The Miracle of 5:00 AM

5 AM is a great time of day, but is it truly miraculous? I think so, but probably not for the reasons you might be imagining. This is the true miracle of 5 am.

Photo Credit: KivanÁ Nis

I started my podcast, The 5 AM Miracle, due to one key habit that has revolutionized the way I live: waking up bright and early.

This one habit has become the backbone of everything I do. The act of waking up at 5 AM is not impressive on its own. 5 AM is just a time of day – but – what 5 AM stands for is much more impressive.

What is 5 am?

First, 5 AM is a block of time each morning when life is calm, serene, and peaceful. In the early morning hours there are few distractions, the birds are just beginning to sing, and life moves at a slower pace.

Secondly, 5 AM is a symbol for taking full control of your life. When you use your minutes as wisely as you use your money, you reach a pinnacle of achievement and fulfillment that few people ever do.

Finally, I believe that 5 AM can become your most precious asset.

• When you guard your time and prioritize your tasks;
• When you focus on developing incredible energy and producing optimal health;
• When you fully embrace living your life on purpose in order to achieve your grandest goals . . .

You then begin to reap the limitless benefits of the miracle of intentionality.

Definition of Miracle:

1. A surprising and welcome event that is not explicable by natural or scientific laws and is considered to be divine.
2. A highly improbable or extraordinary event, development, or accomplishment.

Wish It, Want It, Do It

Outside of a lame Family Guy reference, “wish it, want it, do it” is a simple way to remember that your success begins with you. Wish for a better life, create a plan to get there, and make it happen.

In my latest episode of the podcast I drew a connection between early mornings and a plant-based diet. The connection was based solely on the idea that intentionality leads to better decisions and a better life.

What does that mean exactly?

Intentionality is the miracle. It is the core of early mornings and of a healthy diet. It is the reason I voraciously read personal development books and it is the dominating factor in my ability to run marathons.

Being intentional simply means living on purpose. There are no accidents. Life is planned on paper, on purpose, every day, without exception.

Is it accurate to call living on purpose (or intentionality) a miracle? I think so. Here’s why:

• When you decide ahead of time how your day will go;
• When you write down your goals, dreams, and aspirations;
• When you wake up to the reality that you have been living in emergency-, fire-killing-, reactionary-mode for as long as you can remember;
• When the chaos of the day is dwarfed by your intense focus on your highest priorities;
• When you wake up each morning and go to bed every night with a smile on your face . . .

You then begin to see the intense beauty of a life well-lived.

The 5 AM Structure

Think of it this way, as a structure.

1. Plan Your Day on Paper First
2. Establish a Few Key Healthy Habits
3. Focus on Your Top Priorities
4. Include Personal Development
5. Make Time for Exercise
6. Start and Continue Your Day with Energizing Foods
7. Work Your Daily Productivity System

Direct Benefits

With this basic structure in place, these benefits begin to emerge:

1. Increased Energy
2. Improved Mental Clarity & Creativity
3. Weight Loss
4. More Productivity
5. Improved Mood/Positive Outlook on Your Day
6. Increased Strength/Endurance
7. Ability to Ward Off Distractions

The Miracle is The Epiphany

Beyond living each and every day on purpose, the more authentic “miracle” may lie in the epiphany itself. The epiphany I am referring to is the one when you realize that you are 100% responsible for your entire life.

Realizing your life is in your hands is incredibly empowering, not scary. When you take control of your life – and everything that happens in it – you will undoubtedly experience the 5 AM miracle.