I used to believe I was destined to be a night owl forever. Despite reading countless articles about the benefits of waking up early and maintaining a consistent sleep routine, I never managed to stick with it. My university life, filled with erratic schedules of classes, work, and rare moments of free time, made the idea of a routine seem impossible.
But everything changed a few months ago when I stumbled upon Haruki Murakami’s novels. One book led to another, and soon, I found myself delving into interviews with the author.
In one interview, Murakami shared his daily routine as a writer, which included waking up at 4 a.m. to write for hours, exercising rigorously, and going to bed at 9 p.m. His philosophy that “the repetition itself becomes the important thing; it’s a form of mesmerism” struck a chord with me.
This idea of mesmerism wasn’t foreign to me. I’d used it to build habits like brushing my teeth, exercising regularly, and journaling. Inspired by Murakami, I decided to “mesmerize” myself into becoming an early riser.
Now, three months later, I wake up naturally between 5 and 5:30 a.m., and I’ve never felt more in control of my mornings. Here’s how I made the transition—and how you can, too.
1. Find Your Purpose for Waking Up Early
Waking up at 5 a.m. requires more than just willpower—it demands a clear purpose. For me, it was the realization that my post-graduation years would determine my future. If I wanted to escape the 9–5 grind and pursue creative passions, I needed to build habits that aligned with those goals.
To clarify your purpose, try using the “5 Whys” technique. Start with a basic statement like, “I want to wake up early.” Then repeatedly ask “Why?” until you reach the core reason. This process helps uncover whether waking up early aligns with your larger goals and whether it’s worth the sacrifices involved.
2. Understand What You Gain and What You Lose
Becoming an early riser has its trade-offs.
What You Gain:
- Peaceful, uninterrupted hours to focus on personal goals.
- Enhanced creativity and productivity, as your brain is at its peak in the morning.
What You Lose:
- Late-night socializing and leisure activities.
- Time at night, as waking up early requires going to bed earlier.
For me, the benefits outweighed the costs. While I miss some late-night hangouts, I’ve gained valuable time in the morning for activities that bring me closer to my long-term goals.
3. Prioritize Sleep Over Wakefulness
Initially, I made the mistake of forcing myself to wake up at 5 a.m. despite getting insufficient sleep. Unsurprisingly, this approach failed. The secret to waking up early lies in sleeping early.
Steps to Adjust Your Sleep Schedule:
- Set a Goal: Aim for 8 hours of sleep. For a 5 a.m. wake-up, this means a 9 p.m. bedtime.
- Ease into It: Gradually shift your bedtime earlier instead of making a drastic change overnight.
- Ditch the Alarm (at First): Allow your body to wake up naturally as it adjusts to your new routine.
4. Establish a Morning Routine
A consistent morning routine can help you shake off grogginess and feel ready to start the day. My routine includes journaling—a practice inspired by Julia Cameron’s Morning Pages—which helps me clear mental clutter and focus on creative tasks.
Find activities that energize you. Whether it’s yoga, meditation, or simply enjoying a cup of tea, the goal is to create a ritual that signals your brain it’s time to wake up.
5. Limit Distractions
One of the biggest hurdles to waking up early is the temptation to stay in bed scrolling on your phone. The solution? Remove your phone from your sleeping environment.
Tips for a Distraction-Free Sleep:
- Charge your phone in another room.
- Replace pre-sleep screen time with a calming activity like reading or journaling.
- Keep your bedroom dark and quiet to promote restful sleep.
6. Use Tools Sparingly
Melatonin can be a helpful tool if your sleep schedule gets derailed. However, it’s not a long-term solution. Use it sparingly to reset your schedule, and focus on building consistent sleep habits instead.
7. Embrace the Process
Transitioning to a 5 a.m. wake-up time isn’t just about discipline; it’s about finding joy in the quiet solitude of the early morning hours. Initially, I spent my mornings watching YouTube videos and easing into the day. Over time, I naturally gravitated toward more productive activities like writing and planning.
Remember, this is a marathon, not a sprint. Allow yourself the time and space to adjust.
Conclusion
Waking up at 5 a.m. isn’t just about starting your day earlier—it’s about reclaiming your time and aligning your habits with your goals. While it requires sacrifices, the rewards of increased focus, productivity, and self-discipline make it worthwhile.
If you’re ready to join the early bird club, start by clarifying your purpose, prioritizing sleep, and building a morning routine that excites you. The journey may be challenging, but it’s also deeply rewarding—one mesmerizing step at a time.
