Brief Summary
Jesse James West documents his 30-day challenge of waking up at 5:00 a.m. to combat productivity struggles, anxiety, and lack of time for loved ones. He details his initial difficulties, including fatigue and disrupted workouts, before establishing a structured morning routine involving skincare, cold plunges, and regimented eating. The challenge leads to increased productivity, reduced anxiety, and more quality time with his fiancé and family. Ultimately, he emphasizes the importance of self-reliance and perseverance in achieving goals.
- Waking up at 5:00 a.m. for 30 days
- Increased productivity and reduced anxiety
- Structured morning routine
- More quality time with loved ones
- Importance of self-reliance and perseverance
Day 1: Initial Struggles and Fatigue
Jesse begins his first day of the 5:00 a.m. challenge, feeling surprisingly decent. His morning routine includes weighing himself, brushing his teeth, and getting dressed. He faces challenges making breakfast due to a faulty tripod and early morning fatigue. He goes to the gym at 6:03 a.m. and notices he doesn't have the urge to scroll on his phone like he usually does when he wakes up at 9:00 a.m.. After his workout, he edits his proposal video and makes Claudia breakfast in bed. By 11:00 a.m., fatigue kicks in, and by 5:00 p.m., he is exhausted, leading to an early bedtime of 8:00 p.m.
Day 2: Seeking Advice and Double Date
Jesse starts day two with coffee but finds there is no sunlight yet. He notices a lack of messages on his phone since no one else is awake. His workout feels ineffective due to fasting for eight hours prior. He seeks advice from his dad, who has been waking up at 5:00 a.m. for 30 years, who advises him to go to bed early. His dad sends him a text emphasizing the importance of starting early to be successful. Jesse goes on a double date but worries about waking up early the next day.
Day 3-16: Burnout and New Routine
Jesse's energy levels are low, and he struggles to find the strength to work out or be productive. He realizes he needs to change his nightly routine to avoid burnout. He establishes a new morning routine that includes skincare, coffee, a cold plunge, breakfast, lifting, and cardio. He finds that not eating immediately upon waking up helps him avoid constant snacking.
Day 17: MacroFactor Sponsor
Jesse talks about his diet and how it takes up a good deal of time to ensure that he is eating properly for his goals. He mentions MacroFactor, today's sponsor, and how not having to overthink his diet has led him to be even more productive in his routine than he already was and making his workouts go even better.
Day 18-29: Gym Motivation and Family Time
Jesse interviews people at the gym who wake up early, gaining insights and motivation. He emphasizes fighting the inner voice that wants to stop during workouts. He calls his dad, who encourages him to keep pushing. Jesse spends quality time with Claudia, cleaning the house and doing other activities together.
Day 30: Final Day and Reflections
On the final day, Jesse reflects on the benefits of waking up at 5:00 a.m., including increased productivity, longer days, less anxiety, a structured life, and more time for loved ones. His family comes to visit, and they go on a hike. He asks his dad for advice on starting a difficult habit, and his dad simply says, "Just do it." Jesse emphasizes the importance of self-reliance and perseverance.
