Waking Up At 5AM Changed My Life – Win The Morning, Win The Day
Throughout the majority of my life I had been an early riser. Whether that was in my youthful years to watch cartoons or get ready for the endless sports games I was involved with on the weekend as I got older.
That continued into my university years as I’d get up at 6:15AM everyday to head to the gym or to run before classes. Even after late nights out partaking in the standard post-secondary bar adventures I’d be up by 7:00AM, maybe 8:00AM at the absolute latest.
After entering the working world and life as an office dwelling professional had begun, my alarm time continued to be push later and later. My old habits of using the gym or going for a run in the morning were dying off. What used to be a 6:30AM alarm became 6:50AM then 7:15AM before getting all the way up to 7:50AM. That left me approximately 30 minutes to shower, change and eat before heading out the door for my walk to work.
Slowly I started to notice some negative drawbacks on my energy levels, mood, productivity at work, relationships, monthly budget and general wellness. I was slipping into a pattern and would trudge through my mornings at work like a zombie.
Making A Change To Win The Morning
I started to notice some consistencies in the podcasts, books and other content I was consuming. The majority of the productive, unique and successful people featured in this content were waking up much earlier than the general public and tended to have a set routine for their mornings.
From the guests on the Tim Ferriss Show to books profiling millionaires and business executives or documentaries on successful athletes or wellness leaders, that pattern seemed to hold true.
Get up early, develop a routine and focus on productivity.
They all spoke about the benefits this had on their mindset, money, productivity and success. The Huffington Post shared an article highlighting when successful people wake up. As Tim Ferriss said in his uber popular 4-Hour Work Week book and other interviews, “win the morning, win the day”.
Enough was enough. It was time to experiment.
A New Routine
In April 2016 I decided to make that drastic change for myself and now set my alarm for 5:00AM.
Wow, the first couple of weeks were tough. Leaving the comforts of my bed felt like I was being pried from a warm, pillowed heaven and thrust into a dark foggy haze. Shuffling my feet across the floor to get changed and stumble through a run or workout.
However, in time that initial tiredness was lifted and I started to feel great, really great.
Slowly and surely the benefits started to compound.
My health, mind, finances, mood, career and relationships were seeing positive impacts. It’s been two years now and I’ve settled into a nice routine that has been truly benefiting me across these different areas of my life.
Waking up at 5AM has changed my life.
Preparation, Prioritization & Routine
Every night I do a few basic things to set myself up for success and productivity for the morning ahead. This has been one of the most influential changes.
These night before tasks to prepare for a productive morning generally include:
- Wash all dishes to ensure an empty sink and countertop
- Package up my lunch for work so it’s ready to grab on my way out
- Place the items I need to make coffee beside the coffee machine
- Prepare my pre-workout snack or drink
- Arrange my breakfast items towards to the front of the fridge and/or cupboard
- Hang and layout the clothing I need for the gym (or a run) and work
- Spend 5 minutes reflecting on the day that was and what I accomplished, failed on, enjoyed, disliked and am grateful for
- Followed by 5 to 10 minutes listing out key priorities for tomorrow in both my personal and professional life
- This includes priorities for the 5AM – 8AM window pre-work, my day at work and then post-work time
- I then plug all these tasks into Todoist – the amazing app and web platform for organizing, planning, setting reminders and so forth
Everything outlined above helps ensure that when I wake up I can be as productive as possible and maximize the limited time I have. I don’t need to worry about planning or prioritizing, my mind can remove that burn and spend the energy elsewhere.
I wrote in more detail about my nightly routine in this A Productive Day Starts The Night Before – Set Yourself Up For A Successful Morning post.
I’m certain I could improve this system to drive even further benefits. So I am continuing to look for additional tips, resources, best practices and examples.
Limited Distractions
The morning is now “me time”. There are no distractions coming in. No text messages, emails, phone calls or conversations to inundate my mind with the needs or requirements of others.
As I run the streets or lookout the window from my computer, it’s a good feeling to see almost no life or action. No cars buzzing around. No apartment lights. I feel like I am a step ahead of most people and for a short period of time each day, the only priorities are my own.
