Chapter 1: The Complexity Trap

The reality for me is this: the more elaborate my morning routine, the less productive I tend to be. It sounds paradoxical, doesn't it? Many individuals mistakenly believe that adding more elements will enhance productivity. The notion that additional structure leads to better organization is widespread, and the assumption that more time equates to greater outcomes is common. However, in the realm of productivity, the idea of "more is more" can often mean "more is less."

Let me elaborate.

The Ambitious 5 AM Routine

Three years ago, I became frustrated with my own justifications for not progressing. I decided to overhaul my approach dramatically; I went from zero to a hundred, having been stagnant for too long. Rather than gradually working towards my goals, I opted for an intense morning regimen:

• 5:00 AM — Wake up
• 5:10 AM — Hydration and sunlight
• 5:20 AM — Yoga
• 5:40 AM — Meditation
• 5:50 AM — Reading
• 6:30 AM — Smoothie
• 6:35 AM — Shower
• 6:50 AM — Journaling
• 7:00 AM — Dog walking

After all of this, I was meant to dive into my work. The irony? I was utterly drained by this exhaustive list of activities. This routine lasted merely a week before I found myself dozing off on the couch while meditating. It was a complete failure, and despite my efforts to perfect it, it only pushed me further from my aspirations. My real desire was simply to start a project online, so I had to reassess my strategy.

Your Morning Routine Begins with Reflection

Before establishing your morning habits, it’s crucial to ask yourself an essential question:

Question One: What are your goals?

If tranquility in the morning is your aim, perhaps reading is beneficial. If alleviating back pain is your focus, yoga might be the solution. And if you're aspiring to create something online, a lengthy 20-step morning routine is likely not the answer.

If your goal is to build something online, it’s important to consider a second question.

Question Two: How can I work as efficiently and effectively as possible?

And that’s where my revamped morning routine comes into play.

The New and Improved Morning Routine

I aim to start my work feeling energized. Starting my day fatigued is counterproductive and often leads to setbacks. My current morning routine is adaptable but looks something like this:

• 5:30 AM — Wake up
• 5:35 AM — Shower
• 5:55 AM — Coffee
• 6:00 AM — Writing

This schedule allows me several hours in the morning dedicated to writing, which is my primary focus right now.

Adjusting Your Wake-Up Time

You might see that 5:30 AM wake-up call and think, "I could never manage that." Here’s a little secret: I couldn’t either—until I changed my mindset. I used to wake up at 7:30 AM, rushing to get out the door for work. Gradually, I adjusted my wake-up time earlier by ten-minute increments until I hit the coveted 5 AM mark.

However, that didn’t quite work out for me in the long run; I now wake up between 5:30 AM and 6:00 AM. The important takeaway? It's not a strict rule. Some days I wake up at 6:30 AM, and yesterday I snoozed until 7 AM.

And that’s perfectly fine. Missing your target wake-up time occasionally doesn’t make you a failure. Life happens; you simply adapt. Aim for progress, not perfection—80% is a solid target.

In Conclusion

Simplicity often yields the best results—at least, that has been my experience. When I slow down, pose more thoughtful questions, relieve the pressure, and embrace a more relaxed attitude, things become clearer. If you’re seeking a morning routine that can bring about meaningful change, consider taking the simpler path.

If you’re looking to build something alongside your 9-to-5 job, consider joining the Part-Time Creator Club here.

Chapter 2: Embracing Simplicity