The 5AM Club by Robin Sharma

Book Summary

"The 5 AM Club" by Robin Sharma is a motivational work that emphasizes the importance of waking up early, a theme that resonates throughout every line of the book. It considers rising in the early hours of the day to be miraculous and has received such high praise from critics and experts that many agree it should be taught in universities as a reference book. Like his other works, Sharma conveys important lessons through a narrative format. The story revolves around three main characters: a depressed entrepreneur, a struggling artist, and a highly successful billionaire.

These individuals meet at a seminar, and after a series of interesting events, they share the secrets of success with one another. In this narrative, the successful character, much like Robin Sharma's own methods, does not directly reveal his secrets to success but instead guides the seekers of success to discover the main truths of this journey themselves after a long journey. In many places and times, various people have defined success qualitatively, while individuals like Robin Sharma have addressed success and its pathways with scientific and principled perspectives, making their theories reliable and actionable.

Sharma introduces four internal realms, or as he calls them, four empires, which must be balanced to achieve a true sense of success: - Mindset and Attitude – Health and Wellness – Emotions and Passions – Spirit and Soul. Notably, he discusses the 20/20/20 rule, which suggests dedicating the first 20 minutes after waking up to exercise, the second 20 minutes to solitude and morning calmness, and the third 20 minutes to growth and development. Through this narrative, the author aims to illustrate the benefits of waking up early, including increased daily productivity and its impact on the lives of determined individuals.

By fully reading the book and becoming more familiar with its teachings, readers will naturally become aware of the author's concerns about people's addiction to social media—a habit resulting from entertainment and browsing on various internet applications—which distracts focus and makes waking up early more challenging.

About the Author

Robin Sharma is one of the most renowned motivational writers and speakers, having produced many excellent works to date. He was born on March 18, 1965, in Canada and began his studies in law but left it after a few years to pursue his passion for personal growth and development. In "The 5 AM Club," he conveys to his audience that desire and willpower are crucial in achieving goals, and that waking up early can significantly enhance willpower and pave the way to success.

Who Should Read the Book?

Individuals who feel their current lives have become monotonous and lack creativity, as well as those who struggle with motivation and do not wake up early, should read "The 5 AM Club" carefully and immerse themselves in it before applying its recommendations. Additionally, business owners who have faced bankruptcy and are seeking ways to escape their current situation and start anew may find this book to be an excellent guide.

Table of Contents

Although Sharma has crafted "The 5 AM Club" as a narrative guide for creating a dream life, the story and lessons within can be categorized into eight distinct sections:

  1. Creating a New Life Through Early Rising
  2. Avoiding Negative Whispers
  3. Society and Media Constantly Lie to You
  4. A Billionaire Appearing as a Homeless Person
  5. History Makers Are Those Who Focus More on Their Work
  6. Reconciling with Your Four Existential Empires
  7. Utilizing the 20/20/20 Formula and Its Astonishing Results
  8. The Incredible Effects of Sufficient and Good Sleep

