Passion Struck with John R. Miles - Unlock the Benefits of Joining the Exclusive 5 AM Club! w/John R. Miles EP 253

Starting point is 00:00:00 Coming up next on the Passion Struct Podcast, joining the 5am Club can help increase productivity, focus, and clarity of thought. It takes dedication and time to adjust to the routine, but it is worth it in the end as you'll be able to form positive habits and drastically increase your productivity. Welcome to Passion Struct. Hi, I'm your host, John Armles, and on the show, we decipher the secrets, tips, and guidance of the world's most inspiring people and turn their wisdom into practical advice for you and those around you. Our mission is to help you unlock the power of intentionality so that you can become the best version of yourself.

Starting point is 00:00:40 If you're new to the show, I offer advice and answer listener questions on Fridays. We have long-form interviews the rest of the week with guest-ranging from astronauts to authors, CEOs, creators, innovators, scientists, military leaders, visionaries, and athletes. Now, let's go out there and become PassionStruck. Hello, everyone, and welcome back to Episode 253 of PassionStruck. And thank and welcome back to episode 253 of PassionStruck. And thank you to each and every one of you who come back weekly to listen and learn how to live better, be better, and impact the world.

Starting point is 00:01:12 I created the PassionStruck podcast two years ago this week and I cannot fathom the amount of impact that it has had. I went into this trying to help others by teaching them how they too could create intentionality in their lives, and the results have been just astounding. We are now 250 episodes in, and we just passed 5 million downloads this week, and I wanted to say thank you so much for all of your support and the best is yet to come.

Starting point is 00:01:40 If you're new to the show, thank you so much for being here, or you simply want to introduce this to a friend or family member, We now have episode starter packs, both on the PassionStruck website and on Spotify, and these are collections of our fans' favorite episodes that give any new listener a great way to get acquainted to everything we do here on the show. Either go to Spotify or PassionStruck.com slash starter packs to get started. In case you missed my interviews from earlier in the week, they featured Jamie Bronstein and Stefan Falk. Jamie was ranked in 2020 by Yahoo Finance as the number one relationship coach transforming lives, and we discuss her new book which launched this week manifesting. I also interviewed Stefan about his new book in Tridzick Motivation,

Starting point is 00:02:22 which is gleamed from his experience as a senior executive, poached to business titans, and lessons he learned while at McKenzie. Please check them both out. I also want to recognize our fan of the week, John Sam, who writes, I love this podcast, it's amazing. I listen before I go to bed and it makes me go to sleep feeling super positive. Thank you for taking the time to make these. I'm sure many other people love this podcast as well. And this is my first time review on any podcast ever. Thank you, John, and thank you so much for all your ratings and reviews, which goes such a long way in helping to promote the popularity of the show, but more importantly, bring people into the passion-struct community where we can give them weekly doses of

Starting point is 00:03:03 inspiration, hope, meaning, and intentionality. Now let's talk about today's episode. If you are a frequent listener to passion-struck, you have likely heard me talk about my morning routine, which includes waking up at 5 a.m. daily. I do it to get a head start on the day and gain an extra edge in life. I find many benefits associated with joining this exclusive 5am club. From increased productivity and improved focus to better habits and a more positive outlook.

Starting point is 00:03:29 Kristen, one of our regular listeners, requested that I create an episode on the 5am club, including details on how to implement it, my personal experience with it tips for making it a successful venture and the various benefits that it provides. So if you're looking to make a change in your daily routine, take some time to explore with the 5am club has to offer. It's not for everyone, but those who have taken up the challenge of waking up at 5am every day know that it can be life-changing. Let's dive into why so many people swear by starting their days before sunrise.

Starting point is 00:04:02 It just may become your new favorite morning ritual too. Thank you for choosing Passion Struck and choosing me to be your host and guide on your journey to creating an intentional life. Now, let that journey begin. [♪ Music playing in waking up at 6am felt early enough for me. However, as I kept hearing about the club and learning about the long list of successful people who were part of it, I became curious and decided to read the 5am club to understand what the hype was all about.

