Hey, Reader!

It’s February 13, and if your mornings still feel like a battle—or if you’re wondering why your days start reactive instead of intentional—let’s talk about something I fought for years: the 5 a.m. club.

I was a committed night owl. Bed at 11 or midnight, up at 7 or 8, coffee in hand by 9. That was my rhythm. When I first read Robin Sharma’s The 5AM. Club, I thought, “No way. Not for me.” I read it four times over the years, loved the stories and lessons, but every time I closed the book I told myself, “I’m not becoming a 5 a.m. person.”

Then one day I decided to stop fighting it and just try.

I didn’t go cold turkey—that’s a recipe for burnout. I started small: shift bedtime back 30 minutes, then another 30. Alarm set, but with grace if I hit snooze once. Over weeks, I went from 11 p.m. to 10:30, to 10, to 9, and now I’m usually lights out by 8:30 and up between 3:30 and 4AM naturally—no alarm most days.

Here’s what surprised me most: the quiet. The world isn’t awake yet. No traffic, no notifications, no demands. Just me, my backyard (when it’s nice in Texas), a cup of coffee, and space to breathe, read, pray, and move before the day rushes in.

My mornings now look like this (tweaked over years, not rigid):

• Up, cold shower (still within 90 seconds—builds the discomfort muscle).
• Squats and grounding outside.
• Reading (Bible first, then whatever book I’m in).
• Journal a quick gratitude and intention.
• Workout or walk.
• Podcast planning or deep work block.

It’s not magic. If I got up at 4AM to scroll TikTok, I’d be worse off than staying in bed. The point isn’t the clock time; it’s protecting the first hours for what matters most—seeking Him first, filling my own cup so I can pour into others.

Robin Sharma says “4AM is the new 5AM.” now, and I get why. Those extra quiet minutes feel like a gift. But here’s the real anchor: I do this because I want to, not because an influencer or podcast told me I had to. When the motivation is internal—tied to my why (being clear-headed to serve clients, love my wife well, steward the time God gives me)—it sticks.

Scripture whispers this truth too. “In the morning, Lord, You hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before You and wait expectantly” (Psalm 5:3). Starting the day with Him sets everything else in its proper place. It’s not about legalism or performance; it’s about surrender and alignment. And yes, grace covers the mornings I sleep in or hit snooze—because His mercies are new every morning (Lamentations 3:22-23).

Why You Might Want to Try It (No Pressure)

This isn’t a command. It’s an invitation. If your mornings feel chaotic or your energy crashes by noon, experiment for 2 weeks:

• Shift bedtime 15-30 minutes earlier.
• Protect 60 minutes in the morning for just you (no phone first thing).
• Do one thing that feeds your soul: read Scripture, pray, walk, stretch, journal.
• See how you feel. If it energizes you, keep going. If not, adjust or stop—no guilt.

Quick Questions for Reflection

• What does your current morning routine say about your priorities?
• If you had 60 quiet minutes before the world woke up, how would you use them to draw closer to Jesus or become a better version of yourself?
• Where might God be inviting you to reclaim the first part of your day?

Action Steps This Week

1. Move bedtime back 15 minutes tonight.
2. Set a gentle alarm and commit to one soul-filling activity first thing.
3. At the end of 7 days, reflect: More clarity? More peace? Thank Him for whatever you notice.

Productivity isn’t about waking up at 4AM to prove something. It’s about waking up aligned—so you can live with purpose, serve with energy, and rest in His grace.

I’m walking this with you. Try it, tweak it, or pass on it. Either way, you’re loved right where you are.

Reply to this email with your biggest takeaway or how your morning experiment is going—I read every one and love hearing from you.

Mark
Mister Productivity
Host of The Mister Productivity Podcast (listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts).

P.S. If you’re ready for productivity that sticks—rooted in faith and fueled by action—my 90-day coaching spots are open. Let’s talk. Reply with I'M READY!