Need a 25th hour in your day? Set your alarm an hour early. Problem solved
I recently stumbled upon a 2014 Forbes article by Jennifer Cohen titled “10 Morning Habits Successful People Swear By.” Most times I don’t take the time to read these lists of things that (usually unnamed) “successful people” do; but I’ve been rethinking my use of time and revisiting my goals and priorities, so I stopped to read this list.
My problem: Since switching from an early first shift to second shift, I’ve seen a drop in the number of my weekly runs and overall mileage. I’ve also noted a reduction in other activities I enjoy, such writing and reading. I’m positive it’s due to me getting home late at night and then sleeping a huge chunk of my morning away.
That, in turn, feeds in to a vicious cycle. I’m sleeping in so late that I am not sleepy at night, and that causes me to stay up late, and then sleep in late⊠you get the idea. I need to know how to break this bad routine.
In her article, Cohen gives me my answer at the top of her list.
1. Get Up An Hour Early:There is a 25th hour in the day. Youâve just been sleeping through it. Getting up an hour earlier is going to take time to adjust to, but once you make it a habit, you will never look back. Research has shown, not only are early risers more optimistic and conscientious, they also anticipate problems and minimize them more efficiently. Which of course is crucial to success in the business world.
Boom. All-too-easy. Nothing fancy. An extra hour opens up plenty enough time for that run.
But … how do I make sure that I am getting enough time for the solid sleep that I need? In her list, numbers 4 (“Say Buh-Bye To THAT One Big Task”) and 9 (“Go To Bed Early”) provide answers. I can get to bed a little sooner, and drop an unneeded task or two to make sure I have plenty of time in the day.
Sounds too easy? If so, it’s because we tend to make things more complicated than we need to.
If you’re interested, read the full article at Forbes.com: “10 Morning Habits Successful People Swear By.”
Next, I’ll have to find a better way to wind down after work so that I’m actually getting to bed sooner. To be continued.
Photo credit: SzƱcs Låszló on Unsplash