Starting point is 00:04:38 Further, I got into the book. The more I realized that I wasn't spending enough quality time alone with my thoughts, and I wasn't intentionally approaching my days. I'd been relying on a few hours in the evening to unwind, but this time wasn't actually restorative. Instead, I stayed up longer than I should have doing unproductive things. I felt constantly exhausted and resentful of myself for not making better use of my valuable time. By the time that I finished the book, I was convinced of its benefits and decided to try it. So that begs the question, what is the 5am club? The 5am club is a concept, popularized by author and self-improvement guru, Robin Sharma, who I interviewed on the Passion

Starting point is 00:05:16 Struct podcast in episode 209. The idea behind the club is to wake up at 5 a.m. every day. And to use that time to focus on your wellbeing, through activities like exercise, meditation, journaling, and continual learning. The goal is to start your day by fueling your mind, body, and soul, leading to personal growth, productivity, and intentional living. By doing this, you can make the most of your mornings

Starting point is 00:05:41 and create an environment encouraging success. Robin Sharma says the 5 a.mam club isn't just about getting up early. It's about rising with intentionality and purpose to use those precious morning hours for something meaningful. He believes that if we take advantage of these moments, when our minds are clear and alert, we can accomplish more and less time than at any other part of the day. The 5am club is a lifestyle choice that's embraced by many to help them reach their goals and maximize productivity. By following an optimal morning routine,

Starting point is 00:06:10 you can first hand experience the benefits of joining the club. Next, I'll discuss with you how you create an optimal morning routine and my personal experience starting and sustaining the 5am club. Let's first talk about creating that optimal morning routine. Waking up early and having a few moments to yourself can help you set your intentions, allowing you to focus on what matters most in life. The routine that's outlined in the book consists of 20 minutes of exercise, 20 minutes of journaling and meditation, and 20 minutes of either education or reading. However, I have found through practice the optimal 5AM club routine typically includes the following six elements.

Starting point is 00:06:48 The first is waking up at 5AM. The foundation of the 5AM club is waking up early and consistently. And this allows for dedicated time before the rest of the day begins. Second, exercise. Starting the day with physical activity can help boost energy levels, increase focus,

Starting point is 00:07:04 and release endorphins, third meditation, or mindfulness. Taking time to calm the mind and practice mindfulness can reduce stress. Improve mood and increase focus for the rest of the day, fourth personal development. This could include reading, writing, learning, or practicing a skill. This time can be used to improve oneself and set the tone for a productive day. Fifth, planning and goal setting. Taking time to plan the day ahead, setting goals and prioritizing tasks

Starting point is 00:07:30 and help you to stay organized and focused. And finally, sixth, gratitude practice. Starting the day with gratitude and positivity can help you improve overall well-being and set a positive tone for the rest of the day. So now that I've told you about what the 5 a.m. club is and some of the components of creating an optimal morning routine. I'm now going to go into my personal experience implementing the 5 a.m. club. First, I'll talk about how

Starting point is 00:07:53 I got started and my initial struggles. Initially, I strictly adhered to the outline that was in the book, which included 20 minutes of exercise or workout, 20 minutes of journaling or meditation, and 20 minutes of learning or reading. And to my surprise, I felt amazing. I had more energy and focus throughout the day, and my productivity no-disably increased. Additionally, I felt proud of myself for waking up early and sticking with the routine, but I will admit at first it was hard to get out of bed in the morning, especially when all I wanted to do was to stay in bed for a few more minutes. After a few weeks, I found myself tired and dreading, having to go to bed so early, and I started to slip in my adherence to the schedule.

Starting point is 00:08:34 So that led to round two of implementing the 5am club. I decided to restart my routine with a plan that I was excited about. Each morning, as soon as my alarm rang, I jump out of bed and start my day by drinking a glass of water with digestive enzymes, taking my dog mentally for a walk, followed by working out, meditating for 5-10 minutes, journaling, practicing gratitude, and finally reading while enjoying a cup of coffee. Adopting this new routine meant making some adjustments to my lifestyle. I now go to bed before 10 pm, requiring me to start

