SaiLakshmi Rasamsetti's Key Ideas from The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma

1. The truth is that the real magic lies in how you use that time. And the billionaire’s 20/20/20 method is the perfect way to optimize your productivity.

2. Operating on the principle that you should use 20 minutes to move, 20 minutes to reflect, and 20 minutes to grow, this method taps into each of your four inner empires and helps you strengthen them for a healthy start to your day.

3. The good news is that if you can spring out of bed at 5 A.M, you’ll sort of get a chance to catch your brain off-guard before it’s awake enough to remind you that you don’t like exercising at 5 A.M. So, take advantage of that opportunity and concentrate on moving vigorously enough to really work up a sweat.

4. You want to specifically ensure you’re sweaty because sweat decreases the cortisol, or fear hormone, in your brain and generates the protein BDNF, which promotes the formulation of new neural connections.

5. This means that just 20 minutes of active sweating can actually program your brain to think faster, which will enhance your productivity for the day! Once you’ve done that, use the little window of time between 5:20-5:40 A.M as a time of deep reflection and solitude.

6. Before your day is flooded with conflicting pressures and distractions, take a few moments to reflect on what’s most important to you and use this time of reflection to center your focus on your top priorities.

7. Once you’ve taken about 10 minutes to reflect, use the remaining 10 minutes to write your thoughts down in a journal. Document your ambitions, fears, frustrations, and the things you’re grateful for in a journal.

8. As you do so, envision yourself surrendering these stresses to the paper and removing their weight from your own heart and mind. After you’re finished writing, use your remaining few minutes to meditate.

9. Studies show that meditation also helps to reduce fear, so if you start your day by engaging in two activities that decrease your fear hormones, you’ll have a doubly fearless start to your day!

10. Meditating on the new insights you’ve gained through your reflecting and journaling can also help you to feel calmer and more centered and you’ll be able to carry this sense of peace with you throughout your day.

11. Meditating on the new insights you’ve gained through your reflecting and journaling can also help you to feel calmer and more centered and you’ll be able to carry this sense of peace with you throughout your day.