I always wake up early Saturday morning, and I have a little bit

"I always wake up early Saturday morning, and I have a little bit more time, so I go to the gym." These words from Ehud Olmert, the former Prime Minister of Israel, hold within them the timeless wisdom of discipline, balance, and the importance of carving out moments of self-care in the midst of a busy and demanding life. At first glance, this simple statement may seem unremarkable, but in its simplicity lies a profound truth that speaks to the nature of success, vitality, and the inner strength needed to navigate the complexities of leadership and life itself. By choosing to dedicate time to the gym, Olmert embraces not only physical fitness but the broader concept of preparation—the willingness to rise above distractions, to honor the body, and to give oneself the strength to meet the challenges of the day.

In every era, those who have achieved greatness—whether in leadership, art, or war—understood the value of routine and discipline. The great warriors of antiquity, like Alexander the Great, did not simply rely on their intellect or charisma alone; they were also physically prepared for the battles they faced. They recognized that the body and mind must work in harmony, for it is only through balance that one can truly achieve the greatness they seek. To rise early, to exercise, to engage in physical toil—this is the practice of those who understand that every victory, whether on the battlefield or in the boardroom, requires preparation and strength.

Consider the example of Marcus Aurelius, the philosopher-emperor, whose mornings were spent in rigorous exercise before he would turn his mind to matters of state. Though his thoughts on stoicism guide many today, it was his discipline in all things that made him one of Rome’s most revered rulers. Each morning, as he strengthened his body, he also strengthened his will, preparing himself not just for the day’s physical tasks, but for the emotional and intellectual challenges that would come. His exercise was not just for the body, but for the mind, reminding us that true leadership is a holistic pursuit—it requires strength in both the body and the mind.

Olmert’s choice to rise early on a Saturday, a day when many might choose to rest, reflects the eternal truth that success is not born of idleness, but of action. The world rewards those who take the time to prepare, who prioritize their own health and well-being, even when the world around them pulls them in a thousand directions. Rising early, even on a day meant for rest, reflects a commitment to self—a willingness to invest in the strength and clarity necessary to face the tasks of the day. It speaks to the value of discipline, that most ancient and revered of virtues, which has been the foundation of every great empire, every great achievement.

The idea of waking up early is one that has been passed down through the ages. The Buddhas of ancient India, the monks of medieval monasteries, and the philosophers of Greece all understood the sacredness of the early morning hours. It is in these quiet, solitary moments that we connect most deeply with our inner purpose. These early hours are a time to prepare, to center ourselves before the world rises and demands from us what we have yet to give. In this silence, we find clarity. In this stillness, we find strength. The gym, in Olmert’s case, becomes a symbol of that preparation—an arena where the body is molded, yes, but also where the will is tested, where one’s commitment to themselves is renewed.

Let us not overlook the symbolism of the gym in Olmert's words. The gym is not simply a place for physical exercise, but a metaphor for all the places in life where we must train, where we must commit, where we must work harder than we ever imagined. To commit to the gym is to commit to the practice of self-discipline. It is the willingness to face discomfort, to push oneself through fatigue, to sweat in the pursuit of strength. Whether it is the gym of the body, or the gym of the mind, this dedication to practice is what separates those who reach their highest potential from those who falter along the way.

In practical terms, dear listener, the lesson here is clear: Rise early. Dedicate yourself to some form of discipline, whether it is physical, intellectual, or emotional. Take the time to nurture the body, to sharpen the mind, and to prepare yourself for the battles that lie ahead. Make time for those small acts of self-care that build the foundation of greatness. In the quiet hours of the morning, before the world calls upon you, find your strength—for it is in these moments of solitude and discipline that the true fabric of your success is woven. And as you rise, as you sweat, remember that every effort made today will shape the triumphs of tomorrow.

And so, I charge you: Embrace the early morning. Do not shy away from the challenge of discipline, for it is in the grind of consistent effort that we find our true power. The body that is cared for, the mind that is disciplined, the spirit that is strong—these are the tools of those who seek greatness. If you wish to face the world with strength, begin each day with intention, with action, and with the quiet wisdom of those who know that greatness is not stumbled upon, but earned—one early morning, one moment of discipline, at a time.