You Don't Need A 5AM Start, Do This Instead

You Don't Need A 5AM Start, Do This Instead

From Make More Money without Selling Your Soul by Polly Lavarello

May 21, 2026 · 21 min · Episode 181

About this episode

Polly Lavarello discusses how to leverage time effectively without adhering to a strict 5am routine.

In this episode, I’m talking about how to better leverage the time you already have, without forcing yourself into a 5am routine, adding more hours to your day or pretending that burnout is a badge of honour. Because the most profitable, sustainable businesses are not built by doing everything. They are built by being intentional about what actually matters. I share the time audit exercise I use with my one-to-one clients, why so many business owners are not using their time the way they think they are, and how the Cushy Work Week can help you reflect, plan and prioritise without spiralling. We talk data, sales activities, leverage, calendar leaks, rest, neurodiversity and why your life needs to go in the diary before your business does. Highlights: (01:12) - Why you do not need a 5am start to grow your business (02:04) - The time audit exercise that surprises every client (04:15) - Why structure matters, even when you love freedom (06:48) - How to make planning feel enjoyable instead of like a chore (11:06) - The difference between money-now and money-later activities (16:30) - Why your life goes in the calendar before your work To find out more: Website Instagram (FREE) THE…

People in this episode

Host: Polly Lavarello

Topics covered

  • time management
  • business growth
  • work-life balance
  • intentionality
  • planning
  • neurodiversity

Keywords

  • time audit
  • Cushy Work Week
  • burnout
  • calendar management
  • sales activities

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Wavemakers Audio

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