The Power Hour: Start Strong, Stay Focused

The Power Hour: Start Strong, Stay Focused

Looking for a way to start your day with more energy, clarity, and purpose? Embracing the 5AM Club has been a game-changer for me. By dedicating my mornings to movement, reflection, and learning, I’ve created a routine that fuels productivity and balance.

It’s not just about waking up early—it’s about designing a morning that sets you up for success. Curious to see how it could work for you? Let’s explore the benefits together!

The Power Hour: Start Strong, Stay Focused

If you're looking for a way to boost your energy and focus, here's how the 5AM Club has transformed my life.

Since the 22 January 2025, I've made it a habit to wake up at 4:45 AM—and let me tell you, consistency is a game-changer. Embracing the 5AM Club has become an essential part of my daily routine, and it's the best I've felt in a long time, especially since having bub.

I started the 66-day challenge with a clear intention: to set a structured morning routine that would kickstart my day with energy, focus, and purpose. The 5AM Club philosophy, introduced by Robin Sharma, emphasizes investing the first hour of your day in movement, reflection, and learning. It’s all about starting your day on your own terms before the rest of the world wakes up.

Why I Decided to Try the 5AM Club

I’ve always been mindful of productivity and wellbeing, but like many, I’ve struggled to balance both. I wanted a morning routine that set me up for success, rather than rushing into the day feeling reactive and overwhelmed.

The idea is simple:
5AM - 6AM is your ‘golden hour’ to invest in yourself before the rest of the world wakes up.

I decided to give it a shot and shape the routine to suit my lifestyle.

My Morning Routine

Each morning, I wake at 4:45 AM and start my day with movement. I use Apple Fitness+ and mix up my workouts to keep things interesting. I also reduce the mental load by using their custom plans—so I just choose what I want to do each day and they find the workouts for me. All I need to do is press "Let’s Go."

The book emphasises that no matter what exercise you choose, the 20 minutes should make you sweat and get your heart rate up.

  • 🏋 HIIT & Strength Training (Most Days): I ensure that these workouts push me hard enough to meet that criterion, giving me a real energy boost for the day
  • Yoga (2 Days a Week): While I have loved experimenting with yoga, I found that it doesn't elevate my heart rate. To align with the need to get my heart rate up, I now pair my yoga sessions with a 10-minute HIIT workout on those days.
  • Stretching (After Strength & HIIT Days): I add in 10-15 minutes stretching to aid recovery, ensuring I'm ready to tackle the next day with a refreshed body and mind.

After my workout, I shift into mindset mode:

  • 📝 Journaling (15-20 mins): I reflect on my thoughts, intentions, and ideas. This is where I do some of my best thinking—I wish I could spend longer! 
  • 🎧 Listening to an Audiobook (15-20 mins): This is my time to learn and grow, and if I’m running short on time before bub wakes up, I listen while getting ready.

My Evening Routine

The key to an early start is a strong night routine, so I aim to be in bed by 8:30 PM.

  • ✨ Screen-Free Time (Last Hour of the Night): No TV on work nights, minimal phone use, and no doom-scrolling before bed.
  • 🃏 A Game of Gin Rummy & Tea with Hubby: A lovely way to unwind and connect before bed.
  • 📖 3-2-1 Reflection Method:
    ○ ✔ 3 things I accomplished
    ○ 🔄 2 things I could improve on
    ○ 🌟 1 thing I’m proud of

I also take a moment to note five things I’m grateful for and reflect on something fun I did that day. Then, I listen to my audiobook—but let’s be honest, I’m usually asleep within 5-10 minutes!

The Impact: More Energy, More Focus, More Joy

Since starting this routine, I’ve felt a massive shift in my energy, focus, and creativity. I’m waking up and filling my cup—which means I can pour into others without running on empty.

  • More Productivity: I get so much more done in a day without feeling overwhelmed.
  • More Learning & Creativity: My best ideas come in the morning, and I feel mentally sharper.
  • More Balance & Joy: By prioritising myself first thing, I show up better for my family, my work, and my overall wellbeing.

I've only missed one morning (due to travel), and I felt the difference immediately!

Key Takeaway: Make It Work for You

This isn’t about waking up at 5AM just for the sake of it—it’s about designing a routine that works for your life. Maybe for you, it’s 6AM. Maybe it’s 30 minutes instead of an hour. The key is consistency and finding what fuels you.

For me, I’ve become addicted to the energy, clarity, and motivation this habit gives me—and I’m excited to see where it takes me.

Are you an early riser or thinking of trying it? Let me know—I’d love to hear your thoughts!