Chapter 1: The Early Bird's Journey

I started waking up at 4:30 AM to craft this article. Why, you ask?

A photo captured by Radu Florin on Unsplash, illustrating early mornings.

You see, I’m just an ordinary person navigating the online world, much like you. I’m not a millionaire or an adventurous firefighter. Just an average writer on Medium with the same 24 hours in a day as everyone else.

Why am I putting myself through this?

Learning from Past Mistakes

The reality is that I’ve been an early riser for years, though I’ve faced my share of setbacks.

For instance, I once attempted to swim at 6 AM, but when I moved to a new place without a pool, that plan fizzled out. I also tried to write my novel in the office parking lot at 5:30 AM, but often ended up napping instead. That novel remains unpublished. And then there were my early morning runs, which ended when I developed tendonitis and the pandemic hit.

But this time feels different.

Rethinking My Time Management

Let me describe my current life as a freelance writer working from home. My productivity typically takes a hit around 3 PM due to family commitments. For too long, I wrestled with this reality, constantly battling the urge to accomplish something. By the time I returned to my desk after 8 PM, I was often met with mental fatigue and procrastination.

How many precious hours did I squander scrolling through Twitter or watching random YouTube videos?

Sometimes I would muster the energy to work, but fatigue often got the better of me. This cycle became monotonous, and I frequently found myself pondering where all my time had gone.

A New Approach to Productivity

So, I decided to try a different strategy. I flipped my schedule upside down. Instead of trying to reclaim time at night, I opted for an earlier bedtime and an even earlier wake-up time.

Here’s the crucial part: I accepted that nothing productive would happen after 3 PM. It’s beyond my control, and I learned to embrace it. As long as I could carve out two uninterrupted hours of focused work before the household woke up at 6:30 AM, I felt accomplished.

Morning Progress

This journey is fundamentally about progress. My motivation stems from a mix of passion for writing and the unique challenges of freelancing. It’s a curious but invigorating position to be in, and I’ve never felt more alive.

A few years back, I left the security of a corporate job to seek out new experiences and personal growth opportunities. For me, that means honing my craft as a writer and developing my presence on platforms like Medium. I can see my growth in two primary ways: rising statistics and meaningful reader interactions.

To ensure my writing receives the attention it deserves, I dedicate my most productive hours—between 4:30 and 6:30 AM—to it, when the world is still asleep.

Why 4:30 AM?

The reasoning behind my 4:30 AM wake-up time is straightforward. Anyone who’s spent time online has likely encountered the concept of 90-minute sleep cycles. Have you ever set your alarm for 45 minutes earlier and felt groggy?

I wanted to maximize my early mornings without sacrificing sleep. I know my body requires five complete cycles, so the latest I can comfortably sleep is 9 PM, allowing me to rise at 4:30 AM. While it may seem early, I wake up rejuvenated and ready to tackle the day. Often, I even rise before the alarm.

A Sleep Strategy

Here’s a quirky trick I use: if I miss my bedtime, I stay up longer. If it’s past 9 PM, I deliberately keep myself awake until 10:30 PM to ensure I get four full cycles. I prefer this over waking up mid-cycle after a longer sleep.

You might wonder why not simply aim for six hours of sleep daily for an extra 90 minutes. It’s a tempting idea, but not practical for me. I understand my limits; I can’t thrive on just four cycles for extended periods. My body is accustomed to five cycles, and while I might occasionally stay up late, it’s not my norm.

Reflections on My Transformation

Remember those moments of restlessness and the urge to be productive?

This shift has allowed me to convert two hours of late-day lethargy into high-performance deep work hours. The frustrations that once plagued my afternoons have faded as I kick-start my day with a victory. I now look forward to the next productive session each evening, even on weekends. Waking up at 4:30 AM keeps me aligned with my personal goals, unimpeded by weekend distractions. Maintaining momentum with two early sessions over the weekend ensures I start Monday strong.

Consistency is vital.

A Bright Future Awaits

By the time breakfast rolls around, I’ve already crafted a 1,000-word article ready for publication. My creative spirit is content, and I eagerly anticipate tackling client work later in the day.

If you’ve never experimented with early morning writing, why not give it a try? I’d love to hear how it goes for you.

Enjoy your day!

Jason

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Chapter 2: Insights from Early Rising

In this video, explore practical strategies for waking up at 4:30 AM every day without feeling fatigued. Discover four simple yet effective tips to transform your mornings.

This video recounts personal insights gained from a month of waking up at 4:30 AM. Learn valuable lessons and tips for maintaining this routine.