The 5 AM Club’s 20/20/20 Rule

Robin Sharma’s The 5 AM Club presents a powerful morning routine designed to help you "own your morning" and, by extension, "elevate your life" by improving productivity, mindset, and focus for the rest of the day. The key practice in the book is rising at 5 AM and dedicating the first hour of the day—what Sharma calls the “Victory Hour”—to activities that enrich both mind and body. This routine, known as the 20/20/20 rule, is broken into three focused segments: 1️⃣ Move; 2️⃣ Reflect, and 3️⃣ Grow.

For law students and bar examinees, this 20/20/20 Move-Reflect-Grow routine offers a structured approach to tackling long-term goals. The idea is to start each day with intention, cultivating resilience, mental clarity, and emotional strength—all essential for success in law school and on the bar exam.

💪 Move (First 20 Minutes)

The goal here is to jumpstart your day with intense physical activity, as it releases dopamine, reduces cortisol, and increases serotonin, which collectively elevate mood, reduce stress, and improve mental focus. Physical activity in the morning also promotes energy, which is critical for a productive day.

Studies show that exercise boosts mental sharpness and emotional resilience, and law students and bar examinees can particularly benefit from this increased stamina. Whether you’re handling long days of classes or intensive study sessions, a morning workout can prime your body and mind for the challenges ahead.

Here are some suggested "Move" activities:

✅ Cardio or Strength Training: Quick cardio like running, cycling, or jumping rope can be effective. If cardio isn’t appealing, strength exercises like bodyweight circuits (push-ups, squats) or a short HIIT workout can be just as energizing.

✅ Yoga or Stretching: Not everyone enjoys intense workouts early in the morning. Yoga or dynamic stretching can be gentler alternatives that still wake up the body and prepare it for a focused day.

Here are some actionable steps for law students and bar examinees:

✅ Try a 20-minute workout before morning classes to energize and elevate your focus. If you’re short on time, even 10 minutes of jumping jacks or brisk walking can boost alertness.

✅ Use this time as a brief “brain warm-up.” You’ll be training your mind to handle the rigorous focus needed for hours of study, and consistent physical activity can build the endurance you’ll need on exam day.

🤔 Reflect (Second 20 Minutes)

Reflection is intended to ground you emotionally, helping you connect with your inner self, reduce anxiety, and foster positivity. Taking time to pause and reflect each morning cultivates emotional stability and self-awareness, both of which are essential for managing the pressures of law school and the bar.

Law students and bar examinees often feel the weight of their ambitions. By setting aside time to reflect, you can maintain a calm, balanced mindset, even when faced with challenges.

Here are some suggested "Reflect" activities:

✅ Meditation: Engage in mindful breathing exercises or use a meditation app to help center your thoughts and reduce stress.

✅ Journaling: Use this time to write down your thoughts, emotions, and goals. A gratitude journal, for example, can shift your focus to the positives, which can be especially helpful when you’re stressed.

✅ Goal-Setting: Plan your day with intention to can reduce stress and set a focused tone for the day. Make a list of three key goals or intentions.

Here are some actionable steps for law students and bar examinees:

✅ Use journaling to track your progress on long-term goals (like understanding a specific area of law) and to reflect on recent experiences (such as a tough lecture or case brief). Practicing gratitude can also help you maintain a positive perspective.

✅ Practice visualization. Imagine yourself achieving milestones, whether completing a study block, nailing a practice question, or picturing yourself on the other side of the bar exam. This habit can help reduce anxiety and reinforce confidence. You might also create a mini roadmap for the day’s studies, prioritizing tasks and setting achievable goals.

📚 Grow (Third 20 Minutes)

The last 20 minutes are for personal growth and intellectual stimulation. This segment is about lifelong learning, encouraging you to seek new insights and knowledge each day. By feeding your mind with something fresh, you can expand your thinking and enhance your adaptability—traits essential for mastering law and the bar exam.

Law and the bar exam demand continuous learning and adaptability. Reading or listening to something intellectually stimulating every day helps sharpen your mind and can make your study sessions more effective. By dedicating a set time to growth, you establish a habit of curiosity and mental flexibility.

Here are some suggested "Grow" activities:

✅ Reading: Focus on a law-related book, current legal article, or even a motivational text that encourages resilience.

✅ Educational Podcasts or Videos: Law students might tune into a legal podcast, while bar examinees could watch a short lecture on a specific subject they’re studying.

✅ Skill Development: Use this time to practice memory exercises, focus techniques, or critical thinking skills—all relevant to bar prep and legal studies.

Here are some actionable steps for law students and bar examinees:

✅ Dedicate this time to reading about recent news articles or listening to legal podcasts that can enhance your understanding of the material. For example, if you’re studying contracts, listen to a podcast episode or read an article about landmark contract cases or business transactions gone wrong.

✅ Spend this time on review or preview. Skim through flashcards or watch a brief video on a bar exam topic you’ll tackle later in the day. Alternatively, take 10 minutes to read about test-taking strategies or memorization techniques.

Starting your day with this 20/20/20 routine can provide a well-rounded mental, emotional, and physical boost, setting you up for a successful day. This structured, focused start helps ensure that every day begins with intentional growth and a sense of achievement, building resilience over time—something both law students and bar examinees can benefit from tremendously.