I'll be honest with you - I used to be one of those people who preached the gospel of early mornings and extreme productivity hacks. But life has a way of teaching us humility.
For two years, I forced myself to wake up at 5 AM because every productivity guru said it was the key to success. I tracked my sleep, bought special alarm clocks, and guilted myself every time I hit snooze. Here's why I finally stopped, and what I do instead that actually works.
The 5 AM Obsession
It started with reading 'The 5 AM Club' and watching countless YouTube videos about morning routines. The promise was seductive: wake up early, get ahead of the world, be more productive, achieve more.
I tried everything:
- Gradual wake-up time adjustments
- Special sunrise alarm clocks
- Going to bed earlier (which never worked)
- Cold showers to wake up
- Meditation and journaling at dawn
The Reality Check
After tracking my productivity and mood for 18 months, the data was clear: I wasn't more productive at 5 AM. I was tired, grumpy, and making worse decisions.
What the Research Actually Says
- Chronotypes are real: Some people are naturally morning larks, others are night owls
- Sleep quality > sleep timing: When you sleep matters less than how well you sleep
- Productivity peaks vary: My peak focus time is actually 10 AM - 12 PM and 7 PM - 9 PM
My Current (Actually Sustainable) Routine
7:30 AM: Natural Wake-Up
I wake up when my body naturally wants to (usually between 7-8 AM). No alarms most days.
8:00 AM: Hydration & Movement
- 16 oz of water
- 10 minutes of light stretching or yoga
- No phone for the first 30 minutes
8:30 AM: Mindful Breakfast
Actual breakfast, not just coffee. I eat while listening to a podcast or audiobook.
9:00 AM: Plan the Day
- Review calendar
- Choose 3 priority tasks
- Set intention for the day
10:00 AM: Deep Work Block
This is when my brain is sharpest. I tackle the most important work during this 2-hour window.
Why This Works Better
1. Aligned with Natural Rhythms
I honor my circadian rhythm instead of fighting it.
2. Consistent Sleep Schedule
I go to bed and wake up at roughly the same time every day (including weekends).
3. Quality over Quantity
I focus on doing important work when I'm most alert, not just being awake for more hours.
4. Flexibility Built In
Some days I wake up at 7 AM, some days 8 AM. I don't stress about it.
What I Learned About Productivity
Energy Management > Time Management
It's not about having more hours; it's about having more energy during the hours you have.
Consistency > Perfection
A sustainable 7:30 AM routine beats an unsustainable 5 AM routine every time.
Self-Awareness > Following Gurus
What works for a CEO with flexible schedules might not work for you.
If You Want to Try Earlier Mornings
Don't let my experience discourage you if early mornings genuinely work for you. Here's how to do it sustainably:
- Shift gradually: Move wake-up time by 15 minutes every 3 days
- Fix your evening routine first: Good mornings start the night before
- Have a compelling reason: 'Because I should' isn't motivation enough
- Track how you feel: Data beats motivation
- Give it at least 30 days: Your body needs time to adjust
The Bottom Line
Productivity isn't about copying someone else's routine. It's about designing a lifestyle that works with your biology, your schedule, and your goals.
The best morning routine is the one you can actually stick to for years, not weeks.
Remember, the best productivity system is the one you'll actually stick to. What works for you might not work for me, and that's perfectly okay. What's your current approach to finding balance?