I recently downloaded the Pearls app—a self-improvement app where you listen to audiobooks for 15 minutes a day—and the first book on there is The 5 AM Club by Robin Sharma. The premise intrigued me because, ironically, I’m already halfway in the club. On weekdays, I’m up by 5:30 AM, mostly because my husband’s schedule demands it. But if I’m being honest, insomnia is the real MVP here.
I never thought of waking up early as a choice. It’s just something my body has decided to do, no matter how little sleep I’ve gotten. I drag myself through the morning routine, bleary-eyed and sluggish, but I can’t deny the peaceful stillness of those early hours. The 5 AM Club challenges me to see this time differently—not as a consequence of sleeplessness, but as a potential game-changer.
The 20/20/20 Formula
Sharma breaks down the first hour of the day into three 20-minute segments:
1. Move (20 minutes): Exercise to get your heart rate up and boost endorphins.
2. Reflect (20 minutes): Meditate, journal, or just be mindful to set a positive tone.
3. Grow (20 minutes): Learn something new—whether it’s reading, listening to a podcast, or practicing a skill.
The idea is that by intentionally structuring your morning, you’re setting yourself up for success. It’s not just about being awake but being productive and purposeful with that time.
Why I Want to Try It
Waking up at 5:30 AM feels more like a survival tactic than an opportunity. My insomnia has a way of making those early hours feel daunting—an extension of a restless night rather than the beginning of a fresh day. But The 5 AM Club has me wondering if I can reclaim that time and make it work for me. If I’m already up, why not use that time to take care of myself?
The truth is, I’m tired of feeling like my mornings are just another hurdle to get over. I want to feel present and grounded rather than foggy and overwhelmed. If I could exercise for a bit, write down my thoughts, and listen to something that inspires me—all before the sun fully rises—I think I’d feel more in control of my day.
My Plan to Test It Out
I know habits don’t change overnight—especially when sleep is a fickle friend—but I’m going to give this a try. Instead of rolling over and hoping for a few more minutes of sleep, I’ll put on some light stretching or yoga. Then I’ll take 20 minutes to journal, focusing on gratitude and intention for the day. And finally, I’ll dive into some kind of learning—a podcast, an audiobook snippet, or even just reading an article that piques my curiosity.
It sounds simple in theory, but I’m prepared for the mornings when motivation just isn’t there. Still, I figure if I’m going to be awake anyway, I might as well make it worth something.
I’ll keep you updated on how this experiment goes. Maybe I’ll find that those early hours aren’t just about battling insomnia—they might just become my secret weapon for a more intentional day.
Add comment
Comments