The majority of the rest of my day is spent with incoming emails, phone alerts and so forth. My personal and professional priorities can shift depending on the context of these emails, text message, phone calls or conversations.
Mornings have become my haven for me time.
My Todoist list for the morning is generally broken into three sections and the priorities under each are determined the night before:
- Health & Fitness
- Side Hustling
- Work Prep
These are where my focus steers every morning.
Health & Fitness
The first part of the morning routine now consists of throwing on the workout gear, eating my pre-workout snack and stretching for 5 minutes. Then the final piece right before stepping out the door is flipping on the coffee machine.
Depending on the day and time of year, the next 30-45 minutes will feature a workout in the gym or a run.
Living in Toronto can provide some weather issues from November to April in terms of being able to run outside but that just adds to the challenge. My preparation the night before will include drafting a quick fitness plan for the coming morning. That supports in giving me a sense of direction and clear mind to concentrate elsewhere than planning a workout at 5AM.
Following the workout, there’s a quick shower and then time to eat breakfast.
By the time it is 6:00AM, I now have reaped the positive rewards of working out and eating a decent breakfast with my whole day ahead of me. My energy levels, focus and mood have improved 10x since implementing this consistently into my morning routine.
Bodybuilding wrote about 8 benefits to working out in the morning including focus and mood plus the many of the other specific health benefits.
Side Hustling
Next up is the computer desk with my coffee and spending the next 70 to 100 minutes focusing on something outside my career work.
Since I started waking up at 5AM, I’ve spent this time in the morning doing freelance marketing, content management, database management and writing work. I used to use Upwork (you could try Fiverr too) but have since built direct relationships to source 10-15 hours of freelance work each week that I complete in the mornings, evenings and weekends. This freelance work has also helped me expedite my debt repayment, saving and investing.
The side hustle work I’ve done in the mornings alone (not including evening or weekends) over the last 2 years has earned approx. $14,500.
Waking up at 5AM changed my life and a big part of that is the financial rewards this extra time has provided me. If you’re looking for side hustle ideas, check out 35+ Rewarding Side Hustles (Almost) Anyone Can Do To Earn More Money.
As of early 2018, this morning routine now includes working on Making Momentum. Whether it’s writing a blog post, doing some research, scheduling my social media, accruing content for the Weekly Roundup Momentum’s Finest or ideating on future opportunities.
Focusing on being productive on work outside my 9 to 5 career has been a godsend. Its allowed me to use other parts of my mind.
- Creativity
- Problem Solving
- Digital Marketing
- Monetization Strategies
- Creative Writing
- Quantitative & Qualitative Research
These are just a few of the skills I am developing from the side hustles and blog. Waking up at 5AM to work on other projects has sparked my mind and boosted my bank account.
Work Planning
As I get changed and ready for work, I revisit the list I made of priorities the night before on Todoist for work. This allows me to shift my focus from health and fitness and side hustling to my career.
- What are my top 3 priorities today?
- Do I have any key meetings?
- Are there any small ‘to do’ list items that I can’t forget about?
Previously, in my 7:50AM wake up and rush to work days, I would spend almost no timing considering the priorities at the office for the day ahead. I would show up in a daze since I’d barely been awake for less than an hour and stumble through my morning with no real purpose or sense of direction.
Waking up at 5AM has allowed me the time to arrive at the office with energy, focus and a sense of what to accomplish in the day ahead.
Since implementing these changes in my life over the past two years, my salary has increased 34%. That is in part due to seniority and gains in experience to secure promotions but also a focused mindset and increase in performance.
The health and mindset benefits I’ve gotten from waking up at 5AM have compounded into supporting my career growth.
Walking To Work
There are only a few steps remaining in my pre-work morning routine.
One step is grabbing my lunch I had already set aside the night before (which was also likely bulk meal cooked on Sunday). Toss it in the bag and I am set for my daily nutrition needs, I don’t need to worry about that at work or touch my wallet.
Another step is downloading a podcast or two for the walk. If you know me, you know I love podcasts.
