The Morning Habit That Took Me to the Next Level
They say a book is like a friend!
What’s a book you've read that made a significant difference in your life?
For years, I’ve been trying to push myself to wake up early, like 4 or 5 AM, the way high achievers do. Something inside me knew this could help me make a big leap in my daily performance. But I wasn’t really encouraged, and unfortunately, I didn’t have anyone in my circle who was doing it - that was a red flag, maybe a sign that I should extend my circle to include new people, new kinds of achievers.
But they say a book is like a friend. And that’s more true than I ever realized.
By chance, I stumbled upon Robin Sharma’s The 5AM Club. You know what? The moment I read the foreword and connected with someone, just anyone, waking up at 4:45 AM, I felt like I had the encouragement I needed to try.
The first week, I managed it twice. The second week, only once (my body just wasn’t having it!). By the third week, I hit four. In the fourth week, I slipped back to three. But by week five, I finally got the jackpot: 5 out of 5! And it just kept getting better from there.
The book not only motivated me, but it also convinced me, scientifically, of the mental benefits of waking up so early. Sharma’s storytelling style, which is empowering and fresh, makes you believe that you Can change your life, but only if you reshape your thinking. Instead of seeing waking up early as a burden, focus on the precious gift it gives you: time. What we focus on, we feel, right? Repeating that thought every day eventually rewires your brain.
And even when you fail to wake up at 5 AM, that guilt can actually become a powerful motivator, if you know how to channel it.
So here I am, 90 days in, waking up at 5 AM most of the time. Sure, I’ve slipped up here and there, but I’ve stayed consistent because I can feel the value. And what is that value?
First, I’m able to plan my day without stress, which makes me feel much more in control.
I’ve also been feeling so creative lately. At first, it didn’t hit me in the first three weeks, but then it gradually grew stronger.
I feel more autonomous now. When I take short breaks during the day, I no longer feel guilty about it, like I used to. Now I know I have all the time in the world to get things done.
My performance has shot up. I’ve got a personal KPI that I developed to measure my daily performance, and since I started waking up early, my points have nearly doubled! It’s crazy.
Plus, I’m more social, which mean I’m happier.
If you haven’t started yet, here’s my advice: wake up at 5 AM and see the difference for yourself. Nothing beats the feeling of getting better every day when you follow a proven strategy.
Now, I’m curious: What’s that book for you?
#PersonalLeadership #Performance #Coaching