Powerful ideas from top nonfiction
Try Blinkist to get the key ideas from 7,500+ bestselling nonfiction titles and podcasts. Listen or read in just 15 minutes.
Start your free trial
Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
Listen to the Intro
The First 2 Hours summary
Donna McGeorge
Make Better Use of Your Most Valuable Time
14 mins
Brief summary
The First 2 Hours by Donna McGeorge explains how to optimize your day using science and mindset. Discover how to improve your productivity and wellbeing by focusing on your first two hours each morning.
Topics
Table of Contents
The First 2 Hours
Summary of 6 key ideas
Audio & text in the Blinkist app
Key idea 1 of 6
You need energy to get your work done.
Maybe you’ve already got your inbox color-coded and organized, you’ve got to-do lists sketched out in order of importance. But all of this doesn’t matter if you’re too tired to do the work or too wired on coffee to sit still.
First, you should know that you’re most alert and energetic in the morning. We’ll talk later about how to get the most out of that morning energy. But you can also do a lot to control and maintain your energy levels for the rest of the day.
The key message here is: You need energy to get your work done.
Let’s start with the basics. Food is the fuel that runs your body and has a direct influence on cognition. Healthy foods break down slowly and supply energy over time. On the other hand, unhealthy foods give a quick energy boost, but leave you in a slump afterward. So when you’re tired and cranky, it’s easy to reach for a burger and fries. Don’t do it! You’ll just end up tired and craving more snacks.
With food, when is even more important than what. By eating a healthy breakfast, you’re setting yourself up for success during the most important part of your day. Lunch matters, too. The US Institute of Medicine found that a light, 300-calorie lunch can help lighten the after-lunch slump. So pack a healthy lunch and plan what you’re going to eat before you get hungry.
Exercise is another important factor in maintaining energy levels. A Bristol University study found that people’s concentration and motivation were significantly higher on days they exercised. That’s because exercise boosts blood flow to the brain, which increases focus. Regular exercise will even make you happier. And just 150 minutes of yoga or walking per week should be enough to do the trick.
Lastly, you need rest. Studies have shown that sleep deprivation can impair you as much as being drunk. Leonardo da Vinci may have run on less than three hours of sleep, but most people need seven and a half hours. In one study, people who were poor sleepers also had the worst productivity losses and motivation problems.
So watch what you eat, build good sleep habits, and try adding a midday walk to your routine. And keep in mind that the best time for exercise is in the late afternoon, so a little body movement could be the best way to power down your day.
Want to see all full key ideas from The First 2 Hours?
Key ideas in The First 2 Hours
More knowledge in less time
Read or listen
Get the key ideas from nonfiction bestsellers in minutes, not hours.
Find your next read
Get book lists curated by experts and personalized recommendations.
Shortcasts New
We’ve teamed up with podcast creators to bring you key insights from podcasts.
What is The First 2 Hours about?
The First 2 Hours (2019) is a must-read design guide for learning how to rethink and optimize your working day. While we’re all overloaded with emails and event invites, all this bustle doesn’t equate to productivity. The First 2 Hours combines both scientific research and an understanding of the body’s rhythms to help you redesign the structure of your work life.
The First 2 Hours Review
The First 2 Hours (2020) by Donna McGeorge explores the importance of managing our time effectively and maximizing productivity. Here's why this book is worth reading:
- It provides practical strategies and techniques to help readers make the most of their first two hours each day, enabling them to accomplish their goals and achieve success.
- The book combines real-life examples and research to highlight the impact that effective time management can have on our personal and professional lives.
- With its engaging and relatable stories, the book keeps readers captivated and motivated, ensuring that they never find themselves bored.
Who should read The First 2 Hours?
- Productivity and efficiency nerds looking for an extra edge
- Managers interested in helping their employees up their impact
- Anyone struggling to meet all of their responsibilities
Categories with The First 2 Hours
Book summaries like The First 2 Hours
People ❤️ Blinkist
Sven O.
It's highly addictive to get core insights on personally relevant topics without repetition or triviality. Added to that the apps ability to suggest kindred interests opens up a foundation of knowledge.
Thi Viet Quynh N.
Great app. Good selection of book summaries you can read or listen to while commuting. Instead of scrolling through your social media news feed, this is a much better way to spend your spare time in my opinion.
Jonathan A.
Life changing. The concept of being able to grasp a book's main point in such a short time truly opens multiple opportunities to grow every area of your life at a faster rate.
Renee D.
Great app. Addicting. Perfect for wait times, morning coffee, evening before bed. Extremely well written, thorough, easy to use.
People also liked these summaries
4.7 Stars
Average ratings on iOS and Google Play
33 Million
Downloads on all platforms
10+ years
Experience igniting personal growth
The First 2 Hours FAQs
What is the main message of The First 2 Hours?
The main message of The First 2 Hours is how to maximize your productivity and achieve success in the first two hours of your day.
How long does it take to read The First 2 Hours?
The reading time for The First 2 Hours varies depending on the reader's speed. However, the Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is The First 2 Hours a good book? Is it worth reading?
The First 2 Hours is a valuable read for anyone looking to supercharge their mornings. It offers practical strategies and insights to optimize your productivity.
Who is the author of The First 2 Hours?
The author of The First 2 Hours is Donna McGeorge.
What to read after The First 2 Hours?
If you're wondering what to read next after The First 2 Hours, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- The Compound Effect by Darren Hardy
- Rest by Alex Soojung-Kim Pang
- Power Hour by Adrienne Herbert
- The ONE Thing by Gary Keller and Jay Papasan
- Essentialism by Greg McKeown
- The Lazy Genius Way by Kendra Adachi
- My Morning Routine by Benjamin Spall and Michael Xander
- Hooked by Nir Eyal
- Beyond Good and Evil by Friedrich Nietzsche
- Uncommon by Mark Divine