The amount of free knowledge I’ve enjoyed from podcasts is astounding. It’s like sitting in on the private conversations of some of the most respected leaders, thinkers and successful people in their respective industries. If you’re looking for some podcast ideas, see: Top 75 Podcasts To Help Improve Your Life and the 30+ Best Personal Finance, Investing and Side Hustle Podcasts.
Then it’s out the door and only the walk to work remains.
Waking up at 5AM has allowed me to enjoy and reap the benefits of walking to work. I don’t feel rushed and the other items I’ve accomplished earlier have me feeling good on the walk. I can intake the information from the podcasts I am listening to and let my mind wander about the day ahead or grander things.
Other Benefits Of Waking Up At 5AM
Outside of what I mentioned above, I’ve been able to reap other benefits of waking up at 5AM.
This change in lifestyle has helped in these ways as well.
- Financial: Preparing my breakfast, coffee and lunches at home, instead of buying on the way or once at work, has saved me thousands of dollars.
- Purpose: Waking up at 5AM has helped give me purpose in the morning and sense of direction to work towards something bigger.
- Time Gained: waking up at 5AM as opposed to 7AM for 30 years worth of weekdays creates 15,600 hours. That’s 15,600 hours to do something productive, healthy or just live my life. 15,600 hours is 650 days or almost 2 full years of extra living.
- Discipline: sticking to this 5AM routine and seeing the positive results has shown and taught me the principle of discipline. Investing in something will deliver the outcome intended when you’re dedicated and consistent.
In Closing…Waking Up At 5AM
I can wholeheartedly say that waking up at 5AM has changed my life.
Personally and professionally I’ve seen great results from consistently practicing this routine. From the health and wellness benefits to the positive impact on my wallet, this system works for me. It took time to beat that early morning haze but after waking up at 5AM was ingrained in me, those benefits started to compound.
Will this change in the future when I have kids? Potentially but I would hope to still continue this routine in some fashion. In the meantime I am going to keep reaping the rewards.
Want to read a great book on the benefits of waking up early? Check out The Miracle Morning: The Not-So-Obvious Secret Guaranteed to Transform Your Life (Before 8AM) by Hal Elrod.
Do you wake up early to accomplish elements of your life? Let me know in the comments below.
What do you spend your mornings doing or do you have any productivity hacks? I’d love to hear them.
Here are some other posts to help you take control of your money and life:
- 15 Smart Money Moves You Can (Easily) Make This Month
- Free Cash Back, Money & Rewards – Best Websites, Apps & Services
- The Best Personal Finance Podcasts – 30+ Money, Investing & Side Hustle Podcasts
- 55 Great Online Udemy Courses For Millennials, Entrepreneurs And Side Hustlers
- 30 Small Wins Challenge – Make Momentum With Your Money And Life
- Top 75 Podcasts To Help Improve Your Life, Finances, Business, Health And More
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So when do you go to bed then?
When I first started this new routine, I was staying up too late and definitely not going enough sleep (generally falling asleep around 11 or later). Over the last 6 months I’m trying to get in earlier and earlier. I try to shut off all my electronics and screens and read for 15-30 minutes before hopefully crashing out between 10-10:30.
I’m lucky to be a morning person but I know I have to get more sleep to avoid burn out…constantly trying but it’s hard sometimes!
Thanks for checking out the post.
Scott
Love this post! I have to say that “gaining extra time” is misleading, since if you get up at 5 instead of 7 you’re also going to bed at 10pm instead of midnight, etc.
If you sleep 8 hours, you sleep 8 hours, so 5 – 7 isn’t time gained unless 10pm – midnight is time lost. 😉
In that 1 bullet point at the end I was talking about my specific situation and the amount of productive hours I had available if all things remained the same. If I get up at 5AM and apply myself, as opposed to all things remaining the same and doing nothing, I’ve gained 2 productive hours each day.
Unfortunately I haven’t found a way to invent more time yet on the 24 hour clock but if I can spin the earth backwards like Superman did, I might be able to one day! 😉
Thanks for checking out the post.
Do you also practice this routine on weekends?
What about weekends Scott? Do you treat yourself to a later morning on a Saturday and Sunday?
