When you think about building a morning routine, you might picture a serene, structured start to the day — yoga at sunrise, a journal filled with reflections, and a fresh cup of coffee in hand. But if you’re anything like me, mornings don’t always feel that ideal.
I try to have a more productive morning. It’s a work in progress. The good news is that I can rely on my circadian rhythm to wake up consistently without an alarm. I’ve found that being woken up by an alarm clock often left me feeling more groggy and tired, as if my body was jolted out of its natural rhythm.
But my biggest challenge? Procrastination. Instead of starting my routine, as you know, I have been working on my phone scrolling — a habit that eats into my morning productivity and sets the wrong tone for the day. The endless notifications and mindless scrolling have been hard to shake, but I’m happy to report that this is improving! Over the last few weeks since I started this, I’ve only picked up my phone right upon waking up twice. Progress, not perfection is the goal!
What changed? I started focusing on reducing friction and building a morning routine that feels achievable and energizing. Rather than striving for perfection, I’ve learned to lean into consistency and intention.
Let’s explore how to build a morning routine that actually increases productivity, drawing insights from Robin Sharma’s 5AM Club, and my personal journey of creating a routine that works for me.
Why a Morning Routine Matters
Your morning sets the tone for the rest of your day. It’s in those first few hours that you can establish a sense of control, purpose, and clarity. Research shows that people who have structured morning routines are more likely to:
Be more productive throughout the day
Feel less stressed
Make better decisions
Stick to healthy habits
The key to a productive morning isn’t necessarily waking up at 5 AM (although it can be helpful!). And full disclosure, I don’t wake up at 5AM. It’s about creating a system of habits that aligns with your goals and values.
The 20/20/20 Formula from the 5AM Club
One of the most popular frameworks for building a morning routine comes from Robin Sharma’s 5AM Club. Sharma’s 20/20/20 formula is a simple way to structure your morning to maximize your productivity and well-being.
Here’s how it works:
1. Move (20 Minutes)
Start your day with movement to get your blood flowing and release endorphins. This could be a workout, a walk, or even a quick stretching routine.
Why it works:Â Exercise boosts mood, increases energy levels, and improves cognitive function. Moving first thing in the morning also helps wake up your body and mind.
2. Reflect (20 Minutes)
Spend the next 20 minutes reflecting through journaling, meditation, or simply sitting in silence. Use this time to set intentions for the day, express gratitude, or work on your mindset.
Why it works: Reflection helps clear mental clutter, increases self-awareness, and sets a positive tone for the day. It’s a chance to check in with yourself before the demands of the day take over.
3. Grow (20 Minutes)
Dedicate the final 20 minutes to personal growth. This could be reading, listening to a podcast, or learning something new.
Why it works: Investing in your growth first thing in the morning ensures that you’re prioritizing self-improvement. It’s a way to feed your mind with inspiration and new ideas.
My Personal Struggles with Morning Routines
I’ve tried countless times to wake up early and stick to a morning routine. Sometimes it worked, and sometimes it didn’t. Here are some of the challenges I faced:
Getting distracted by my phone: Before I knew it, I’d spent 20 minutes scrolling through emails or social media.
Feeling overwhelmed by too many tasks: I’d try to cram too many activities into my morning and end up feeling stressed before the day even began.
What changed for me was realizing that I didn’t need a perfect morning routine — I needed a routine that worked for me.
Here’s how I simplified my morning routine:
1. I Focused on Just 3 Key Habits
I stopped trying to do everything in the morning and focused on three non-negotiable habits:
Movement: Even if it’s just a quick 10-minute yoga session.
Mindfulness:Â Journaling, meditation or setting an intention for the day.
Preparation:Â Reviewing my schedule and packing my lunch.
2. I Reduced Friction
I made it easier to stick to my routine by reducing friction:
I set out my workout clothes the night before. (Or work out in my PJs!)
I put my phone in another room to avoid distractions.
I prepped my coffee maker so it was ready to go.
3. I Gave Myself Grace
I stopped aiming for perfection and gave myself permission to have off days. If I missed a workout or skipped journaling, I didn’t beat myself up. Instead, I focused on getting back on track the next day.
How to Create Your Own Morning Routine
If you want to build a morning routine that increases productivity, here are some tips to get started:
1. Identify Your Why
Ask yourself: Why do you want a morning routine?
Your why could be to:
Feel more in control of your day
Reduce stress
Make time for personal growth
Having a clear purpose will keep you motivated.
2. Start Small
Don’t try to overhaul your entire morning routine overnight. Start with one or two habits and build from there.
For example:
Begin with a 5-minute meditation.
Add a 10-minute walk or stretching routine.
Gradually increase the time as the habit becomes consistent.
3. Reduce Friction
Make it easier to stick to your routine by preparing the night before:
Lay out your clothes.
Set your alarm across the room.
Keep your journal and pen ready.
4. Track Your Progress
Use a habit tracker to monitor your consistency. Seeing your progress can be incredibly motivating.
5. Give Yourself Grace
Remember that it’s okay to have off days. Focus on progress, not perfection.
Final Thoughts: Your Morning, Your Rules
A productive morning routine doesn’t have to start at 5 AM, and it doesn’t have to be perfect. It’s about creating intentional time to focus on what matters most to you.
Whether you adopt the 20/20/20 formula from the 5AM Club or create your own routine, the key is to stay consistent and adjust as needed.
What will you include in your morning routine? Share your thoughts in the comments below — and remember, it’s never too late to start fresh.