The Baal Shem Tov zt’l taught that one’s first thought, speech, and deed of each day should be a mitzvah, because all beginnings influence everything that follows.

Rising early doesn’t only add hours onto the day, it also creates a positive momentum that leads to success in life and in avodas Hashem. You will be surprised how much more can be accomplished if you’re careful to rise early, and follow the Baal Shem Tov’s counsel, to consecrate the beginning of the day for avodas Hashem. ~ R’ Elimelech Biderman Shlita