Many people who claim to understand the secrets of success urge you to wake up early and seize the day. What they rarely mention is how difficult and unpleasant those early hours can be if you’re not naturally a morning person. It’s not easy, and it’s not fun—at least not at first.
I’m not someone who wakes up bright-eyed at dawn. I love sleep. Sleeping in is one of my favorite pastimes, and I’m exceptionally good at it. Some nights I work late as a stand-up comedian, which makes early bedtime unrealistic. Still, watching a close friend—someone who thrives in the early hours—consistently accomplish so much before I even hit snooze pushed me to try a different approach.
Despite my resistance, and after years of witnessing the career progress she attributes to her morning routine, I decided to give 5 a.m. a real shot.
Set Goals, and Reach for Them
For a comedian, 5 a.m. usually only appears when you stay up all night or have an early radio interview. It’s hardly an attractive hour. But the life I want to build includes far more than the late-night comedy gigs. I’m also an actress, a writer, a fiancée, a yogi, a dog mom, a runner, a reader, and someone obsessed with making the most of my time.
Although I could accomplish a lot in a day, I felt trapped in a hamster wheel—constantly rushed, overwhelmed, and short on time and money. My late-night comedy schedule satisfied one part of me, but the rest was increasingly drained. I needed a change to reach the bigger goals I’d set for myself.
Finding Motivation
When I’m stuck or feeling uninspired, I turn to books and audiobooks about personal growth—LA traffic gives me plenty of listening time. One book that resonated was Jeff Olson’s The Slight Edge, which highlights small consistent habits adopted by successful people. A recurring detail stood out: many of those people were up at 5 a.m. or earlier. Trying it, I thought, couldn’t hurt.
I tried it for a week and quickly realized early mornings can actually be painful. I gave up at first—but the seed was planted.
Time to Commit to the Clock
A month later, my early-riser friend kept sharing how much she accomplished before breakfast. Feeling frustrated with my rushed days, I decided to recommit—this time for real—to a 5 a.m. wake-up. It’s been brutal at times, but also one of the best decisions I’ve made as an adult.
Getting (Re)Started
Waking up early hasn’t gotten easier per se. It’s more manageable with practice, and while I don’t succeed every single day, I do on most. The shift has transformed my perspective.
My routine now usually includes a short walk with my pup, a brief meditation, and a morning yoga class. After yoga I take both dogs on a roughly 20-minute run around the neighborhood, which makes everyone happier. Back home, I make coffee and protein shakes for my fiancée and me, shower, and sit at my desk ready to work.
By 9:30 a.m. I’ve often completed more than I used to accomplish by midafternoon. I feel proactive rather than reactive, and my mind is sharper and more creative in those quiet hours.
Whatever Gets You Through the (Early) Morning
The specific activities aren’t as important as having a consistent plan. For many early risers, the uninterrupted quiet of morning is invaluable. Knowing I’ve already invested in myself before the day ramps up reduces stress and helps me accomplish more.
Accountability also helps. My naturally early friend texts updates about her morning wins, and my competitive streak motivates me to keep pace. That push—combined with a clear routine—makes the habit stick.
How to Do It
Several practical tactics make it easier to rise early. Aside from my enthusiastic dog who loves to wake me with kisses, I use a few intentional strategies. First, I stop making excuses. If successful people with demanding schedules can do it, so can I. Reminding myself of the rewards—both before bed and in the morning—keeps me focused.
I set up my environment for success: I moved my phone out of the bedroom and replaced it with an old-fashioned alarm clock. It’s annoying, loud, and hard to ignore—exactly the point. I put batteries in it so it can’t be permanently disabled by a sleepy hand, which forces me to get up.
I also lay out my yoga clothes and a jacket the night before so I can get dressed quietly without waking my partner. This small prep eliminates fumbling in the dark and reduces friction between bed and the door.
Early to Bed, and Nap
Because I need real sleep to function, going to bed early is crucial. My comedy life sometimes clashes with bedtime, but not every night involves late shows. When late nights are unavoidable, I plan for recovery: a power nap, extra coffee, and an earlier bedtime the next evening to catch up on rest.
Jumping In
If you want extra help, use practical tricks: a coffee maker on a timer so fresh coffee greets you, an accountability buddy to text in the morning, or a demanding alarm placed across the room. Some people prefer a cold-turkey approach—set the clock and dive in—while others ease their way in by waking slightly earlier each day. Choose the method that fits your temperament.
Trust Yourself
Our bodies and minds adapt quickly to changes we commit to. After about a week of consistent early wake-ups, I hit a plateau when my brain looked for excuses to slip back into old habits. When genuine sleep deprivation strikes, I give myself grace. But when it’s mere resistance, I exercise willpower. Willpower strengthens with use, and each successful morning builds momentum.
Stick with a new routine long enough for it to become automatic. It will be tough at first, easier later, then challenging again—but eventually it becomes just something you do.
If I Can Do It ….
You might never want to wake at 5 a.m., and that’s perfectly fine. Everyone’s rhythm is different. But from a former night owl’s perspective, embracing early mornings has improved many areas of my life.
Despite still resenting the harsh alarm in the dark, I savor the empowerment that comes from starting the day with accomplishments already behind me. My body craves the morning workout and meditation, my productivity has increased, and my creativity feels sharper. I also get the added joy of a floppy dog greeting me as I stumble to the bathroom in the cold morning air.
Early mornings aren’t for everyone, but they can create more time and meaningful gains for many people. If a sleep-loving, late-rising comedian like me can make it work, you likely can too.