The FIVE AM Club is a real thing.
15 years before Robin Sharma’s genius book The 5 AM Club, my dad taught me to implement a practice that would change my life and the course of my business.
One day, he called to ask me to meet him for breakfast. I had been in the construction business for about a year and things were not going great.
Harold Clark, my dad, was a colorful and intense person. He was also a very early riser. So when he called and said he wanted to meet at Denny’s at 4:45 AM, I rolled my eyes but grudgingly agreed. With a new baby at home (Shawn), I was not accustomed to getting up so early — I was getting up later and getting into the office around 8 AM every day.
On the day of our breakfast meeting, I arrived at 4:45 AM, barely awake. Before I even had the chance to have a sip of coffee, I was fielding the first sarcastic question from Pop:
“Have you thought about what you are going to do next?”
That early, there was nothing I could do but take the bait. “Dad, what’s your point?” I asked.
This prompted a lecture about how no one can be successful in the building business getting in at 8 AM. This was sometimes two hours after the first folks had arrived. That day, he challenged me: “Bob, for 90 days, try to get in at 5 AM every day. I will never bring it up again if you don’t think it makes a difference.”
With nothing to lose, I took my dad’s advice and did it for 90 days. 90 days then turned into 35 years!
Try it. See for yourself.
I don’t believe in making New Year’s resolutions, but if you want to use this time of a brand new year to try a new habit that could revolutionize your life and your business, then the first thing I would recommend is to experiment with the 5 AM Club.
This is going to be extremely tough but clearly it has led to a lot of success so going to give it my all.
Bob,
Thanks to Mr. Harold Clark, I’m joining the 5AM Club. Thank you for retelling that story and for forwarding to us his timeless advice.
Thanks to Harold for suggesting you meet him for breakfast and for passing along his wise words of wisdom to you.
I’m going to join the 5AM Club and as my business continues to grow, I’m going to think of you, your father, and your 5AM breakfast many years ago. Thanks Bob!
This will be so hard, but I see what a successful habit looks like in you, so here goes!!! Thanks for sharing, and here’s to a great 2021!
Haha, that’s great advice. I rise at 5am, but walk my dog for an hour first. Love the quiet, the dark and the cold. Then coffee. Then work.
Helps if you love your job.
I think it is a good advise. thanks !
I agree. It does make a difference. Thank you so much for sharing this advice with us.
The post above from Kritika Agrawal – Very true and to the point.
Try it – you will be amazed.!!
Bob Clark always has always shared good advice.
What we wouldn’t give to have the opportunity to have just one more cup of coffee with industry leaders.
Listening is a big part of being successful.
I wish I would have had an opportunity to meet your father and have that 1 cup of coffee with wisdom.