Tag: wealth

  • Why I’m Starting a 5AM Club

    Why I’m Starting a 5AM Club

    I’ve been thinking a lot about how loud life feels right now.

    Every day, there is something new to take in. The news is heavy. People are being laid off. AI is changing the way we work. Prices keep rising. Careers feel less predictable. And in the middle of all of that, we still have lives to live, people to love, bills to pay, bodies to care for, and dreams we’re trying not to give up on.

    It’s a lot.

    That’s why I’m starting a 5AM Club.

    Not because waking up at 5AM makes you better than anyone else. Not because I think everyone needs to become a strict morning person. And definitely not because I want another space where people feel like they aren’t doing enough.

    I’m starting it because I think a lot of us are craving a little more rhythm. A little more focus. A little more peace. A little more accountability that feels supportive, not stressful.

    The idea of a 5AM Club is not new. Long before it had a name, people used the early morning as a time for prayer, movement, writing, study, planning, and reflection. Spiritual communities, athletes, writers, entrepreneurs, and everyday people have all used the quiet of the morning to prepare themselves for the day ahead.

    The phrase “5AM Club” became more widely known through leadership and personal development author Robin Sharma, who popularized the idea of waking up early and using the first part of the day with intention. Over time, people began creating their own versions of 5AM clubs for fitness, prayer, studying, entrepreneurship, wellness, and accountability.

    That history matters to me because I do not see this as just a productivity trend. At its best, a 5AM Club is about choosing how you begin before the world starts choosing for you.

    For me, the morning has a certain kind of honesty to it. Before the phone starts ringing, before the emails come in, before the meetings, the errands, the responsibilities, and the noise of the world — there is a small window where you can hear yourself.

    That small window matters.

    A 5AM Club is about using that time to check in before the day takes over. It’s a place to ask yourself: How am I really doing? What do I need today? What am I focused on? What am I not carrying into this day? What is one small thing I can do for my mind, body, or spirit?

    This is not about being perfect.

    Some mornings you may wake up at 5. Some mornings it may be 6:30. Some mornings you may have a whole routine. Other mornings, all you may have is a few words, a prayer, a stretch, or a cup of coffee.

    That still counts.

    What matters is that you are choosing to show up for yourself.

    The world is changing quickly, and I don’t want us to feel like we are only reacting to everything around us. I want us to feel like we still have some say in how we begin. Some agency. Some grounding. Some support. Some quiet discipline.

    That is what this space is for.

    You can expect simple morning check-ins, honest reflection, encouragement, and a community of people who are trying to become more focused and grounded in real life. We’ll talk about wellness, discipline, goals, rest, responsibility, uncertainty, and how to keep going without abandoning ourselves.

    What you should not expect is shame.

    This is not hustle culture. This is not a competition. This is not a performance. This is not about waking up early just to do more and more and more.

    It’s about starting the day with yourself instead of starting the day already overwhelmed.

    So if life has felt loud lately, if your mornings have felt rushed, if you’ve been craving more focus, or if you just want to begin your day with a little more intention, I hope you’ll join us.

    Welcome to a 5AM Club.

    This is where we begin.

  • Unleashing Your Inner Productivity: How to Achieve More in Less Time

    When do you feel most productive?

    Studies have suggested that women tend to be more productive on Monday and Tuesday than on other days of the week.

    For instance, a survey conducted by the staffing firm Accountemps found that 39% of women felt most productive on Mondays, while 34% felt most productive on Tuesdays. Another study published in the Journal of Applied Psychology found that women tend to have a more positive mood and higher energy levels at the start of the week, which may contribute to higher productivity.

    That said, it’s important for women to find their own optimal productivity strategies and to develop routines that work best for them.

    To make the most of highly productive days and avoid burnout, this requires a delicate balance between pushing yourself to achieve your goals and taking the necessary steps to maintain your physical and mental health. Here are some tips on how to do it:

    Prioritize and plan

    On highly productive days, it can be tempting to try to accomplish as much as possible, but this can lead to burnout. To avoid this, it’s important to prioritize your tasks and plan your day in advance. Focus on the most critical tasks that require your immediate attention, and delegate or postpone less important tasks if possible.

    Take breaks

    It’s essential to take breaks throughout the day to rest your mind and body. Taking short breaks can help you recharge your energy and focus, making you more productive in the long run. Try to take a 5-10 minute break every hour or so to stretch, move around, or do something that helps you relax and recharge.

    Practice self-care

    Engaging in activities that promote physical and mental well-being is crucial for avoiding burnout. Get enough sleep, eat nutritious foods, exercise regularly, and engage in activities that bring you joy and relaxation, such as reading, spending time in nature, or spending time with loved ones.

    Set boundaries

    On highly productive days, it can be easy to overwork and neglect other important aspects of your life. To avoid this, it’s important to set boundaries and stick to them. For instance, set a time when you stop working each day, and make sure to take time off on weekends or holidays.

    Celebrate your accomplishments

    Finally, it’s essential to celebrate your accomplishments and reward yourself for your hard work. Celebrating your successes can help you stay motivated and energized, making it easier to avoid burnout and maintain your productivity over time.

