Chapter 1: The Motivations Behind Waking Up Early

Last year, I made a New Year's resolution to wake up at 5 AM. Although I had attempted this several times in the past without lasting results, my current busy lifestyle necessitated a fresh approach. To manage my responsibilities effectively, I realized that getting an early start each day was essential.

To successfully wake up at 5 AM, you need a solid reason, a well-thought-out plan, and the determination to follow through. If your life isn't demanding enough, this strategy may not yield results. Ask yourself: What drives you to wake up early?

For me, the answer was success. As a freelancer juggling multiple clients, my days—and often weekends—are packed. In addition to client work, I'm focused on growing my YouTube channel and social media presence. I also host a podcast about filmmaking, write blogs and books, and produce short films.

How can I possibly manage all these commitments while serving my clients? The answer lies in the four additional hours I gain by waking up at 5 AM.

In the past, I attempted to work in the evenings, but my productivity significantly declined after 7 PM. I often felt exhausted and found it hard to concentrate, which resulted in minimal output from 7 PM to 11 PM. Going to bed around 11 PM and waking up at 8 AM left me feeling rushed and stressed as I dove into client emails. This not only affected my mood but also my overall well-being.

Evening distractions—such as friends reaching out, social media notifications, and procrastination—were prevalent. However, when you're awake at 5 AM, these distractions vanish since most people are still asleep. So, how do you begin this journey?

The foundation of discipline starts with your bedtime. Quality sleep makes waking up at 5 AM feel natural, even without an alarm. Therefore, aim to be asleep by 9 PM. Once your body adapts, you can gradually shift your bedtime later while still feeling refreshed the next day. Initially, prioritize getting a full 8 hours of sleep.

The first two weeks were the toughest; my body was in shock and often fought against the change. I frequently experienced a wave of fatigue around 2 or 3 PM, leading to a strong desire to nap. However, taking a nap would hinder my ability to sleep at 9 PM, so I had to combat this fatigue by staying active, stretching, and getting some fresh air. This helped restore my energy levels until bedtime.

You should aim to feel tired by the time you go to sleep, making it easy to drift off even if it’s just before 9 PM. After rising at 5 AM, engage in some light stretching and take a moment to outline your plans for the day. I suggest drafting your to-do list the night before to ensure you start your morning with clear goals. Keep your schedule so packed that you won't have time to linger over breakfast for 45 minutes as a way to fill time.

By 10 AM, I often have numerous tasks completed. This allows me time to shop, prepare meals, or hit the gym when working from home. Otherwise, I leave around 9 AM to focus on client obligations.

The boost in productivity I experience from waking up early is incredible. My output is at its peak during these morning hours.

Another significant advantage is the positive mood that comes with waking up at 5 AM. Previously, when I woke up at 8 AM, I often felt irritable, though I couldn't pinpoint the cause. Now, waking up earlier allows me to enjoy the tranquility of the sunrise and the stillness of the morning. I feel a profound sense of peace, both internally and externally, and I am empowered and in control of my time and life, leading to reduced stress levels.

Why maintain this routine? I wake up early every day, and my body has adapted to this schedule, whether it's a weekday or the weekend. I feel great and remain productive, even during vacations when I have other tasks to tackle. The more efficient I am, the better I feel about myself. So, why not continue?

Remember, alcohol can disrupt your routine. A late night out can sabotage your ability to wake up at 5 AM the next day, throwing off your entire schedule and making it challenging to regain your rhythm. You must ask yourself what matters more: achieving your goals or indulging in temporary pleasures. I enjoyed my share of fun in the past, but now I take my aspirations seriously.

Chapter 2: The Early Bird's Advantage

The second video titled "Should You Be Waking Up At 5:00AM?" dives into the various benefits of early rising, including improved productivity and overall well-being. This video can provide additional insights to help reinforce your decision to adopt an early morning routine.