Embracing the Challenge: My Journey to Waking Up at 5 AM
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Chapter 1: Introduction to the Early Rise Challenge
A few years ago, I embarked on a journey to wake up at 5 AM each day. The motivation behind this decision will be revealed shortly, but first, a bit of background is necessary.
In 2016, after completing my university education, I realized that early mornings were not something I had mastered during my studies. I had just spent three years treating a 9 AM class like it was the crack of dawn, and now, with a full-time job, I faced a new reality: an hour-long commute and a start time of 8:30 AM. Suddenly, 7 AM was the new norm for waking up.
So, why aim for 5 AM? Two years into this new job and lifestyle, I came to a sobering realization. My work life was not as fulfilling as I had hoped; in fact, I felt myself slipping into a state of sadness.
The Master Escape Plan
In an effort to become the most productive version of myself and achieve financial independence while managing my 9-to-5 job, I believed that waking up at 5 AM would allow me to accomplish enough work to quit my job in just two months. All I needed to do was rise early.
I set my alarm for 5 AM, groggy and barely awake, thinking this was the price of productivity and the pursuit of a better life. Here’s how it all unfolded.
Week 1: The Initial Struggles
The mornings were dark—really dark. The first week was bearable, largely due to the excitement of starting something new, akin to the thrill of driving a shiny new car. The early wake-up was challenging but manageable, and I found that I could indeed be productive in the quiet hours of the morning. The only issue? I wasn’t entirely sure what I was supposed to accomplish during that time.
Writing, perhaps?
Week 3: A Rollercoaster of Successes and Failures
The past 14 days have been a mix of triumphs and setbacks. Some days, I managed to rise at 5:04 AM, while on others, the snooze button led me to wake up at 6:03 AM. I averaged about four successful wake-ups per week. While I was proud of my efforts, I felt I could do better.
Week 5: Hurdles Begin to Arise
As time progressed, I found it increasingly difficult to wake up early. I would sit in front of my screen, unsure of what to write, feeling that my efforts were fruitless. Not only was I tired, but my mood also suffered. Mornings began to feel like a waste of time, leaving me grumpy and uninspired.
Week 7: The Low Point
I reached what felt like a turning point. I started waking up only to shift to the couch with my laptop, convincing myself it was a reward for my early rising. Unfortunately, that led to unintended naps, and before I knew it, I was dozing off with my laptop half-open.
Week 10: The Struggles Intensify
How do others manage this? Lately, I've been waking up on average 30 minutes later than intended. Many mornings, I’d either fall back asleep or end up watching TV, which felt counterproductive. My goal of early rising had shifted to getting up just to watch television.
Week 12: Resignation
Ultimately, I conceded defeat. I acknowledged that waking up at 5 AM was not a sustainable practice for me at that moment. I was simply too fatigued to keep it up.
Today: A New Beginning
As I write this at 6 AM, I've been awake for an hour. It’s been at least three years since my initial attempt. Ironically, the sofa where I used to fall asleep is just in the next room. In the past, I would easily succumb to sleep, only to wake up frustrated an hour later.
Today, however, I find myself awake at 5 AM once more. The lesson learned? Waking up early requires time, willpower, and discipline. It’s not an exact science, and it also involves self-care. Looking back, it was wise to accept my limitations a few years ago. Now, I’m ready to embrace the challenge again.
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Chapter 2: Reflections on My Journey
In this video, I explore my experience of waking up at 5 AM for 30 days and how it transformed my perspective on productivity and routine.
This video shares insights on what happened when I committed to waking up at 5 AM for a month, highlighting both the challenges and benefits of early rising.