Mind matters but mindset matters even more ...

I have come across many articles recently which point out that we can actually become what we wish to. Though the path may not be easy, it is doable.

References: Bhagavad Gita commentary - Paramhansa Yogananda, Article in the Washington post (reprinted by Indian Express)

They say that our brain has ~10^20 neurons which are interconnected. Each thought process corresponds to a certain circuit through this network. As the related thought/experience is repeated, the circuit gets strengthened. The neuronal connections for those thoughts and actions which are not repeated often lose their 'strength'.
For example, if you get up at 7 AM everyday, you will find it difficult to rise at, say 6, and would be unwilling to be in bed till 8. Even if you sleep early on a given day, you still tend to get up at 7. So also for going to bed late.

The important point in these articles, is that we can do what we want, by gradually strengthening the circuit(s) for that process. But 'gradually' is the keyword, if you want to affect changes which persist. For e.g., if your target is to get up at 5 AM, start off by first trying to sleep 15 mins earlier and getting up at 6:45. This will require effort to sustain, but nothing compared to straightaway getting up at 5.

Once you are steadily getting up at 6:45, try for 6:30. And so on. That way, slowly slowly, your circuits get adjusted to the new and better schedule. Compared to this, a forceful attempt to get up at 5 AM, at the outset, is most likely to fizzle out in a few days. I have personal experience on this front.

Well, finally I must say that it would be best if you yourself went through this article; neglecting its title.