Embracing the Dawn: Overcoming Internal and External Barriers

Early rising is not merely a matter of physical activity; it is the result of inner determination and the ability to resist external temptations. In the very beginning, the journey to waking up at 3 a.m. starts with a clear desire and the willpower to battle the body’s natural inclination toward sleep. Personal motivation and perseverance become the primary driving forces when habitual sleep is replaced by the struggle for a new morning. However, it is not only one’s internal mindset that plays a role: the surrounding world often throws distracting factors—noise, environment, even the actions of others—that can quickly diminish the desire to get up. It is at that moment that the ability to focus on the positive, stick to established routines, and rely on spiritual support becomes crucial. A blend of sincere aspiration, diligence, and patience is key to overcoming not only personal barriers but also external distractions, making early rising achievable and a source of energy for the day ahead.

Which internal and external factors can hinder a person from getting up at 3 a.m., and what helps overcome this problem?

Internal factors that make rising at 3 a.m. difficult are primarily linked to personal willpower and the resolve to overcome the habit of sleep. As noted in one source, “You have to fight your sleep. You must have the desire and decision to get up, then you will be up on time. But if you lack the desire and the decision to rise at all costs, even if there were a bell tower above you, you would still oversleep” (source: link ). The absence of inner resolve, the lack of effort, patience, and resilience are all significant internal obstacles. It is also important to note that establishing the habit of early rising requires considerable persistence, as emphasized: “Perhaps, in order to train yourself to wake up very early, you will need effort, you will need patience and persistence…” (source: link ).

As for external factors, they manifest as various irritants and environmental influences that can lead one back to sleep. For example, one source describes: “Let us begin to observe and we will find that when, by the sound of the spiritual trumpet (bells), it appears that the brethren are gathering, the unseen enemies of the soul stealthily assemble. They approach the bed as soon as we rise and coax us back into it, saying: ‘Wait until the initial hymns have ended, and then you will go to church.’ Others, about to join in prayer, lull us to sleep. Still others provoke strong and untimely movements in the stomach. Others initiate conversations in church. Still others distract our minds with sordid thoughts” (source: link ). In other words, external circumstances such as noise, changes in the environment, or even the actions of other people can weaken the incentive to wake up early.

Overcoming these challenges is aided primarily by strengthening one’s inner will and setting a determined intention to rise. One must commit firmly to fighting sleepiness and be mentally prepared to get up even while the rest of the world slumbers. Spiritual support and adherence to set routines also play a vital role, helping to gear up for early rising and act without laziness or doubt. Thus, the combination of sincere desire, diligence, patience, and the ability to resist external distractions contributes significantly to successfully overcoming the challenge of early rising.