Starting point is 00:09:05 winding down by 9 pm, which limits my weeknight activities. I also get tired earlier in the evenings, so I must ensure that I complete tasks requiring intense focus earlier in the day. Finally, I have to make sure that I have everything prepared for the next morning, the night before, to make most use of my early hours. To keep things interesting, I varied my workout routine. Some days I'd hit a spin class. While other days I would lift weights, go for a nature hike, ride my bike to catch the morning sunrise, or practice yoga. On weekends, I made slight modifications to my routine, to allow for some extra time to spend with family friends and my partner. Should I choose to stay up later on Friday or Saturday nights? Once I get into a routine, however, things started to change drastically for me. Waking up early,

Starting point is 00:09:49 I mean extra hour or two each day. That allowed me to focus on what mattered most, my goals and dreams. Having this spare time also made it easier for me to be productive, route the day as well as plan ahead so that nothing would slip through the cracks later on. To stay motivated and consistent with my routine, I set small daily goals that were achievable within an hour or two each morning. Before work began, such as preparing for my podcast interviews. This kept me focused and gave me something tangible to look forward to every single day, which helped keep my motivations levels high, even when things got tough.

Starting point is 00:10:24 We'll be right back to the Passion Start podcast. This episode is sponsored in part by Shopify. Hear that little chitching? That's the sound of another sale on Shopify, and the moment another business dream becomes reality. Whether you're selling vintage clothing, fresh roasted coffee, stylish footwear, or the newest skin care line, Shopify simplifies selling online, and in person, so you can focus unsuccessfully growing your business. And it's packed with industry leading tools ready to ignite your growth, giving you complete control over your business and brand without having to learn

Starting point is 00:10:56 any new designer coding skills. I remember when I started my own business, how crucial it was to find trusted partners like Shopify, who is there to empower you with the confidence and control to take your business to the next level, giving mere mortals like you or me the resources once reserved for big businesses. And thanks to 24 by 7 help and an extensive business course library, Shopify is there to support your success every step of the way. Now it is your turn to get serious about selling and try Shopify today. This is Possibility powered by Shopify. Sign up for a $1 per month trial period at Shopify.com slash PassionStruck, all lowercase. Go to Shopify.com slash PassionStruck to take

Starting point is 00:11:38 your business to the next level today, Shopify.com slash PassionStruck. Thank you so much for listening to the show. I love hearing from all of you and I love the fact that you have all been great to our sponsors because they are the ones that keep the show going as well. You can check out all the sponsors at passionstruck.com slash deals. You'll find all the codes and URLs, all the things are there. So please consider supporting those who support the show. Now back to the passion struck podcast. Now that I've given my own background, let's explore the best starting point for you to put the 5am club into action yourself. It can be daunting if you're looking to join

Starting point is 00:12:13 the 5am club. You may have heard about its benefits and tried, but you don't know where to start. It's important to remember that joining the 5am club is not an overnight process. It takes time and dedication. Besides waking up at 5AM, the most critical thing to an effective morning routine is tailoring the six essential elements that I laid out earlier in a way that fits you, your preferences, and whatever helps you get your mind, spirit, and body ready for the day ahead. Doing this consistently will help form healthy habits over time, making waking up earlier

Starting point is 00:12:45 each day easier. You may be asking what happens if you fail on your first attempt? Failing at something doesn't mean you should give up on it altogether. If your first attempt at joining the 5am club isn't successful, take some time, like I did, to reflect on what went wrong and adjust accordingly. Remember that this is a journey with bumps along the way, so don't get discouraged. You may also be wondering, I've got a lot of my plate already. Why would I want to try it? Waking up early has proven to improve productivity levels throughout the day, as well as increase focus and clarity of thought.

Starting point is 00:13:17 Joining the 5AM Club can also help you with habit formation by creating structure in your daily routine, which helps create positive habits over time. I have found that the 5AM club is an incredible way to gain focus and clarity, but it takes dedication and consistency. So let's now explore some common issues. Have people face when implementing the 5AM club and how to overcome them?

