The One Habit That Separates High Achievers from the Rest, According to Popular Indian Founder Dr. A Velumani
What separates people who continue building new ventures in their 60s from those who slow down long before that age? For Dr. A Velumani, the answer has less to do with talent and more to do with how people use the earliest hours of their day.
The Thyrocare founder, whose net worth is estimated at around Rs 5,000 crore, recently shared his thoughts on productivity, discipline, and parenting, arguing that one extra hour of sleep could sometimes cost more than people realise.
Dr. A Velumani took to X to respond to a question he says he is frequently asked: how does he still find time to launch startups at the age of 66? According to him, the answer is surprisingly straightforward. He believes people should define their priorities and begin focusing on them from 5 am, doing so consistently over long periods of time.
To explain his point, Velumani pointed to three people in his own life. First was his mother, whom he credited with building and holding together a large family for 75 years, largely on her own. Next was his wife, who he said spent five decades helping create the foundation that enabled Thyrocare to grow and generate thousands of jobs. Finally, he spoke about himself, saying he has followed a similar disciplined approach for around 60 years and remains curious about what he can still achieve over the next five.
The Reward of Consistency
For Velumani, the reward of such consistency goes far beyond professional success. He argued that disciplined living creates an abundance of things many people spend their lives chasing: time, energy, relationships, success, wealth, happiness, peace, dignity, love, care, affection, and trust. He also made it clear that, in his view, these rewards justify sacrificing that "extra hour" of sleep.
The entrepreneur then shifted his focus to parenting, offering advice that sparked discussion online. Instead of covering a child with an extra blanket when they are sleeping past 6 am, he suggested parents should wake them gently, hug them, and tell them a story.
Why Early Rising Matters for Children
According to Velumani, children who learn to wake up early and spend time with motivated adults are more likely to develop leadership qualities. He argued that those who do not cultivate that habit may eventually find themselves following people who did. His broader message was not merely about waking up early but about developing discipline and intent. But the entrepreneur believes that intelligence alone is not enough when it is not accompanied by action. He believes that many talented people miss out on valuable opportunities because they let comfort and routine dictate their schedules.
The Real Cost of Extra Sleep
Velumani says that "intelligent" people sleeping too long is a huge loss for thousands. This echoes his belief that persistent effort, clear priorities, and early starts can give extraordinary results over a lifetime. One more hour of sleep may be a small comfort. But over the years, it becomes years lost. Over the decades, it becomes a lifetime of missed opportunities. Velumani’s message is simple: start early, be consistent, and prioritize what matters. That's what distinguishes high achievers from the rest. It's not talent. It's not luck. It's the habit of waking up at 5 am and using those early hours to build something meaningful.
Remember
Dr. A Velumani's simple habit, waking up at 5 am and focusing on priorities, has powered six decades of success. It's built his family. It's built Thyrocare. It's built his legacy. And it's available to anyone willing to make the choice. The question isn't whether you can wake up early. The question is whether you're willing to sacrifice that extra hour of sleep for the things that truly matter. For Velumani, the answer is clear. And now, so should be yours.