    In summary, to make the most of highly productive days while avoiding burnout, it’s essential to prioritize and plan, take breaks, practice self-care, set boundaries, and celebrate your accomplishments.

    Looking for the ultimate day planners? Checkout these finds on Amazon.

  • Soncerae Monique on E-Commerce, Growth, and Lessons Learned

    @Therealsoncerae

    Interview by Hannah Collier

    Soncerae Monique has built a brand rooted in entrepreneurship, resilience, and reinvention. From modeling and entertainment to tech, coaching, and e-commerce, her journey reflects the realities of modern business ownership and the lessons learned along the way. In this interview, she opens up about entrepreneurship, purpose, financial growth, and building generational wealth.

    Hannah Collier: Tell us about yourself.

    Soncerae Monique: I’m a certified life coach, author, entrepreneur, and investor. However, I’ve been many things over the years. I was a professional model for six years and a social media personality for over 20 years. I was also a magazine publisher and CEO of my own entertainment company. Before any of those things, I was a recording artist for many years.

    I’m also in the IT industry. I own a UX/UI design company and have a strong interest in the software industry. In addition, I’m involved in the automotive industry and currently run a car rental business.

    Hannah Collier: What made you decide to start your businesses?

    Soncerae Monique: I started my first business when I was 18 years old. I’ve always dreamed of being a businesswoman. It came naturally to me.

    Hannah Collier: How did you know you were onto something?

    Soncerae Monique: Once I became consistent, people started consuming everything I posted online.

    Hannah Collier: What’s your secret to starting a successful online business?

    Soncerae Monique: Supply and demand. Find something people truly want and solve a problem.

    Hannah Collier: How did you choose your product?

    Soncerae Monique: About a decade ago, I used to sell inspirational jewelry on Facebook, and people loved it. Eventually, my sales slowed down, and I gave up on it. Looking back, I should have kept going.

    Whenever I posted videos on TikTok, people constantly complimented the celibacy ring I wear. I finally decided to share the story behind why I wear it and began selling them online. The day I launched my boutique, I made $1,500 within the first hour.

    Hannah Collier: What’s next for you? Give our readers a preview.

    Soncerae Monique: If I could, I’d love to do more television and film work. I also want to do more speaking engagements. Eventually, I’d like to open a brick-and-mortar business—maybe even a few laundromats, hotels, and cafés.

    @Therealsoncerae

    Hannah Collier: Who do you want to help?

    Soncerae Monique: One of my goals is to create more millionaires and business owners. I’m a capitalist. I want people to develop a healthier relationship with money and learn how to manage it better.

    Because I experienced homelessness myself, I never want to see anyone living in poverty.

    Hannah Collier: How do you measure success?

    Soncerae Monique: By how much freedom and happiness I have. Success looks different for everyone.

    Hannah Collier: Where do you draw your strength from?

    Soncerae Monique: God, my faith in my purpose, and my children. Wanting them to have a better life motivates me. I’m passionate about building generational wealth and breaking generational curses within my family.

    Hannah Collier: Are there challenges that come with being an entrepreneur?

    Soncerae Monique: 

    Entrepreneurship is difficult. Running even one business is hard. It’s not for the weak. You have to find a source of power and inner strength to keep going.

    Hannah Collier: What keeps you inspired?

    Soncerae Monique: My supporters and my audience. It’s encouraging to see them motivate me the same way I try to motivate them.

    Hannah Collier: What do you believe your impact has been so far?

    Soncerae Monique: Every day, someone tells me I’ve impacted their life. Women especially reach out to me about surviving homelessness, heartbreak, sexual trauma, and other hardships. Seeing me continue to push forward inspires them to keep going too.

    Hannah Collier: How can others support you and your businesses?

    Soncerae Monique: Sharing my content helps tremendously. Even if someone can’t afford my products or services, sharing my work makes a huge difference.

    @Therealsoncerae

    Hannah Collier: What lessons have you learned along the way?

    Soncerae Monique: The biggest lesson I learned was how to manage money properly. A lot of what I was taught about money was incorrect.

    I used to believe that earning more money automatically made someone wealthy. In reality, many people spend everything they make on lifestyle expenses and never build wealth. Some people spend six figures a month when that money could be managed and multiplied more effectively.

    Most people who appear wealthy actually are not.

    Hannah Collier: What advice would you give someone starting a Shopify or e-commerce business?

    Soncerae Monique: It’s not an easy business to get into. A lot of influencers encourage people to start e-commerce stores or dropshipping businesses, but it’s not as simple as it looks, and it’s definitely not free to start.

    You need inventory, preparation, and systems in place. I wasn’t prepared for my store to generate so much revenue in its first month. I dealt with shipping delays, missing orders, and operational issues. It was difficult at first, but I’m learning and improving as I go.

    Hannah Collier: Would you do it all again?

    Soncerae Monique: Absolutely. I would do it again, but I’d approach it differently and make the process even better. I’d probably open another type of store as well.

    Hannah Collier: We have recently found out about the passing of Soncerae Monique.

    Keeping her children and family in our deepest prayers. May she rest in peace.