Book Quotes

Remember that all professionals were once beginners, and every master was once a student. Ordinary people can achieve extraordinary results if they choose the right habits.
Successful individuals understand well that what you do every day is far more important than what you do occasionally.
The smallest action you take holds more value than your largest goals and intentions.
Many people wish for amazing things to happen to them, but successful and outstanding individuals have learned to create those amazing events themselves.
The chemistry of our brain functions differently in the early morning. The frontal lobe of our brain, which is responsible for worry and problem analysis, is temporarily inactive at the start of the day. During this time, dopamine and serotonin are released in large quantities in the body, which makes us feel energized and calm.
If you take care of the beginning of your day with all your strength, you can be sure that the rest of your day will take care of itself. Be the creator of your morning and elevate your life to the highest quality level.
5 AM is an excellent time to get the blood flowing in your brain. This can yield amazing results for your brain, helping you stay safe from the stresses and worries you may face throughout the day without disrupting your daily performance.
If you feel that your life is chaotic and miserable, it’s because your fears are stronger than what you believe in.
Most people are unwilling to wake up at 5 AM and start their day this way; this very fact is a competitive advantage that you can leverage.
Achieving success is not just about making significant progress; it’s about accumulating small advancements that can continuously motivate you.
One of the greatest advantages of joining the 5 AM Club is the peace of mind and intelligence it brings to your brain.
A great plan for the early hours of your day is the 20/20/20 rule: 20 minutes for movement, 20 minutes for reflection, and 20 minutes for growth.
However, on the way to the church, those who ordered the assassination of the entrepreneur sent people to finish the job. They attacked Mr. Riley’s car, Mr. Riley's bodyguards showed up, and gunfire intensified, but Mr. Riley's agents managed to sort everything out.
As she searched for ways to commit suicide, her eyes fell on a ticket for a conference about self-improvement and self-awareness. The entrepreneur had no faith in such conferences and considered them mere entertainment for idle people, but now that she wanted to end her life, she thought it wouldn’t hurt to give it a try.
The disheveled man, entrepreneur, and artist discussed many things together—from education, books, and music to business and management methods—but there was one topic that the disheveled man placed special importance on: waking up early. He claimed that waking up early enhances the quality of human life, strengthens positive traits within a person, and brings health and wealth.


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  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ HarperCollins Publishers (December 4, 2018)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 336 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1443456624
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1443456623
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.26 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6 x 1.13 x 9 inches
  • Best Sellers Rank: #11,194 in Books

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Book Reviews

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  • haley gillen

    haley gillen


    The 5 AM Club by Robin Sharma is like a little secret recipe for a magical morning. I don’t know about y’all, but a magical morning is what I LIVE for! The book follows the journey of an entrepreneur and an artist who meet a wise billionaire, who teaches them the power of waking up at 5 AM. He shares his special 20/20/20 Formula, where the first hour of the day is split into three parts: moving your body, calming your mind, and feeding your brain. It’s all about creating a happy, productive, and fulfilling life by starting your mornings with purpose. This book is an inviting mix of storytelling and life-changing lessons that inspire you to wake up early and shine bright.

    I started this book when I accepted the 75 Hard Challenge, and it left me feeling truly inspired—like I had unlocked a powerful secret to personal growth and success. Robin Sharma’s storytelling transformed the idea of waking up early into something exciting—more than just a habit, but a meaningful ritual for self-improvement. The 20/20/20 Formula—exercising, reflecting, and learning—felt like the perfect way to start my day with clarity and purpose. It made me realize that discipline isn’t a restriction but a path to confidence, happiness, and control over my life. Now, my mornings feel like a special time for self-care and growth, setting the tone for a more intentional and fulfilling day.

    The 5 AM Club made me feel so inspired, motivated, and hopeful about change. It showed me that waking up early isn’t just about time—it’s about taking charge of my life. The idea that small habits can lead to big success made me excited to build better routines. The characters’ journeys reminded me that anyone can grow and improve with the right mindset. Now, I see mornings as a fresh start, making me feel more confident, energized, and ready for whatever comes next!

    The 5 AM Club, it really made me realize how much starting the day with intention can truly transform everything. Robin Sharma’s lessons reminded me that simple habits, like waking up early, can lead to amazing growth and success. Whether it’s using the 20/20/20 Formula or just enjoying the calm of a quiet morning, the book showed me how empowering it is to take control of my day—and my future. It’s honestly been such a beautiful, life-changing experience!
  • Nikke G

    Nikke G


    The 5 AM Club by Robin Sharma is an absolutely transformative book! From the moment I started reading, I couldn’t put it down. It’s not just about waking up early; it’s about redefining your life and taking control of your mornings to create a better future. Sharma’s writing style is engaging and inspirational, and the message really resonates.

    The concept of the 5 AM routine, combined with the 20/20/20 formula (20 minutes of exercise, 20 minutes of reflection, and 20 minutes of learning), is a game-changer. I’ve implemented this morning routine into my life, and it’s already made such a difference in my productivity, mindset, and overall well-being. The way Sharma weaves personal growth, success, and health into this simple yet powerful routine is truly motivating.

