monday writing productivity post
on waking up early to write and an important advice for you
I don’t know who started this. Maybe it was Benjamin Franklin or someone else who inspired productivity gurus to evangelize people on the 5 AM Club. I don’t think it’s actually bad but the trend of waking up early is out there, very well spread and often hailed by successful writers and entrepreneurs. And its popularity poses an important question: Does waking up early really make us more productive, or is it just a trend or an old saying?
We all know that in the writing community, there are early birds and night owls, labeled as such as if it were that simple. I for one am none. If I try to write something at 5 AM, I will produce nothing, and if I try to write anything after 7 PM, my brain will just not work at all. My best writing time is from 8 AM to 10 AM. A very interesting time for someone who has a full-time job. This is also the reason why this post came up later than I expected.
That’s why I come back to another question: does waking up early really solve the problem and it’s just a matter of creating the habit?
The Appeal of Waking Up Early to Write
There’s something undeniably romantic about the idea of rising before the sun. The world is quiet, the air is crisp, and it’s just you, your thoughts, and perhaps a steaming cup of coffee to keep you company. And many successful writers and entrepreneurs will swear by these early hours, claiming they’re the key to unlocking the best-ever productivity.
So, yeah, one of the biggest draws of early mornings is the quiet, distraction-free environment they offer. Before everything of the day begins, there’s a serene window where emails and notifications aren’t flooding your head and inbox, social media isn’t clamoring for your attention (debatable), and family and pretty much everybody is still tucked away in their beds. It’s a slice of solitude that’s hard to come by at any other time, making it ideal for deep, focused work. Well, I’d say that you could find the same as a night owl, but that’s true for 5 AM too.
Then there’s the mental freshness and clarity that often comes after a good night’s sleep. When you wake up, your mind is well-rested and ready to tackle complex ideas or creative endeavors. It’s like starting with a clean slate, where the worries of yesterday haven’t yet seeped into today. Some people find that this clarity leads to sharper writing and more innovative ideas. That tends to be true for me, because, at the end of the day, I’m in a mess and I need to rest. This is, like, every day.
Lastly, building a routine and a sense of accomplishment can be a significant motivator. Kicking off your day with a productive writing session not only checks a major item off your to-do list but can also set a positive tone for the rest of the day. As long as you write something, right? But it’s empowering to know that while the world was sleeping, you were creating something meaningful.
As alluring as this all sounds, I repeat my question in another way: is waking up early a one-size-fits-all kind of solution?
The Drawbacks of Early Writing
Now, let’s see what’s on the other side of the coin. While early mornings can be magical for some, they’re not without their pitfalls—especially if you’re forcing yourself against your natural inclinations.
Firstly, it doesn’t fit everyone’s natural rhythm. We’re not all wired the same way. And please, do not force it because some productivity guru or great our told you so. Some people are simply not morning people, and that’s perfectly okay. Forcing yourself to write when your body and mind are resisting can lead to frustration, mediocre work, or even burnout (remember we talked about that?). Creativity doesn’t always punch a clock, and sometimes it prefers to sleep in. Let it sleep in if that is true for you.
Secondly, sacrificing sleep can backfire spectacularly. BELIEVE ME. If waking up early means cutting short your rest, you might find yourself battling exhaustion rather than writer’s block. Sleep is crucial for cognitive function, mood regulation, and overall health. Without enough rest, the quality of your writing—and your well-being—can take a serious hit. I know that for a fact.
Lastly, mornings can come with time pressure and an inconsistent routine. Life happens—maybe the kids need attention, unexpected errands pop up, work might be ringing too early already, or you hit the snooze button one too many times. Mornings can quickly become rushed, leaving little room for the peaceful writing session you wanna have. Maintaining a consistent early-morning routine can be challenging in the middle of these unpredictabilities of daily life.
So, if early mornings aren’t the answer for everyone, where does that leave us? And I’m not saying it’s not, but consider it isn’t.
The Night Owl Perspective
Enter the night owls. For some, the evening hours are when creativity truly ignites. The day’s responsibilities are behind you, the world slows down, and there’s a different kind of tranquility that settles in.
The quiet stillness of the night mirrors the peacefulness of early mornings but with a nocturnal twist. You also feel some kind of romantic view in that habit, don’t you? Distractions fade as others wind down, and you might find that your mind is more open, perhaps even more daring, under the cover of darkness. There’s a certain freedom that comes with knowing the day is done, and now it’s just you and your creative pursuits.
Many creatives attest to experiencing a unique flow at night. Without the constraints of the day’s schedule looming over you, ideas can flow more freely. Or maybe it’s the dim lighting or the silence outside, but something about the night can make the imagination run wild.
Of course, this isn’t without its challenges. Late-night distractions like binge-worthy TV shows, social events, or the siren call of social media can compete for your attention, and, mostly, you might feel urgent to SLEEP at some point, and the day after will be a zombie walking battle. And if you have commitments the next morning, staying up late might not be sustainable in the long run.
Ugh. Here we go again.
My Personal Experience
I’ve danced between both extremes. I’ve tried the early mornings, picturing myself as some kind of literary monk greeting the dawn with profound thoughts. Reality check: my 5 AM brain is about as sharp as a butter knife. On the flip side, I’ve attempted late-night writing sessions, only to find that after 7 PM, my cognitive functions begin to power down like an old computer, and the only things I can do are play video games and watch movies and series. Maybe read easy stuff too. But that’s it.
My sweet spot? Like I said in the beginning, it’s that golden window between 8 AM and 10 AM. It’s after the initial grogginess wears off but before the day’s demands start piling up. Unfortunately, this timing isn’t the most convenient when juggling a full-time job. It’s a bit like trying to catch a rare butterfly that only appears for two hours a day.
What this trial and error has taught me is that productivity is highly individual. There’s no universal formula, and that’s okay. It’s about finding that personal rhythm where creativity flows naturally, not forced.
Tips for Finding Your Ideal Writing Schedule
So how do you find your own creative sweet spot? Here are some tips that might help:
Identify your peak energy times: This is very useful. Pay attention to your natural energy cycles. Are there times during the day when you feel more alert and inspired? Take note of that, note when you feel most productive. Just like work, maybe in between one work task and another, but think about that.
Be flexible: Life is dynamic, and so are we. What works now might change later due to new responsibilities or changes in your personal life. Identify opportunities to adjust your routine as needed.
Prioritize rest: Sleep isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity. Our brains won’t work well without proper sleep. Ensure you’re getting enough rest so that when you do sit down to write, you’re bringing your best self to the table.
Set small goals: Instead of aiming for marathon writing sessions, crazy sprints, or a whole month of writing, start with manageable chunks of time. This can help build consistency without overwhelming you.
Conclusion
At the end of the day—or the beginning—(see what I did there?) the key isn’t about adhering to someone else’s ideal schedule. It’s about tuning into what works best for you. Whether you’re greeting the sunrise with a pen in hand or burning the midnight oil or whatever other cliche that represents your writing routine, what matters is that you’re writing and finding joy in the process.
So, experiment. Try different times. Mix it up and see how your mind responds. And remember, there’s no right or wrong here—only what’s right for you.
Allow yourself to break free from the “shoulds” and “musts” of productivity trends. Find your own rhythm, prioritize your well-being, and let your creativity bloom on its own schedule. Happy writing!
I guess I answered all my questions, but feel free to disagree or pose new questions for me if you want to. Also, what’s your opinion on the 5AM club?