Starting point is 00:13:39 As I just mentioned, joining the club takes dedication and discipline, but it is possible. Many, many people have implemented it, and millions of readers throughout the world have read this book. You can make your morning routine more successful with the right strategies. Here are some tips that I learned for overcoming challenges in the 5am club. One of the most common challenges faced by members of the 5am club is a lack of sleep

Starting point is 00:14:03 leading to fatigue. Waking up at such an early time can be difficult, especially if you have to acclimate to the change. It takes time for your body to adjust and get into a routine, so don't be discouraged if you feel tired at the beginning. To combat this issue, start by setting realistic goals for yourself, such as waking up 15 minutes earlier each week until you reach your desired wake-up time, or try taking short naps during the day when needed, and progressively move up your bedtime. Another challenge people need help with is sticking to their morning routine. It can be hard to stay motivated and consistent when trying something new, like waking up at 5 a.m. every

Starting point is 00:14:37 day. But it's important to remember why you started in the first place, and keep pushing forward even when it gets tough. Set small goals for yourself each week or month that will keep you on track towards reaching your ultimate goal. Additionally, prepare everything that you need the night before, so that all you have to do when it's time to wake up is get out of bed. This could include laying out clothes for your workout, so they're ready when needed. Feeling overwhelmed or burned out is another common obstacle that many members of the 5am club have experienced

Starting point is 00:15:05 during some point along their journey. This often happens when we take on too much without giving ourselves enough time for rest and recovery between tasks or activities. Remember to reward yourself after completing tasks successfully, whether that's taking a break from studying or working or treating yourself with something special like coffee or ice cream. This will help keep motivation levels high even when things get tough. Although the 5AM Club can be difficult to sustain, it is possible with dedication and determination. By understanding common challenges that are faced by members of the 5AM Club, such as lack of sleep and fatigue, difficulty sticking to a routine

Starting point is 00:15:40 and feeling overwhelmed or burned out, you can begin to develop strategies to overcome these challenges. As Robin Sharma himself once said, all change is hard at the beginning, messy in the middle, and glorious at the end. The key takeaway here is to make the most of the 5AM club. For this we'll ensure maximum motivation and success. Now let's explore the benefits of the 5AM club from my personal experience with it. Since I joined the 5AM Club, the experience has been life-changing. To my surprise, I now look forward to waking up at 5AM each day.

Starting point is 00:16:13 A few years ago, this idea would have been unfathomable to me, but the benefits of the club are undeniable. I have noticed a significant improvement in my physical, spiritual, and mental well-being, as well as increased calmness and focus. The Club has also allowed me to make huge improvements in my physical, spiritual, and mental well-being, as well as increased calmness and focus. The club has also allowed me to make huge improvements to my health, relationships, and overall work performance. Here are just a few of them. First of all, it promotes intentional living.

Starting point is 00:16:35 Joining the 5 a.m. club is a powerful way to start my day with intention. It's about setting aside time for myself and focusing on what I want to accomplish each day. Taking control of my mornings can help me to create more balance, allowing me to be more productive and fulfilled throughout the day. I have more energy because I get a head start on my tasks before the hustle and bustle of my day takes root. Additionally, since there are fewer distractions during this time period, which means during

Starting point is 00:17:02 your morning routines, no emails, social media, phone calls, or texting. It's easier to stay focused on what needs to be done, without feeling overwhelmed or burned out later in the day. Second, the 5am club helps me to find balance, by giving me time to focus on my goals, without sacrificing my personal life, by taking this extra hour or two each morning. I can set myself up for success, while still having enough energy left over for family, friends, hobbies, etc. Third, it helps with habit formation. I found that creating an intentional morning routine can be incredibly helpful when forming new habits. As it provides structure and clarity throughout the process, having a consistent approach allows me to develop healthier habits, more quickly because I know exactly what needs to be done,

Starting point is 00:17:46 each morning without needing extra motivation or willpower for myself. Plus having something specific planned out makes it easier than figuring out how you want your morning to look each day. Fourth, it positively impacts productivity. By waking up early and implementing a routine, I am able to increase focus, energy levels,

Starting point is 00:18:05 and motivation throughout the day, dedicating the early morning hours to personal development and free up my time later in the day for work and other responsibilities. I feel more organized, focused, and accomplished, positively impacting my productivity. Fifth, it helps me to increase mental health and well-being due to having dedicated me time. Studies have shown that people who wake up early tend to experience less health and well-being due to having dedicated me time. Studies have shown that people who wake up early tend to experience less stress and anxiety than those who stay up late into the night. Early risers often report feeling more energized during their days which leads to better moods overall. Additionally, having an optimized morning routine helps create structure

