The Trials of Early Rising: My 5 AM Writing Journey
Written on
Chapter 1: The 5 AM Challenge
In retrospect, embarking on a 5 AM writing routine was a misguided venture. It all began with an article extolling the virtues of waking up at the crack of dawn. As a freelance copywriter working Monday through Thursday, my schedule leaves little room for extra tasks. I’m also attempting to build a YouTube channel while being lured by the constant buzz of Medium.
Creative individuals often propose solutions for time management, suggesting tactics like dictating ideas while on the go or using idle moments for writing. Some even jokingly mention cloning oneself to manage tasks. Motivated by the article, I decided to transition from being a night owl to embracing the early bird lifestyle.
What Science Says About Early Rising
Early rising isn't merely a trendy productivity tip lacking substance; there's real reasoning behind it. Research indicates that those who stay up late typically perform worse on physical and cognitive tasks in the morning. Night owls often find themselves at a disadvantage earlier in the day compared to early risers.
By setting my alarm for a few hours earlier, I aimed to optimize my mental and physical performance—both crucial for writing. Additional studies suggest that waking up early can enhance problem-solving capabilities, which is certainly advantageous for someone trying to make a living as a writer. Moreover, early risers reportedly experience more positive emotions like joy and alertness, traits I would gladly welcome during my writing sessions.
But enough with the studies! You’re likely wondering if my early mornings yielded any results.
My 5 AM Writing Experiment
I committed to waking up at 5 AM for a week, dedicating the first hour to writing, researching, and editing. Initially, the transition was surprisingly smooth. After the alarm jolted me awake, I found it easy to rise and dive into creative work. With the world still asleep, I opened my laptop, and the words began to flow (including some of what you’re reading now).
The first three days were exhilarating and productive. I felt energized, as is typical when trying a new productivity hack. Most importantly, I found myself writing more than usual. The peaceful, distraction-free mornings highlighted why this strategy works for certain people. Without interruptions from emails, Slack notifications, or background sports, I could concentrate fully on my tasks.
Completing my daily writing quota also alleviated the stress I usually felt at the end of the day, allowing me to avoid the frantic rush to meet my self-imposed deadlines. There was something serene about starting my day in such tranquility.
Why Early Rising Isn’t My Style
Let me clarify: If waking up early works for you, that's fantastic. However, I found myself struggling as the week progressed. By days four and five, the initial energy had faded. I felt sluggish, scattered, and struggled to maintain clarity. Unfortunately, I wasn’t accomplishing much with the extra time. The blank page became a daunting adversary, and I grew increasingly frustrated that this "productivity hack" wasn’t transforming me into the prolific writer I hoped to be.
The final straw was the realization that my days felt longer. Rising at 5 AM meant all my freelance work loomed ahead with no enjoyable writing time to anticipate. It felt akin to having dessert before the main course—the sequence felt all wrong. I recognized that I preferred starting with my paid work and saving the enjoyable tasks for later.
Three Insights from My Early Rising Experiment
My little experiment taught me that early rising isn't for everyone. Having spent a decade as a bartender, I've conditioned myself to stay awake until the early hours. Even now, I would rather be up late than rise early. While I’m certain I could adapt to waking up early, I didn’t want to force a routine that felt unnatural. What you resist tends to persist; thus, pushing myself into an early schedule might give me more writing time, but the quality would likely diminish.
After a week of waking at 5 AM, I gleaned the following insights:
- Once you establish a sleep pattern, the challenge lies in going to bed early, not waking up early.
- Productivity strategies are not universally effective; what suits one person may not work for another, but it’s worthwhile to explore different methods.
- While mornings can be peaceful, I have a profound affection for the night, and I don’t foresee that changing anytime soon.
And there you have it—my takeaways from this experience. Most importantly, I’ll return to brainstorming ways to clone myself so I can have that extra hand in writing I’ve always desired. Ultimately, it’s about finding what truly works for you.
Chapter 2: Exploring the Impact of Early Mornings
In the video "Oh No, I Tried," the creator humorously chronicles their attempts at rising early and the ensuing chaos. This relatable tale reinforces the notion that productivity hacks can vary dramatically from person to person.
The second video, "Taylor Swift - Never Grow Up (Taylor's Version) (Lyric Video)," brings a nostalgic feel to the idea of growing and changing, reminding us that while routines can evolve, it's essential to find what resonates with us personally.