    What I love most is that The 5 AM Club is not just a book; it’s a guide that challenges you to become the best version of yourself. It’s filled with actionable advice and insights that anyone can apply, no matter their circumstances. The stories and characters in the book help bring the lessons to life, making it easy to relate to and stay engaged.

    If youre looking for a way to elevate your life and maximize your potential, I highly recommend this book. It’s been a total game-changer for me, and I’m confident it will be for you too!
  • Mrs. Blessed

    Mrs. Blessed


    This is more than a self-help book, these principles are life-changing. They are not something you do every now and then or when you feel like it, this is a lifestyle change. There are so many principles to apply to your life in this book. Start small and remain consistent especially with the 20/20/20 formula. You will begin to see your life change for the good.
  • Jacob Starling

    Jacob Starling


    The book was great but the last 50 pages or so are so unnecessary. You can tell it was all filler to continue the book.
  • Customer

    Customer


    Excited for this new book!!
  • Kim Grimshaw Carter

    Kim Grimshaw Carter


    Its a super fast read, very relatable, and practical. Perfect when you need a jump-start to restart motivation!
  • Stephanie Harrris

    Stephanie Harrris


    Suggestions
  • Young Niezy

    Young Niezy


    Ive been trying to change my life for the better. Previously, I read 5+ short summaries on books on willpower, then I read the premise of this one and I decided to purchase it.

    Many people who dislike this book will say the story is overstretched, and that the ideas for a morning routine were oversold. I could understand their point.

    However, for me, this book was transformational. Along with this book, I also researched other routines from Bryan Johnson and Andrew Huberman. I took concepts from these people and started implementing them into my lifestyle.

    At times, The 5AM Club comes off as corny and cheesy,... written with a bunch of things I knew was "right." But that was the thing. I always knew these ideas were "right" but I never actually took the opportunity to implement them to my life.

    I just finished this book yesterday after starting in July - it took me a solid 3 months (I know Im a slow reader). But during those 3 months... I followed the journey of the 5 AM club. It took me that long to transition my life into the direction I want.

    I dont want to look like Im trying to sell this book, but it really did transform my life to the direction Ive always wanted. I woke up today feeling energized,... happy,.. excited. For over 20+ years I dread the morning. Ive always been a night owl.

    Yea... it was a transformative change. Thank you Robin, Ill be reading more of your books!
  • Holly

    Holly


    I almost set this book down several times because it’s so wordy and repetitive and wasn’t adding much to my knowledge. I felt as if my time was wasted on a cheesy plot peppered with occasional words of wisdom that were repeated over and over again. The good parts were mere breadcrumbs to keep you reading and frankly I was bored. I never felt satisfied, UNTIL near the end, perhaps the last quarter of the book.

    I already knew a lot of this information but there was some new info that I appreciated. Although, if you read business and self-improvement books much, you’ll likely already know a lot of this. I’m truly not that picky when it comes to books because I love reading and usually give 5 stars but after 2/3rds through it I was still not getting much value.

    With regard to the writing method, teaching a bunch of lessons while engrossed in a fictional plot CAN work. If you’ve read the Ishmael series or the Celestine Prophecy, you’ll know how it’s done! This frankly would have been best if written as a smaller book, condensing the first half.

    BUT, the last quarter or so of the book picked up. Sharma hit his stride! The density of valuable information greatly increased, almost totally making up for its lack in the rest of the book. The cheesy factor diminished and I even cried a little during the Mandela section. I had to chuckle at how he came right to the edge of discussing the Law of Attraction without ever actually saying the words, likely not wanting to turn off less-spiritual readers. But for those of us who know LOA, it was scattered throughout. I loved that. And the practical productivity models and techniques were really good. I did learn some new things there. In the end, I will gladly recommend this book but with the caveat that you’ll have to show some forgiveness as you read the first half. It’s worth it. 😊
  • Alan

    Alan


    I enjoyed the storyline in this book and the guidance on how to change and own your morning routine. Its very insightful but you certainly have to think about it.
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