Why do 95% of the world fail and only 5% succeed? The answer lies in your 5 a.m. wake-up call!
- bySherya
- 08 Jan, 2026
Do you feel tired throughout the day? Learn the secret 20/20/20 formula from the '5 AM Club', which the world's most successful people use to increase their productivity 10-fold.

Waking up at this time and following a specific routine (the 20/20/20 rule) can increase a person's concentration, creativity, and energy levels by up to 100% compared to the average person. This isn't just a habit of waking up early, but a scientific method for reprogramming the brain for success.
Why do the world's most successful people wake up at 5 am?
Whether it's Apple's Tim Cook or Disney's Bob Iger, most of the world's most successful leaders are members of the "5 AM Club." The reason behind this is a scientific condition called "Transient Hypofrontality."
At 5 a.m., your brain's prefrontal cortex (the area responsible for worry and reasoning) is quiet. In this quiet, your subconscious is most active, allowing you to come up with ideas and solutions that wouldn't be possible during a noisier day.
The '20/20/20 Rule': The Real Formula of the 5 AM Club
According to Robin Sharma, waking up at 5 AM and having coffee isn't enough. You need to divide the first 60 minutes into three equal parts (time, activity, impact):
- First, spend 20 minutes exercising hard and working up a sweat. This increases dopamine and serotonin in the body, eliminating lethargy.
- Spend the next 20 minutes meditating, reflecting, or keeping a diary. This can help bring mental clarity and reduce stress throughout the day.
- The last 20 minutes should be focused on reading and learning new skills, this increases knowledge and keeps you ahead of others.
From a 'Failure' to a 'Leader': Evidence from Experience
For Rohan, a freelance graphic designer from Noida, mornings meant waking up at 10 a.m. and feeling tired throughout the day. He took the '5 AM Club' as a challenge.
Rohan explains, "The first four days were very difficult, but by the second week, my creativity was at its peak. What used to take me 10 hours was now accomplished in three peaceful hours in the morning. Within 21 days, I not only landed a new project, but I also lost 3 kg." This experience proves that experience and effort are the true criteria for success.
Why is it essential for your health?
Waking up early is directly linked to your physical and mental health. Let's understand how.
- Sleep quality: To wake up at 5 am, you need to go to sleep at 9:30 or 10 pm, which improves your circadian rhythm.
- Stress reduction: When you get your most important work done before the world wakes up, you are proactive rather than reactive throughout the day.
- Willpower: Waking up early is the first test of discipline. Conquering it strengthens your willpower.
How to Join the 5 AM Club (Expert Tips)
- Start slowly: If you wake up at 8 a.m., don't wake up at 5 a.m. tomorrow. Set your alarm 15 minutes earlier each day.
- Keep the alarm away: Keep your phone or clock at least 10 feet away from your bed so you have to get up to turn it off.
- 90-minute gadget-free rule: c
The '5 AM Club' is not a punishment, but the greatest gift you can give yourself. This is the time when the world is asleep, and you are laying the foundation for your dreams. Remember, 'One hour in the morning determines the future of the other 23 hours of the day.'
Disclaimer: The information provided here is based solely on beliefs and information. It's important to note that ABPLive.com does not endorse any beliefs or information. Consult a relevant expert before acting on any information.






