The 5AM Club: How Waking Early Transformed My Work, Family, and Life

For years, my mornings followed a familiar pattern—wake up, rush through the routine, check emails, and dive into the day. As a management consultant, my schedule is packed with client work, strategy sessions, and business development. And as a husband and father, I wanted to be more present at home without constantly feeling like I was running out of time.

That’s why I committed to the 5AM Club—not just as a productivity hack, but as a way to take control of my time and priorities.

At first, the idea of waking up before dawn seemed extreme. But now, I can confidently say: it’s been one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.

What is the 5AM Club?

Popularised by Robin Sharma, the 5AM Club is built around the 20/20/20 framework—a structured approach to starting the day with purpose:

• 20 minutes of reflection – planning, journaling, or mindfulness
• 20 minutes of learning – reading, podcasts, or professional development
• 20 minutes of movement – exercise to energise the body and mind

While many people follow this formula exactly, I’ve adapted it to suit my life and goals. I start with reflection and learning, then finish with exercise, whether that’s a swim, quick cycle, or a session on my treadmill.

How the 5AM Club Has Transformed My Work

1. Better Strategic Thinking & Deep Work

Before the world wakes up, I use my early morning for deep, focused thinking. Whether it’s refining a product or solution roadmap, strategising for clients, or solving complex business challenges, this distraction-free time allows me to work proactively rather than reactively.

Instead of getting pulled into urgent emails first thing, I now set my own agenda—and that’s been a game-changer.

2. Continuous Learning & Professional Growth

The second part of my morning is dedicated to learning—whether it’s industry reports, leadership books, or research on digital transformation.

I’m also actively working towards my BCS Fellowship and CMI membership, and this dedicated time allows me to make meaningful progress on both. Staying ahead in consulting means constant development, and carving out this time ensures I’m always expanding my expertise and maintaining my professional standing.

3. A More Balanced, Present Approach to Work

By getting the most important thinking done early, I don’t feel the need to stretch work into evenings or weekends. This has created a clearer boundary between work and personal life, improving both.

How the 5AM Club Has Improved My Family Life

While the professional benefits have been significant, the biggest surprise has been how much this routine has strengthened my family relationships.

1. More Time for My Wife & Daughter in the Mornings

One unexpected benefit? Mornings at home are calmer.

Instead of rushing straight into work, I now spend more time helping my wife and daughter with their morning routine. This small shift has not only improved our relationship but also made mornings less stressful for them.

It turns out, simply being more present in those moments makes a real difference.

2. More Consistent Check-Ins with My Older Children

I also use this early morning time to check in with my older children who don’t live at home—whether it’s a quick text, email, or voice note. These small, consistent touchpoints help maintain a strong connection, something I didn’t prioritise enough before.

3. Reclaiming My Weekends

I don’t just follow this routine Monday to Friday—I maintain it on weekends too, and it’s completely changed how I use that time.

Rather than sleeping in and wasting half the day, I now wake up motivated, ready to tackle projects, get things done, or go for a long hike. It feels like I’ve reclaimed my weekends from simply being “recovery days” into something truly fulfilling.

Why the 5AM Club is Worth It

The biggest lesson I’ve learned? How you start your day shapes everything that follows.

By waking at 5AM and focusing on reflection, learning, and movement, I’ve created a routine that benefits not just my work, but my family, health, and personal fulfilment.

For anyone feeling stretched thin—whether it’s by work, family, or the constant demand of modern life—the 5AM Club isn’t just about waking up early. It’s about taking back control of your time, so you can give more to what really matters.

And that’s a habit worth keeping.