The 5AM Club: Does It Really Work?

The 5AM Club, made famous by Robin Sharma, is a popular concept that suggests waking up at 5:00 AM to set the tone for a productive and focused day. The core idea is simple: by owning your morning, you can elevate your life. But does it actually work? Well, I have tried it and this is what I think!

The 5AM Club is built around the 20/20/20 formula, designed to optimise the first hour of your day:

• 20 minutes of movement: Whether it’s stretching, yoga, or a quick workout, this physical activity is meant to wake up your body and boost energy.

• 20 minutes of reflection: This could involve journaling, meditation, or simply taking time to clear your mind and set intentions for the day.

• 20 minutes of learning: Use this time to read, listen to a podcast, or engage in any activity that feeds your mind and promotes personal growth.

The idea is to give yourself time each morning to focus on your physical, mental, and emotional well-being before the world starts demanding your attention. Building awareness of time is definitely a useful pursuit. The early bird catches the worm because it showed up!

Does It Actually Work?

The effectiveness of the 5AM Club largely depends on individual goals and how well the routine fits into your lifestyle. Here are some of the key benefits:

1. More Focused Time

The early morning hours are typically free of distractions—no emails, no social media notifications, and no urgent tasks. This quiet time allows you to focus deeply on your personal development or work without the interruptions that come later in the day.

2. Boosted Productivity

By starting your day with a clear purpose and structure, you set a productive tone for the rest of your day. Completing a meaningful task in the first hour of the day (like exercising or learning something new) can lead to a sense of accomplishment and momentum that carries through to other activities.

3. Building Consistency and Discipline

Waking up early and following a set routine can help build discipline. The consistency of getting up at the same time each day establishes a strong structure and contributes to a sense of control and stability in your life.

4. Mental Clarity and Emotional Balance

Incorporating reflection and personal growth into your mornings gives you the space to process your thoughts and set your emotional tone for the day. This can help reduce stress and increase mindfulness, giving you more clarity as you move through your tasks.

The Caveats

While the 5AM Club can work for many people, it’s not for everyone. Here’s why it might not work:

• Quality Sleep Is Crucial: If waking up early compromises your ability to get sufficient rest, it could negatively affect your health and productivity. Sleep is foundational to your physical and mental well-being, so if you’re not sleeping well, waking up at 5AM may not be beneficial. However, if you can get to bed early (as I did) the 5AM club could be a temporary or permanent game changer!

• It’s Not a One-Size-Fits-All Solution: Some people are naturally night owls and may perform better later in the day. The key is finding a routine that aligns with your natural energy patterns.

Should You Join the 5AM Club?

Before you set your alarm for 5AM, ask yourself:

• Do you struggle to find quiet time during the day?

• Are you looking for more structure or discipline?

• Could this be a temporary or permanent fix?

If the answer is yes, then giving the 5AM Club a try could be worth it. Start small by waking up just 15 minutes earlier and gradually adjust your routine to fit your needs.

The bottom line: The 5AM Club isn’t about waking up at 5:00 AM. It’s about waking up with intention. Whether that’s at 5:00 AM or 7:00 AM, what matters is creating a morning routine that sets you up for success.