The relentless pull of the snooze button is a familiar struggle for many. But what happens when you force yourself out of bed and follow a highly structured morning routine? One writer tested the six-step method promoted by motivational speaker and entrepreneur Mel Robbins, and the results were more significant than expected. This isn’t just about waking up earlier; it’s about rewiring how you approach the entire day.
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The Six-Step Routine: A Breakdown
Robbins’ method is deceptively simple:
- Rise Immediately: No snoozing. Get up when the alarm rings.
- Make Your Bed: An instant act of discipline.
- Self-High-Five: A deliberate boost of self-love and positive reinforcement.
- Hydrate First: Drink water before coffee or anything else.
- Seek Morning Light: Exposure to sunlight resets your body clock and improves mood.
- Move Your Body: Any form of physical activity to jumpstart energy and productivity.
The core idea is that these small, consistent actions compound into a powerful momentum shift. But how does it work in practice?
The First Days: Resistance and Adjustment
The initial challenge was clear: getting out of bed immediately. The writer, self-described as a “night owl,” admitted the first few days felt forced. Lying in bed, even for a few minutes, fueled overthinking and anxiety. The trick, according to Robbins, is to count down from 5-4-3-2-1 to bypass hesitation. This technique proved surprisingly effective, creating a sense of urgency and preventing the mental spiral that often accompanies delayed wake-ups.
Making the bed also felt like a chore at first. However, the satisfaction of a tidy room created a positive feedback loop, making it easier to repeat the next day. The high-five in the mirror felt awkward, but it forced an intentional act of self-motivation.
The Turning Point: Consistency Pays Off
By day six, something shifted. The routine no longer felt like a struggle. Waking up at 7 AM on a Saturday, the writer completed the six steps, exercised, volunteered, and maintained high productivity throughout the day. The momentum was undeniable. The consistent discipline had created a self-reinforcing cycle: waking up early led to more free time, which fueled further productivity.
Why This Works: The Science Behind the Routine
The effectiveness of this routine isn’t just anecdotal.
- Discipline and Dopamine: Making your bed provides an immediate reward, triggering dopamine release and reinforcing positive habits.
- Light and Circadian Rhythm: Morning sunlight regulates the body’s natural sleep-wake cycle, boosting energy and improving mood.
- Movement and Cognitive Function: Physical activity increases blood flow to the brain, enhancing focus and productivity.
The routine essentially hacks the brain’s reward system, turning small actions into powerful motivators.
The Verdict: A Life-Changing Shift
After a week, the writer concluded that the key wasn’t just doing the routine but changing your mindset. The initial awkwardness gave way to a sense of empowerment. The simple act of making the bed each morning became second nature, and the high-five served as a daily confidence boost.
The transformation was significant enough to make the writer, a self-proclaimed night owl, prioritize morning workouts. This consistency translated into a more productive and fulfilling day. The takeaway is clear: discipline, even in small actions, compounds into meaningful change. The six-step routine is not just about waking up earlier; it’s about taking control of your day from the moment you open your eyes.
