A few months ago, I decided to start a 5 am daily routine. I wanted to be like other entrepreneurs, the super productive and energised early riser who was always on job. Before we get into it, I want to preface this by saying didn’t do this alone. Having an accountability partner was the only reason I stuck to it for the entire 8 weeks. I also have NEVER been a morning person. But I was determined to become one just to feel like I had my life together. And boy, let me tell you, it was not easy. So what have I learnt?
1.The iPhone Alarm Tone is NOT Your Friend.
Firstly, anyone who has ‘Radar’ as their alarm tone doesn’t like peace. This is a hill I’m willing to die on. The default iPhone alarm is probably one of the worst sounds to wake up to (unless you’re a parent, I guess😅). It’s enough to make anyone angry in the morning. I promise that your mornings will be so much better if you choose a calmer alarm tone. iPhones bedtime settings (on the Health App) has some great ones to choose from.
If you take nothing else from this newsletter, please listen to this — CHANGE YOUR ALARM SOUND!
2.It Starts At Night
I learnt very quickly that nailing my morning routine had nothing to do with the morning routine and everything to do with my night routine. Having downtime to fully wind down and sleeping on time is key, but it’s a lot harder than it sounds. I wasted a lot of time on Twitter & TikTok and lived to regret it in the morning. Don’t be like me. Without a night routine, that 5 am alarm will make you question every single life decision that led you to that exact moment.
Your nighttime routine should include:
An hour of downtime - no phone, TV or electronics in the hour before bed. (I suggest reading, prayer/meditation/stretching or listening to some calming music.)
A strict bedtime - lights out at the same time every night
A quiet and peaceful sleeping environment.
3.Waking Up Is Only Half The Battle
I always started my mornings with some quiet time and a glass of water, then went straight into a workout and a shower. Even after all of this activity, at 6:30 am, all I wanted to do was go back to sleep. I won’t lie to you guys and say I never napped because I sure did. But, I was much more productive when I avoided naps. You’d think that waking up is the hard part, but not going back to sleep is the real challenge. For this, I need you to forget that the snooze button and napping even exist. As soon as that alarm rings, you have to get up and avoid your bed at all costs. Getting up was the easy part. Staying up was when real discipline had to kick in.
4.Waking up at 5 am is a Lot Like Running
It’s painful, mentally tasking, and overall terrible. I truly believe that anyone who claims to like really early starts (or running) is lying. I can count on 1.5 fingers the number of times I *slightly* enjoyed waking up that early. Like running, I did it because I enjoyed the feeling after and the results, not because I enjoyed the activity. And if we’re being really real, I also did it to show the people that I ‘had my life together’ on socials🤷🏽♀️. My point is, if you really want to get it done, you need to focus more on the benefits (being more productive) than the task (waking up early).
5.Routine Matters
Routine didn’t make me enjoy my mornings, but it definitely made them easier. I made sure to include everything that made my day better. Quiet time and meditation were essential to keep me centred, so I did it daily. I’m not a huge fan of exercising, but I always felt better after working out, so I did that too. I always made sure I had a good morning playlist and a nice breakfast to look forward to. And something interesting and motivational to listen to, watch or read (podcast, Youtube Video, book) to get me ready for the day.
6.Time Only Counts If You Use It Wisely
After getting ready by 7 am and completing all admin by 7:30, I had a lot of time on my hands. I quickly learnt that if I wasn’t intentional my time, I could easily waste a whole day. To make the most out of your time, you have to know yourself. I, for example, am the most productive between 9 am and 12 pm. So I made sure to always schedule my biggest tasks in that morning window. I also avoided doing any meetings or small tasks in the morning.
Do I think I’ll be a 5 am Entrepreneur Forever?
With all things considered…probably not.
BUT, I will definitely be an early riser (most of the time), who is super productive, and on job. These 8 weeks taught me that having a set routine and using your time wisely is key. I’ve also learnt how to be more disciplined, and that I can make it through an entire day without napping.
Would I recommend starting your day at 5 am? No.
A 5 am start won’t guarantee you success as an entrepreneur. Using your time to be productive, and creating a schedule that works for you, will. It’s important to understand yourself and how you operate to give you the best chance of winning. If you think that joining the 5 am club is for, then do it. If that sounds like your idea of torture, don’t. Running a business is hard enough without the added pressure of outside expectations. Never do anything for the validation of others or because that’s how it’s ‘supposed’ to be done. The beauty of entrepreneurship is that you are in charge. You have the power to do whatever works for you. So use it. Waking up early doesn’t make you a better entrepreneur. And waking up late doesn’t make you any less of an entrepreneur. Always do what works for you.
But PLEASE, for the love of GOD, change your alarm tone.