Submitted from San Francisco

Life can often feel like an endless to-do list, a constant cycle of tasks that never seem to get completed. This was my reality, day after day:

5/16, 9:30 am: Do laundry, groceries, write an article, create a resume, study for the GRE, finish problem sets, art projects, hit the gym.
5/17, 12 pm: I did my laundry, groceries, ate a bag of hot Cheetos, finished my problem set, and created a document with only my name for my resume last night.

Each day, I was rewriting the same list for the next day, finishing only half the tasks. I was burning out and knew I needed a change to use my time more efficiently. At 25, I realized that I couldn’t keep pushing important tasks to the next day. I told myself, “You can do and be better!”

Initially, waking up at 3 a.m. seemed pointless, but I realized that after 3 p.m., I was too burned out and easily distracted. After months of frustration, I decided to no longer compromise my goals and embarked on a journey to be the best version of myself, focusing on academia, fitness, and the arts. I believed that 3 a.m. would be free of distractions, allowing me to set myself up for success. I bid adieu to the exhausted pigeon and welcomed the morning robin.

However, I knew this lifestyle change required proper preparation, including 7-8 hours of sleep. Without adequate sleep, I would wake up at 3 a.m. with a splitting headache and nap for 3 hours during the day. So, I committed to sleeping by 8 p.m., a significant change from my past habit of sleeping at 12 or 1 a.m. To maintain consistency, I developed a nighttime routine.

4:45 p.m.: I slip into my pajamas, signaling the start of my nighttime routine.
5:00 p.m.: I have a light dinner, usually a quick blended soup or steamed vegetables, to avoid the discomfort of going to bed with a full stomach.
5:30 p.m.: I brush and floss my teeth immediately to curb my habit of snacking.
6:00 p.m.: I follow a skincare routine that varies with the seasons and my skin’s needs. It’s a point of pride for me, considering I used to remove makeup with dishwashing soap in college. My current routine includes gently scrubbing, cleansing, toning, and applying a nighttime moisturizer.
6:30 p.m.: I sit on the edge of my bed to read a bit and scribble tomorrow’s to-do list.
7:50 p.m.: I put on a dark cotton shirt or an eye mask and slowly drift to sleep, excited for the next morning.

This new routine has transformed my life. By prioritizing rest and setting a structured routine, I’ve managed to tackle my goals with renewed energy and focus. Embracing a 3 a.m. wake-up call might not be for everyone, but finding what works best for you and committing to it can make all the difference. The journey to becoming the best version of yourself starts with small, consistent changes. You can do and be better too!