The 5 AM CLUB

The 5 AM Club is built around the premise that waking up at 5 AM

provides a strategic advantage in achieving personal and professional excellence. The story follows two main characters—an artist

struggling with creative blocks and an entrepreneur dealing with

personal and professional setbacks. Both find guidance in a quirky,

billionaire mentor who introduces them to the principles of the 5 AM Club during an inspiring global journey.

At its core, the book outlines the “20/20/20 Formula,” a morning routine divided into three 20-minute segments:

1. Move: Engaging in intense physical exercise to boost endorphins and kickstart metabolism.
2. Reflect: Meditating or journaling to cultivate mindfulness and
3. Grow: Investing in learning through reading, listening to podcasts, or studying to enhance personal and professional skills.

Sharma underscores these ideas with lessons on productivity, focus, and the importance of aligning one’s actions with a higher purpose.

Strengths of the Book

1. Actionable Framework:

One of the book’s standout features is its highly actionable

framework. The 20/20/20 formula provides a clear, structured approach to optimizing mornings, making it easier for readers to implement the practices.

2. Engaging Storytelling:

Unlike many self-help books, Sharma uses a narrative format, which makes the concepts more relatable and engaging. The characters’

struggles and growth resonate with readers, serving as motivational case studies.

3. Holistic Approach to Growth:

The book emphasizes not just productivity but also mental clarity, emotional well-being, and continuous learning. This comprehensive approach ensures a balanced lifestyle rather than a singular focus on work or success.

Inspirational Tone:

Sharma’s writing is deeply motivational, with poetic language and profound quotes that inspire action. His emphasis on creating a legacy and living with purpose elevates the book beyond mere time

management tips.

5. Scientific Backing:

Sharma draws on neuroscience and psychology to validate the benefits of early rising, exercise, and mindfulness. This lends credibility to the practices.

Criticisms of the Book

1. Overly Idealistic:

While the principles are inspiring, some readers may find the advice overly idealistic or difficult to apply in real-world contexts. For

example, waking up at 5 AM may not suit everyone due to varying work schedules or personal circumstances.

2. Repetitive Themes:

At times, the book reiterates the same concepts, which can feel

redundant. This repetition may slow the pace for readers who grasp the ideas early on.

3. Simplistic Characters:

While the narrative format is engaging, the characters often come across as archetypal rather than fully fleshed-out individuals. This may reduce the emotional impact of their journeys.

4. Lengthy and Philosophical Digressions:

Some readers may find the book’s philosophical tangents and

extended dialogues distracting from its core message. The blend of storytelling and instruction could have been more concise.

Review by Dr. Amruta Inamdar, Associate Professor, Baburaoji Gholap College, Sangvi, Pune
In “The 5 AM Club,” Robin Sharma emphasizes the importance of waking up at 5:00 AM every day to achieve a fixed goal. Sharma, a renowned leadership expert and bestselling author, argues that the first few hours of the day are critical for setting oneself up for success.

Sharma provides a detailed roadmap for implementing the 5 AM Club routine, including:
1. Waking up at 5:00 AM_: Sharma emphasizes the importance of establishing a consistent wake-up time to train the brain and body.
2. The 20/20/20 Formula_: Sharma recommends allocating the first 20 minutes for exercise, the next 20 minutes for personal development (e.g., meditation, journaling), and the final 20 minutes for planning and goal-setting.
3. Protecting the Victory Hours_: Sharma stresses the importance of defending the early morning hours from distractions, such as social media, email, and television.
Throughout the book, Sharma shares inspiring stories of successful individuals who have adopted the 5 AM Club routine, including entrepreneurs, athletes, and artists. He also descy practical tips and strategies for overcoming common obstacles, such as lack of motivation, difficulty waking up early, and managing time effectively.
One of the aspect I like the most about this book is the author’s writing style, which makes the content feel accessible and motivating. Sharma’s passion for the subject matter is evident throughout the book, and his enthusiasm is infectious.
Some readers feel that the book’s tone to be somewhat repetitive, with Sharma emphasizing the importance of the 5 AM Club routine throughout the book. Additionally, some of the supporting research and data presented in the book may feel somewhat anecdotal or superficial.
“The 5 AM Club” is a motivational and practical guide for anyone looking to establish a morning routine that will set them up for success. While the book may not offer groundbreaking new insights, Sharma’s enthusiasm and expertise make the content engaging and inspiring.

This book is ideal for individuals looking to establish a morning routine, improve their productivity, or achieve greater success in their personal and professional lives.