Very inspiring post, I’m definitely going to try this out.
Hey Jake, thanks for checking out the post and comment!
I still keep it consistent on the weekends, unless I have a social event out the night before or am away on vacation. I lived out most of my late nights in my late teens and early 20’s haha so those days are mostly behind me.
Keeping the habit helps me make the most of the quieter weekend morning hours. Thankfully it’s become second nature to me.
Let me know how it goes! It can be a hard grind at the start.
Scott
Hi Scott, I have a question for you.
I started waking up at 05am in the beginning of 2018, but was not able to make a consistent habit of it. there are weeks I do it, then another week I dont.. Reason is the social evening events. Me and my husband sometimes have to meet clients or go on social events for work, and even though I do not drink alchocol, sometimes I stay up until 00h00 because e.g. its not polite to leave too early or sometimes the partners or clients invite us somewhere alrady so late (around 22h00), that i cannot leave at 23h00…
so when this happens i fall off the wagon and wake up at 06h30 or 07h00 instead. And its harder to pick up the routine again. What did you do in these situations?
Hi Liza, it’s definitely tough in spots like that and you need to do what fits best for you. I’ve traditionally still pushed up and out of bed at my alarm time to keep the habit even if I’ve gone to bed a little later than usual. I know it’s likely not ideal health wise but it doesn’t happen too frequently in my life as I’m an early bird and home body for the most part. When I’m on vacation I’m much more flexible and will let the alarm clock stay off.
It really comes down to what fits best for you, is going to keep you healthy, happy and productive…and building a habit or routine that will keep you engaged and motivated!
Thanks for checking out the post!
Scott
Hi Jake, this was my first time here and I loved it. I subscribed before I finish reading the article. Keep up with articles like these and I’ll follow you for life.
Hi..I dont really leave comments on Pinterest but I read this the night before (9/9/18) and tried implementing this today (9/10/18) although it was at 530am but still, huge improvements from waking up at 8am or 10am since becoming a stay at home mom for the last 5mos..Before that, I used to wake up at 5am to get ready to go to work. Starting today, I’ll try to implement this. I’ve heard and read about this “waking up early and be more productive” hype but wasn’t really interested since I’m a morning person anyway but that wasn’t intentional and mindful..This time, I’ll try to be intentional and mindful, thanks to you..Great post!
Thanks for the comment and checking out the post! Hopefully the first couple weeks of shifting your schedule and trying to “win the morning and win the day”.How has it gone so far? Any big changes? It’s tough to get it started but once you can build out a routine that works for you, sky is the limit.
The same as you, I have always been a morning person. But over the last few years, I have gradually woken up later and later and I have been consistently waking about around 8am for some time now which I know by a lot of people’s standards is not late. However, last week I decided I wanted to see if I could wake up earlier and get more done in the day and so far it’s been working. I have been waking up at 6am, not 5am but I’m interested to see if I was to wake up even an hour earlier I could improve more so I’m going to give it a try.
That’s great to hear Heather! Always appreciate getting feedback and learning about others stories and successes. How has it been going? What are you focusing on working on in the morning?
All the best!
-Scott
I love waking up early (although I dislike leaving the bed lol)! There are so many benefits. Since my toddler son wakes up at 7am, I have to wake up around 3 or 4 to have time to myself.
I have a full time job, so this is time I use to work on my website, read a book, study something new, pray, or work out. I love developing myself.
However, I can’t waste any time if I’m serious about personal development. So waking up at 4 is really an investment I’m willing to sacrifice for my future. I have one life to live and I’m gonna win it!
Thanks so much for checking out the post and the comment. So motivating to hear others using their time and energy as best they can to keep moving forward. Your reply has motivated me! Tomorrow morning I’m getting up with an extra little jump in my step.
THANKS!
Scott
So you don’t have kids then? I’m up & running 4 different directions with 3 kids… single parenting because husband works away. I go to bed at 10 but feel I need my sleep for my sanity & everyone else’s
Right now, no kids. So I’m definitely in a position to take advantage of the freedom as best possible. However, that will change in the near future and I imagine that will drastically shift every routine I currently have!
