The 2am or 5am Club? Mastering A CEO mindsetÂ
Nov 12, 2024
The 2am or 5am Club? Mastering A CEO mindset
The power of purpose and how to know the difference between momentum and burn out.
"Are You Hibernating ?
Some people use the final two months to plan for next year, while others still believe they can win this year. It's time to decide the type of person you want to be". A question Arnold Schwarzenegger asked this week.
We have about 6 or so weeks left of 2024 - how are you going to use this time?
I always run a retreat at the end of every year and people think I'm crazy. "No ones going to want to book that, it's too busy, people are too tired blah blah blah". It's always one of the most productive and satisfying retreats I run (and I've been doing this since 2004).
Why? Because those who show up KNOW that the work they do now, to rest, reset and take a micro break to set up their 2025 playbook - is a game changing strategy and a winning perspective.
They invest in three things: Mindset, Clarity of Goals, Wellbeing. The leaders and business owners I work with all unapologetically love what they do (even when the chips are down) and aren't willing to cannibalise one area of their life for the other.
As an entrepreneur few things are as powerful as loving what you do. That passion fuels your vision, sharpens your focus, and keeps you pushing boundaries day after day. But when drive is relentless, even the most dedicated founders, business owners, and CEOs need to ask: Am I pacing myself for sustainable growth, or risking burnout?
True mastery lies not just in the ambition to build but in the wisdom to know when to pause, recalibrate, and return sharper than ever.
1. The Power of Purpose: Why Drive Isn’t the Whole Story
When you’re deeply connected to your work, that dedication can become fuel for success. It’s what pushes you to tackle new projects, lead your team, and show up as a visionary every day. But there’s also a hidden risk: in the absence of discernment, relentless drive can tip into burnout, even for the most passionate among us.
Purpose-driven success thrives not just on drive but on pacing.
TIP: Knowing when to sprint and when to step back is essential for sustainable progress, both personally and professionally.
2. Dedication Meets Discernment: Knowing When to Push and When to Pause
Dedication is the bedrock of achievement, but dedication without boundaries can lead to diminishing returns. How do you know when it’s time to take a step back?
- Listen to Your Energy Levels: Mental fog, fatigue, and irritability are signals that you’re approaching the threshold of your optimal performance. The most successful leaders take these signals seriously and build moments of recalibration into their schedules.
- Create Micro-Breaks: These don’t have to be full-fledged vacations; even small moments—like a walk, a workout, or a midday check-in with a mentor—can reinvigorate your focus and reset your perspective. Micro-breaks are about recalibrating your day in real-time rather than waiting for a burnout warning sign.
3. Determination with a Reset Plan: Building in Rest as a Competitive Edge
True determination isn’t just the ability to keep going; it’s the wisdom to manage your pace. Great founders and leaders recognise that performance is about output and recovery.
- Map Out Your "Recalibration Days": Setting aside intentional rest days is a habit of top performers. Recalibration days aren’t just for leisure—they’re strategic pauses to reflect on goals, adjust strategies, and consider new angles.
- Use Rest as a Creative Strategy: Some of the most profound insights come when we step away from the grind. Deliberate downtime often brings fresh perspectives and creative solutions. This might be time in nature, a workout, or simply unplugging for an afternoon—these moments can be essential for innovating.
4. Reflect and Refine: Building a Balance Check into Your Routine
Making drive sustainable requires constant reflection. Consider these questions regularly to maintain your balance:
- Am I creating energy as much as I’m using it?
- Do I feel a healthy sense of accomplishment, or am I just checking boxes?
- Where am I feeling resistance, and how can I recalibrate around it?
These check-ins allow you to approach every week with fresh eyes, keeping you agile, grounded, and ready to adjust your course as needed.
Final Thoughts: The Winning Formula is a Blend, Not a Sprint
Loving what you do is a gift, but it also requires responsibility. True mastery in leadership comes from balancing your drive with discernment. Success isn’t about never stopping; it’s about knowing when and why to pause, reset, and approach your work with renewed energy and perspective.
When we step back, even briefly, we get to return sharper, clearer, and more aligned with the bigger vision. And ultimately, that’s the true art of being a founder who not only achieves but thrives in the process.
Remember, you're either going to stress about things at 2am in the morning and never let the anxiety that comes in waves as a leader, or learn to master your CEO mindset that can be agile, deal with change and start the day with a winning spirit - like the 5am club.
Get started today: EMAIL me on [email protected] to get the SUSTAINABLE SUCCESS QUICK CHECKLIST FREE PDF!
Yours in Mojo,
Nikki
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More tools and resources:
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Grab my Founder Fitness Goal Set Done PDF for free here and to get a sense of what really matters and how to create winning weeks for masterful months and remarkable years.
