2 Books You Need to Read Now to Elevate Your Life

Living and working in a foreign country as a caregiver with 2 kids (7 and 5 years old), having a home to manage, cooking meals, preparing kids things, laundry, budgeting all these things can be very tiring and stressful.

I kept searching for the best formula, the best routine I can do so I can do all these things without comprising my physical and mental health.

One night I came across a video of Mr. Robin Sharma and he talked about his book the the 5AM Club and how waking up at around 5AM can make a drastic change to your life. I was so intrigued and made me search more about the book and reading reviews. The next day I ordered the book at amazon and started reading.

I used to wake up at around 6:30 AM, the first time I woke up at around 5:00AM it was a struggle especially during winter season. It was tough in the beginning but as you get used to it your body will automatically get up even without sounding the alarm, it becomes automatic as if your body clock is already conditioned to wake up at that time.

Now my morning starts at 5:00AM I drink water, I pray for about 30mins, then I do my gratitude journal, quick 10-minute meditation, quick affirmation either I do yoga or do a brisk walk using our treadmill for 15minutes then I should be done by 6:30AM so I can prepare breakfast, take a shower and change to working clothes then by 6:50 I wake up the kids and assist them in preparing for school and eat with them. However there are also days when it is not going to happen, I wake up past 5AM and I forgive myself for as long as I try my best to do it every day as much as I can. Every time I am not able to do so I am reminded of the book Atomic Habits by James Clear with regards to good and bad habit the part which says:

“Every time you choose to perform a bad habit, it’s a vote for that identity. The good news is that you don’t need to be perfect. In any election there are going to be votes for both sides. You don’t need a unanimous vote to win an election; you just need a majority. It doesn’t matter if you cast a few votes for a bad behavior or an unproductive habit. Your goal is to win the majority of the time.”

Every time I wake up at 5AM and do my routine at the end of the day I feel fulfilled and productive.

I highly recommend these two books:

The 5 AM Club by Robin Sharma:

“The 5 AM Club” revolves around the idea that waking up early, at 5 AM specifically, is a transformative habit that can enhance productivity, focus, and overall well-being. Robin Sharma introduces readers to the concept of the “Victory Hour,” a structured morning routine that includes exercise, reflection, and learning. The book emphasizes the importance of adopting the 20/20/20 formula, allocating 20 minutes each to exercise, reflection, and learning every morning.

Atomic Habits by James Clear:

“Atomic Habits” delves into the science of habit formation and provides practical strategies for building positive habits and breaking negative ones. James Clear introduces the concept of “atomic habits,” tiny changes that compound over time to yield remarkable results. The book explores the four laws of behavior change – make it obvious, make it attractive, make it easy, and make it satisfying – to help readers understand how habits work and how they can be transformed.

Consistency is key: Both books stress the importance of consistency in habit formation. The 5 AM Club’s daily routine and Atomic Habits’ emphasis on small changes reinforce the idea that steady progress leads to significant transformation over time.

Knowing that I have a busy day ahead I need to find a way to prime myself so I can do my best in performing my roles. The day may not turn out perfect at least I have prepared myself physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.