Starting point is 00:18:40 in our lives, which is essential for mental health and well-being. When I wake up early, I give myself more time throughout my days, which allows me to manage my schedule better and get things done faster without feeling rushed or overwhelmed by my deadlines. I also become more mindful about how I spend my time as every minute counts when working on my business or tackling personal projects at home. Sixth, and lastly, the 5 a.mAM Club also helps to improve sleep quality, since it allows for

Starting point is 00:19:08 earlier bed times, which helps regulate circadian rhythms. I find that by starting my day earlier, I have more time for self-care and self-improvement, which can help to reduce stress and anxiety and lead to better sleep. I discussed a lot today during this episode episode and I want to bring all of it together for you. I have found that the 5am club is a great way to set intentions for the day. Warm, healthy habits and boost productivity. It helps by providing clarity, structure, and consistency in my morning routine, which leads to increased energy and focus throughout the day. Benefits that I've observed include improved

Starting point is 00:19:45 sleep quality, increased motivation, greater self-awareness and control over my emotions, and more time for personal development activities. It's a great way to kickstart your day and set yourself up for success. As I have explained, it can be challenging at the beginning, and I'm not going to sugarcoat that, but you can make it work with the right strategies. Whether you're looking to increase your own productivity or just get an early start on your day, joining the 5 a.m. club could be a great choice. With dedication and perseverance,

Starting point is 00:20:15 you'll soon find that waking up at 5 a.m. will become second nature. It's important to remember that the 5 a.m. club is about embracing self-love and self-care. This means taking care of yourself first so that you have the needed energy to take care of others around you and pursue your passions. Taking some me time in the mornings allows you to recharge your batteries before tackling whatever comes next during the rest of your day.

Starting point is 00:20:41 Lastly, my experience with the 5am club has been a journey of self-discovery, growth, and transformation. Despite some initial struggles, I have seen the many benefits that come from joining this club, and I'm excited to hear from others who have tried it and their experience implementing the program. I hope you all enjoyed the show, and I wanted to thank everyone who wrote in this week, and of course, everybody who listened. Thank you so much. A link to today's transcript will be in the show notes at passion to thank everyone who wrote in this week. And of course, everybody who listened. Thank you so much.

Starting point is 00:21:05 A link to today's transcript will be in the show notes at passionstruck.com. Videos are on YouTube, either at PassionStruck Clips or our main channel at JohnRMiles. Advertisers deals and discount codes are all at passionstruck.com slash deals. I'm on LinkedIn and you can also find me at JohnRMiles, both on Twitter and Instagram. You're about to hear a preview of the PassionStruck podcast interview I did with Matt Higgins, who is co-founder and CEO of Private Investment Farm, RSC Ventures, an executive fellow at the Harvard Business School. I guess Shark on ABC Shark Tank seasons 10 and 11.

Starting point is 00:21:38 He will soon star in a new spin-off, Business Hunters, also executive produced by Mark Burnett. Matt is the author of the brand new book, Burn the Boats, which releases next Tuesday. In it, he discusses why you need to toss your plan B overboard and unleash your full potential. It would be very simplistic to say, oh, just burn the boats, that's it, right?

Starting point is 00:21:58 Just to make no provisions, just go all in. That's actually not what I'm saying. What I'm saying is what we all want to do is to burn the boats and to jettison our backup plan and our crutches. We don't respect ourselves when we hatch. Nobody wants to hatch, but it's easier said than done. So the book is meant to be an actual blueprint for how do you burn the boats? How do you go all in? The fee for the show is that you share it with family or friends when you find something interesting or useful.

Starting point is 00:22:27 If you know someone who's feeling stuck and could use a new routine in their life, then please share today's episode about the 5AM Club with them. The greatest compliment that you can give us is when you share these shows with someone that you love or care about. In the meantime, do your best to apply what you hear on the show so that you can live what you listen. And until next time, live life, passion struck. you

Passion Struck with John R. Miles - Unlock the Benefits of Joining the Exclusive 5 AM Club! w/John R. Miles EP 253

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