This is truly a must-read blog. Wonderful 🙂
Appreciate the kind words and checking out the post! Thank you! Hope it was helpful for some.
I’ve tried the getting up at 5.30am to workout and crush the day, but find that by 2pm I need a nap! How do you combat this?
Its definitely the hardest part as you get used to the routine and it becomes part of your daily life.
The three things I’d say are:
1.) Getting enough sleep (something I find fault in myself sometimes)
2.) Regular exercise and fitness
3.) Eating a healthy lunch with a balance of nutrients (plus a proper breakfast to keep your energy up throughout the morning)
Those have helped me try to maintain a high energy level throughout.
Hope that helps!
Scott
My Father use to call this “catching the Golden Fish” it only swims by at 5am and in that Golden Hour You Gain a Lifetime of ….what ever you set your heart on.
Great saying! I’d never heard that before.
Catching the golden fish, love it.
Thanks for checking out the post Amanda!
I have been waking up at 4:50 a.m. to be at the gym for 5 a.m since January 1, 2016. Was this a New Year’s resolution? Sure you could call it that. I think of it as being resolute. I made up my mind..that when I am eighty I want to be able to stand up and get out of a chair.
I started the early morning work outs because I wanted the gym mostly to myself. An immediate benefit i planned was to be home again to use my own shower and drink pots of coffee. One thing I noticed right away, It tricks my mind and I feel like i am just getting up like my best old habits. Now a benefit that is also a source of motivation is the amazing energy I have to start the day. I feel invincible! My mind is clear and I have boundless energy. Not bad for a 56 year old woman. I am also a mother of four, the kids are all in college now, but I remember the days of always feeling behind schedule. It is hard to describe how vibrant I feel with out sounding cliche.
Yes, there are times I don’t go to the gym for days, even weeks. I fall into the old mind set of milking the clock for time under the covers. I hate the way I feel all day, when I fall into the mindset of being mad that I have to get out of bed.
I get it. 4:50 a.m. is early and winter is long, dark, and cold. I tell myself not to think about the bed or how awful it is to move. I just move on auto pilot getting on gym clothes and getting into the car. By the time I’m halfway through my workout I am glad I got out of bed. When I leave the gym I never, ever wish I hadn’t been there. You can bank on that good feeling.
I give myself permission to miss days or even to have lazy work outs because I am in this for the life long benefits. I am seeing the rewards now! I am building muscle and endurance. I can hike mountains with my kids and not gasp for breath too badly.
Wow! Now that’s inspiring, I don’t even know where to start or what to say…but just bravo and great work! You’ve got me motivated to get out a little earlier tomorrow AM and put in a bit more work with some pep in my step. So true on just getting started and committing to your workout, after it gets going and you’ve started to get those endorphins moving…couldn’t agree more on being glad to be there and happy I forced myself out of bed.
I hope at 56 I can keep this going and have a similar mindset to you.
Keep up the great work!
Hi, Scott,
This may be one of the few blog post that I have read in its entirety and it’s because you have definitely inspired me. I am not a morning person at all and I hate I mean hate waking up early but the way you explain how productive and intentional you are about your days by just doing this habit definitely makes me want to change the way i start my mornings. I want to be able to start this practice as of now going into the new year of 2019 because I need this to be my lifestyle going forward. Keep it up and will definitely be reading more and subscribing.
Thanks so much for the kind words Kristen! You made my day with that reply. I hope there was some value and inspiration packaged in the post. Whether it’s 5AM or 6AM, the key is to find a system that works for you and helps you achieve your goals and keep moving forward. It took me a while to really get into the grove but after it became second nature…the momentum really picked up. Please keep me posted on how things are going!
Thanks again,
Scott
Love this! 🙂 I’ve been getting up early for the last few months and it really has been life changing. I love how you broke down all the things you do to prepare the night before. I’ll definitely implement some of these as well. Great post
Thanks for checking out the post and for the kind words! Always a pleasure to hear from another early riser. What do you look to accomplish in your mornings – fitness? work? other?
-Scott