The 20/20/20 Method: A Simple Way to Win Your Mornings

Few books have impacted me personally and professionally like The 5 AM Club. As a reformed night owl, the title caught my eye, though I wasn’t sure I was ready to commit. Expecting a technical guide, I instead found a compelling parable where two characters, guided by a quirky mentor, transform their lives. The core message? Own your morning, elevate your life.

This simple idea has reshaped my life. By taking control of my mornings, I’ve become more intentional, productive, and focused. Waking up early gives me uninterrupted time to move, reflect, and grow—before the world starts making demands. It’s helped me stay disciplined, sharpen my mindset, and consistently improve both personally and professionally. The 20/20/20 Method isn’t just a habit; it’s a daily investment in becoming my best self.

The way you start your day sets the tone for everything that follows. That’s why Robin Sharma’s 5 AM Club introduces the 20/20/20 Method, a simple morning routine that helps you feel energized, focused, and ready to take on the day. The idea is to break the first hour after waking up into three 20-minute blocks: Move, Reflect, and Grow. By following this structure, you create a powerful habit that boosts your health, mindset, and personal growth—all before most people have even started their day.

1. Move (5:00 – 5:20 AM) – Wake Up Your Body

The first 20 minutes of your day should be spent moving your body. This could be a workout, a quick run, stretching, or anything that gets your blood flowing. Exercise in the morning isn’t just about fitness—it’s about waking yourself up and getting your energy levels up for the day ahead.

Why It’s Important

• Exercise wakes you up naturally so you don’t feel sluggish.

• It helps shake off stress and puts you in a better mood.

• You feel more confident and ready to take on the day.

  
  

Ways to Do It

• A quick bodyweight workout (push-ups, squats, jumping jacks).

• A short jog or brisk walk.

• Stretching or yoga to loosen up stiff muscles.

Moving first thing in the morning wakes you up better than coffee and helps you start your day feeling strong.

2. Reflect (5:20 – 5:40 AM) – Clear Your Mind

The next 20 minutes are for slowing down and getting your thoughts in order. This could mean journaling, meditating, or simply sitting quietly and thinking about the day ahead. Taking time to reflect in the morning helps you stay calm, focused, and intentional with how you spend your time.

Why It’s Important

• It reduces stress and helps you start the day with a clear head.

• You set a positive tone instead of rushing into the day feeling overwhelmed.

• It helps you stay focused on what really matters.

Ways to Do It

• Write in a journal about what you’re grateful for and what you want to accomplish.

• Meditate or do deep breathing exercises.

• Take a few quiet moments to think about your goals.

This part of the routine helps you feel grounded and in control of your day instead of reacting to everything that comes your way.

3. Grow (5:40 – 6:00 AM) – Feed Your Mind

The final 20 minutes are all about learning something new. This is the time to read, listen to a podcast, or study something that helps you grow. When you start your day with new ideas and knowledge, you’re setting yourself up for long-term success.

Why It’s Important

• Learning first thing in the morning gets your brain working.

• You feel more motivated and inspired for the day ahead.

• It builds a habit of continuous self-improvement.

Ways to Do It

• Read a book about business, leadership, or self-improvement.

• Listen to a podcast or audiobook while making your coffee.

• Take an online course or study a new skill.

This is your time to grow and invest in yourself. Over time, this habit can completely change your mindset and help you achieve more in life.

Final Thoughts

The 20/20/20 Method is a simple yet powerful way to start your mornings with energy, focus, and growth. What I love about it is its flexibility—it’s not a rigid, one-size-fits-all approach. You can tailor it to fit your lifestyle and what matters most to you.

For me, my 5 AM Club actually starts at 5:30 AM. Since I sit a lot for work, I begin my day with stretching, mobility work, yoga, and a walk with my dog. I also love reading in the morning, so my routine often looks more like 40/20/40than the traditional structure. And that’s the beauty of it—what matters isn’t following a strict formula, but making sure your mornings are intentional and centered on what truly moves you forward.

When you start your day by investing in your healthset, mindset, and soulset, you elevate every area of your life. You become a better person, and in turn, a better spouse, parent, leader, businessperson, friend, and family member. By moving, reflecting, and learning every morning, you set yourself up for success—not just for the day, but for life.

Try it for a few weeks. You might be surprised at how much better you feel, how much more you accomplish, and how much more in control of your life you become when you start your mornings with purpose.