I make no secret of the fact that I am – by nature – something of a morning lark. One of my greatest pleasures in life is an early alarm, a still and silent house, and a hot cup of tea while dawn is yet to break outside. There’s something about the seclusion and solitude that a premature start brings with it, that sets me up in the best possible way. And while I use the early hours as an opportunity to read, in recent weeks I’ve been shunning novels in favour of the type of self-development books that bring more focus and calm, meaning I’m in the right frame of mind for the day ahead. From the manifesto based on a commencement speech at the University of Texas that moved millions of people around the world, to the book inspired by the morning routines of some of the world’s biggest and best creative minds, here are the crème de la crème of books to help kick-start your morning.

Make Your Bed by William H McRaven

Featuring the lessons learned from former U.S Navy SEAL, Admiral William H McRaven, Make Your Bed is a short but powerful read on how to make small but effective changes to your life. McRaven explains that while making your bed may seem like a small and insignificant task; it’s a way to begin your morning feeling accomplished, which will put you in a productive mindset for the rest of the day. An inspiring read from a unique perspective, Make Your Bed will persuade readers far and wide that with the right amount of dedication and discipline, the day ahead can be a great one.

My Morning Routine by Benjamin Spall and Michael Xander

I adored this book. The perfect read to dip in and out of, My Morning Routine offers readers an insight into the intricacies of the morning routines of a whole host of fascinating men and women, from authors and CEOs, to military men and sportswomen. Separated into ten sections including getting up, focus and productivity, morning meditation and self-care, My Morning Routine is full of actionable items and inspiring tips to help the reader improve their own relationship with everything from sleep to stress to exercise and beyond.

The 5am Club by Robin Sharma

From the best-selling author of The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari (which also happens to be one of my all-time favourite books), Robin Sharma’s The 5am Club delves deeper into the concept that Sharma first introduced over twenty years ago, based on a revolutionary morning routine that has helped his clients maximize their productivity, activate their best health and bulletproof their serenity in this age of overwhelming complexity. Built on the idea that waking up at 5am gives early risers an extra hour in which to exercise, plan and study, it’s a must-read for anyone who wants to elevate their own mornings.

The Miracle Morning by Hal Elrod

While I would hesitate to say that The Miracle Morning by Hal Elrod has changed my life, there’s no doubt in my mind that reading this book has absolutely changed my mornings. A book I first heard about on the Tea and Tattle podcast, I recently came across a copy in my local bookshop, and soon after read it in a single sitting. Concise and practical, The Miracle Morning offers a clear structure of how readers can create their very own miracle morning, and join a legion of others all over the world in putting into practise the six habits that will transform their life, before the clock has even struck 8.

Your Dream Life Starts Here by Kristina Karlsson

Penned by Kristina Karlsson, founder of the much-loved Scandi stationery brand Kikki K, Your Dream Life Starts Here is perfect for anyone who wants to hone in on their focus and have the courage to dream big. Offering simple advice and an inspiring insight into her own path to success, in Your Dream Life Starts Here, Karlsson demonstrates to her readers how easy it can be to follow their own dreams – however big or small.

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