Over the years, I’ve learned that how you start your day often determines how you show up in every part of your life—personally and professionally. For me, the early morning hours aren’t just quiet… they’re sacred.
The 5 AM Club
One of the most impactful books I’ve read on this subject is, The 5 AM Club by Robin Sharma. The story unfolds in a unique narrative style, but its core message is powerful: If you want to lead at an elite level, you have to win the morning. In fact, it may be a great pick for an upcoming Intero “book club” feature.
Sharma outlines a framework called the 20/20/20 formula—the first hour of your day, from 5:00 to 6:00 AM, split into three 20-minute blocks:
20 minutes of movement (get your blood flowing)
20 minutes of reflection (journal, meditate, or plan)
20 minutes of learning (read or study something that sharpens your mind)
That routine—or a version of it—has been a staple in my life for decades. I’m usually up by 4:45 AM. I knock out my 20/20/20 and I’m often in the office by 6:30—not because I have to be, but because that’s how I stay ahead of the curve. It’s how I protect my time, my focus, and my energy—and protecting those three things is the key.
By the time most people are pouring their first cup of coffee, I’m already deep into the work that matters most—thinking, planning, preparing. It’s not just about being productive. It’s about being intentional.
Could I sleep in until 9:00 and skip the routine? Sure. But once faced with the realities of my schedule, my day would quickly become chaotic and nearly unmanageable. I can’t expect to perform at my best if I’m playing catch-up from the start. Like the late, great Jim Rohn said, “Either you run the day or the day runs you.”
The early morning gives me something no meeting or email ever can: clarity. It’s when I invest in myself so I can better serve those around me.
You don’t have to become a “morning person” overnight, and there’s no need to follow the formula to the letter. But I encourage you to look at how you start your day. Are your mornings intentional? Or are they reactive?
Winning the morning won’t just change your day. Over time, it can change your life.
Here’s to early mornings, strong routines, and showing up as your best self.
