How to Wake Up at 5am
Your Tiny Positivity from Aaron
Hello readers!
Are you trying to get up earlier? I received a question from my friend Nitin recently. I met Nitin while playing basketball. He’s a working parent and entrepreneur.
One day, he texted me, "Aaron, how do you wake up at 5am? How can I wake up earlier?"
Before I share what I told Nitin with you, I need to confess: I wasn't always a morning person. I used to sleep whenever and wake up whenever. The idea of waking up at 5am only popped into my head while I was reading Robin Sharma's book, The 5am Club.
Can I wake up at 5am? I asked myself.
After finishing my hike this week, I recorded a video for Nitin. If you prefer text, keep reading! If you prefer video, check out the link to YouTube at the end. And please, give it a thumbs up and subscribe if you haven't already! :)
Here’s what I shared with him:
#1 - Build a Wind-Down Routine
What do we do if we want kids to sleep early? We have a timetable, we dim the light and read them bedtime stories. We need to do the same for us. If you don’t have a wind-down routine yet, it’s time to build one!
"Routine breeds consistency."
#2 – The 3-2-1 Rule
3 hours before bedtime: Try not to eat.
2 hours before bedtime: Try not to drink.
1 hour before bedtime: Try to not look at screens.
Why?
Late-night snacks can spike your sugar levels, making you feel more alert when you should be winding down. Drinking too close to bedtime might lead you to wake up during the night to use the bathroom. Excessive screen time can reduce the production of our sleep hormone, melatonin, making it harder to fall asleep.
#3 – Remove Friction
For example, if I need to wake up at 5 to go for a morning hike (which I do on Mondays and Fridays), I sleep in my gym gear, have my shoes and socks ready, and I even sleep on the couch instead of my comfortable bed, and open the blinds.
Less friction, less excuses we give ourselves.
#4 – Have an Accountability Partner
Whenever I don’t feel like waking up, I think about what my wife might say when she finds out. Lol! Honestly though, studies have shown that extrinsic motivation lasts longer than intrinsic motivation. Do it for someone else, don't just do it for you.
#5 – Do Something That Makes You Feel Good
After my hike, I treat myself to a coffee. Latte is my favorite.
Is it possible for anyone to wake up at 5am? Yes, I think so, especially if you want to build a high-performing career and life.
"Routine breeds consistency. Consistency breeds performance."
Evolve Together,
Aaron