Let me tell you something about the elite secret society you’ve heard whispers about— the 5 AM Club.
This isn’t a cult that demands you sacrifice your snooze button (though that wouldn’t hurt).
This is a lifestyle choice that has transformed the lives of many successful people, from CEOs to artists to athletes.
So, let me uncover the mysteries of the 5 AM Club.
Spoiler alert: It’s less about the time and more about the mindset.
The Dawn Patrol: Why 5 AM?
You might be thinking, “Why 5 AM? Why not 6 AM or, heaven forbid, 9 AM?”
Here’s the thing—5 AM isn’t just a time; it’s a symbol.
It represents the quiet before the chaos, the calm before the storm, the moment when you can focus on you before the world demands a piece of your attention.
Imagine Benjamin Franklin, the original early bird, who famously said, “Early to bed and early to rise makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise.”
Old Ben wasn’t just a fan of candlelight; he understood the magic of the early hours.
The 5 AM Club follows in his footsteps, properly taking advantage of the power of the morning to get a head start on the day.
The 20/20/20 Formula
Let’s break down the 5 AM routine into something doable.
The 20/20/20 Formula, popularized by Robin Sharma in his book The 5 AM Club.
It’s simple yet powerful:
20 minutes of exercise
20 minutes of reflection
20 minutes of growth
Set your alarm for 5 AM (or as close as you can manage).
Spend the first 20 minutes moving — stretch, do exercises (push-ups and sit-ups are my favorite), or dance like no one’s watching.
The next 20 minutes are for reflection—journal, meditate, or simply sit in silence.
Finally, spend 20 minutes growing—read a book, listen to a podcast, or learn something new.
Embrace the Silence
At 5 AM, the world is quiet.
There are no emails pinging, no social media notifications buzzing, and no distractions pulling you in different directions.
It’s just you and your thoughts—a perfect time to self-reflect and plan.
Do you know about Apple’s Tim Cook, who’s up and at it by 4:30 AM?
Cook uses the early morning to read emails and get ahead on work.
By the time the rest of the world is waking up, he’s already miles ahead.
That quiet time is a game-changer.
Build Consistency with Habits
The key to making the 5 AM Club work is consistency.
It’s not about waking up early once a week; it’s about making it a daily ritual.
This consistency builds discipline, which spills over into every area of your life.
Commit to the 5 AM Club for 30 days.
Track your progress and note any changes in your productivity, mood, and overall well-being.
Consistency is the magic ingredient that turns an early morning into a powerhouse habit.
Prioritize Your Goals
The early morning is your time.
Use it to focus on your most important goals—the ones that often get pushed aside during the busy day.
Whether it’s writing that book, learning a new skill, or planning your business strategy, the morning hours are prime real estate for goal-getting.
Ernest Hemingway, wrote every morning as soon as the sun rose.
By dedicating his early hours to his craft, he ensured that nothing else could interfere.
His productivity and creativity soared, and he produced some of his best work during these sacred hours.
Enhance Your Well-Being
Starting your day at 5 AM allows you to build a routine that enhances your physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
You can exercise, eat a healthy breakfast, and set a positive tone for the day ahead.
This holistic approach ensures you’re operating at your best.
Design a morning routine that nurtures your body, mind, and soul.
Include activities that energize you, such as a walk, a nutritious smoothie, or a mindfulness practice (could be meditation or affirmations).
The goal is to start your day feeling refreshed and ready to tackle whatever comes your way.
Interested in joining the Ranks of the 5 AM Club?
The 5 AM Club isn’t just about waking up early; it’s about taking control of your day, your goals, and your life.
It’s about carving out time for yourself before the world demands your attention.
It’s about building habits that lead to success, well-being, and fulfillment.
So, are you ready to join the ranks of early risers like Benjamin Franklin, Tim Cook, and Ernest Hemingway?
Remember, it’s less about the hour on the clock and more about what you do with that hour.
Embrace the quiet, build consistency, and prioritize your goals.
The 5 AM Club is waiting for you.
Until next time, stay wise, stay driven, and wake up with purpose!
Warm regards,
Osmund Jorulf.