I got up at 5 am this morning.
Did 20 minutes of exercise.
Then 20 minutes of meditation and journaling.
And then 40 minutes of learning (audio book) as I drank my first coffee.
I’m writing this to you at 3pm in the afternoon and I still feel pumped.
Getting up early gave me the space to work on myself before working on my business.
Now, I’ll be honest, I cheated.
I just got back from LA (to Sydney) and I’m still running on the LA timezone. Getting up at 5am was easy… Let’s see about tomorrow.
There is something in this though.
I used to run a similar rhythm.
I was often the first in the water at my local beach at sunrise.
The exercise and the time away from technology to reflect upon my thoughts in the surf set me up for the whole day.
And so, I’m sharing with you what I just learnt from “The 5 AM Club” by Robin Sharma.
1. Own Your Morning, Elevate Your Life
Your first hour sets the tone for the day.
Waking up at 5 AM gives you a strategic advantage – quiet time to focus on personal growth, mental clarity, and physical well-being before the world’s demands take over.
2. The 20/20/20 Formula
Split your first hour into three simple parts:
- Move: Get your blood pumping. Sweat. Wake up strong.
- Reflect: Meditate, journal, or plan. Own your thoughts.
- Grow: Read, learn, sharpen your mind.
3. The Four Interior Empires
True success isn’t just about mindset.
To become world-class, you must cultivate:
- Mindset: Your thoughts and beliefs.
- Heartset: Emotional intelligence and well-being.
- Healthset: Physical vitality and fitness.
- Soulset: Spiritual growth and purpose.
4. Consistency Over Hustle
Success isn’t one big break. It’s tiny victories stacked daily.
Build powerful habits. Stay consistent.
Over time, your life transforms.
5. Protect Your Focus
Distraction is the enemy. Avoid digital noise.
Work in deep, focused blocks.
Protect your mind like a fortress.
6. The Twin Cycles of Elite Performance
High achievers balance deep focus and strategic rest.
Peak performance comes from alternating between intense work sessions and deliberate recovery – not from burnout.
7. Push Through the Hard Stuff
Growth feels tough.
Wake up early even when you don’t want to. Work hard when others quit.
Champions embrace discomfort.
8. Legacy Over Likes
Chase meaning, not approval.
Serve. Build something that lasts.
Make your life a masterpiece.
Talk soon,
Lloyd
PS – What about you? Do you start the day early with time for self improvement? Let’s chat.