Although I don’t live on or near a farm, my life often feels like it parallels the farmer lifestyle. How?? I'm awake and out of bed before dawn breaks and before the rooster on the farm notices the sunlight and crows to tell the world ”time to wake up.” The farmer knows the value of a full days work, starting early and working until the job gets done. The farmer is dedicated to a way of life and really has no choice in beginning the day in the dark. Failure to tend the chores of the farm would be catastrophic to his income.
I'm doing a pretty good job on getting up early (4:30 am every day) and settling into work, running or making preparations for the day. But, I'm still a work in progress on staying on task until the job “gets done.”
Many of my friends, family and work colleagues often call me “crazy.” “Why do you get up while the rest of the world still sleeps?” Well, some of us are just born "roosters" - we can't wait to get started on the day. For us, the reasons are unquestionably clear:
1. I will have more time to be productive and I can tend to things I “need to” and “want to do.”
2. I have time to get my exercising done before life gets too busy (Early rising can have health benefits).
3. I have time to enjoy the quiet-it is the most peaceful, relaxing time of day.
4. I have time to focus since my mind is clear.
5. I have time to witness firsthand the splendor and beauty of the day-sunrises and birds chirping.
6. I HAVE TIME, so no need to rush.
7. I have the time, like the famer to tend to my own chores such as laundry, cooking, and cleaning.
Maybe you think we are born as either being a morning person or an evening person… well, science does say there may be a genetic predisposition to this thought. But even If you come from a family of night owls or have always been one yourself, you can become a rooster if you change some habits.
If you want to become a rooster, it is all about preparing for tomorrow and sleeping well.
1. Do your planning for tomorrow before bed. Use a planner, your phone, a piece of paper…just write it down. This gets it out of your head and you can then relax and sleep well.
2. Get to bed at your planned time to get the 7 - 8 hours of sleep you need to be at your best the next day.
3. Plan your breakfast and be excited about it.
4. Sleep in darkness. You will fall asleep quicker and stay asleep longer. Try a sleep mask.
5. Have the perfect pillow and blanket.
6. Place your alarm clock across the room.
7. Have a no snooze rule.
8. Schedule the most important appointments in the morning if possible
9. Plan a morning workout or walk to energize you.
10. Stay committed, consistent and patient.
Change can be fun and invigorating. It brings new experiences and new outcomes. Why not try to greet each day even before it begins? Why not get up early and begin to chase your dreams? Go for it…it might not be as difficult as it seems.
For me, the value of being an early riser is best summed up in this quote by Hal Elrod:
“Wake up early everyday so that while others are still dreaming, you can make your dreams come true.”
Blog by Jackie Sayre Dorsey