intentional, filled with spiritual routines like meditation, journaling, and gratitude.

This peaceful start allows her to enter each day with focus and purpose. Rather than rushing into chaos, Oprah creates space to breathe, reflect, and build inner strength. It’s a rhythm that balances the demands of her media empire with her personal well-being.

Howard Schultz (Former CEO of Starbucks)

Long before the first Starbucks cup hits the counter, Howard Schultz is already awake. His day typically starts around 4:30 a.m., beginning with walking his dogs and brewing coffee at home.

These simple rituals keep him grounded. Schultz believes mornings should be slow and meaningful before diving into the intensity of running a business. By the time his workday starts, he’s already centered and ahead of the curve.

Jennifer Aniston (Actress)

Many fans are surprised to learn that Jennifer Aniston starts her mornings around 4:30 a.m. She uses that time to meditate, stretch, and hydrate before jumping into exercise and beauty routines.

Her early start sets the tone for a stress-free day on set or in meetings. Jennifer has spoken about how she values having time to herself without distractions, especially in an industry that’s constantly “on.” Her mornings are a form of self-care and empowerment.

Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson (Actor & Entrepreneur)

Before most people have hit snooze, Dwayne Johnson is already lifting weights. His alarm goes off at 4:00 a.m., and he jumps straight into a serious workout before starting his packed schedule.

For Johnson, training is non-negotiable. It’s not just about fitness—it’s about mental discipline and setting a dominant tone for the day. The Rock believes that his early grind fuels everything else he tackles, from film roles to business ventures.

Indra Nooyi (Former CEO of PepsiCo)

As one of the few women to lead a Fortune 500 company, Indra Nooyi credits her early start—around 4:00 a.m.—for helping her stay sharp and in control. That time was her chance to focus on strategy and prep before meetings began.

She’s described mornings as a time to “clear the clutter,” mentally and emotionally. Waking up early wasn’t just a productivity hack—it was a way to stay balanced while managing intense demands at the top.

Mark Wahlberg (Actor & Producer)

Perhaps the most extreme early riser on this list, Mark Wahlberg wakes up at a shocking 2:30 a.m. His mornings include prayer, two workouts, cryotherapy, and even time to play golf—all before most people have breakfast.

His highly regimented schedule gives him a sense of structure and discipline. Wahlberg swears by the mental clarity that comes from early rising, and his results—from fitness to film—speak for themselves.

Anna Wintour (Editor-in-Chief, Vogue)

Few people embody consistency like Anna Wintour. She wakes up before 5 a.m. every day to play a rigorous hour of tennis before heading to the office.

Wintour says her morning routine energizes her and keeps her competitive edge sharp. It’s her way of anchoring the day before immersing herself in the fast-paced world of fashion and publishing. Her mornings are less about leisure and more about power.

Elon Musk (CEO of Tesla and SpaceX)

Innovation doesn’t sleep—but Elon Musk still manages to carve out a productive early start. He typically gets up around 5:00 a.m. and uses the time to review engineering details, respond to urgent messages, and prep for meetings.

Efficiency is key in his world, and mornings give him a head start. With his hands in multiple groundbreaking companies, Musk treats each hour as precious—and the early morning hours might be the most valuable of all.

Bob Iger (Former CEO of Disney)

Bob Iger’s day begins at 4:15 a.m., and he’s proud of it. He believes that the early morning is the best time for uninterrupted reading, writing, and thinking.

Before the flood of meetings and calls, Iger enjoys time for coffee, catching up on the news, and working out. His habit helped guide Disney through major acquisitions and growth phases. According to Iger, peace of mind is best found while the world sleeps.

Kris Jenner (Momager & Media Personality)

Managing the Kardashian-Jenner empire takes stamina—and Kris Jenner makes sure she gets a head start. Her alarm goes off around 4:30 a.m., followed by treadmill time and tackling business emails.

She says that waking up early gives her the energy and clarity to handle an empire’s worth of decisions before others are even awake. For Kris, it’s all about staying proactive and in control.

Tim Ferriss (Author & Entrepreneur)

Known for “The 4-Hour Workweek,” Tim Ferriss starts his real work well before 9 a.m. He rises around 5:00 a.m. to meditate, journal, and experiment with habits that fuel creativity.

Ferriss treats his morning routine as a lab for personal optimization. Whether he’s focusing on gratitude, breathwork, or cold exposure, the time before sunrise is when his best thinking happens. It’s no surprise he recommends early rising as a game-changer.

Ursula Burns (Former CEO of Xerox)

Breaking barriers as the first Black woman to lead a Fortune 500 company, Ursula Burns has always valued an early start. She begins her day between 5:00 and 5:15 a.m. with planning, reading, and reviewing priorities.

Burns believes the early hours provide calm and space for reflection before jumping into the high-pressure world of executive leadership. Her success is a testament to the focus that comes from structured, early rising.