John Maxwell said, “You will never change your life until you change something you do daily. The secret of your success is found in your daily routine.”
This is so true. For years, I wanted to get up early. When I became a substitute teacher, I realized that I must get up at 5:30 to be ready to leave by 7:00. If I got up later, I would be stressed out from hurrying by the time I met the students at 7:45. I am just slow in the morning.
I read a book by Mel Robbins a couple of years ago. It was called The Five Second Rule. What it boils down to is this. From the time you have a thought or impulse, you have five seconds to follow through, or your mind will talk you out of it. That's super over-simplified; but, here's how I used it to solve my hit the snooze problem. I set the alarm for the time when I actually needed to get up. For me, that was 5:29 (before my husband's alarm). When it went off, I'd turn it off. Then, aloud, I would say, "Five, four, three, two, one"; then, I'd get up. No hitting snooze. Just do it. It made my life much easier.
Fast forward, I'm now working at the doctor's office. I don't really need to get up until 6:00 now. It's crazy; but, I keep hitting snooze! So, this week I'm going back to "Five, four, three, two, one". Before I go to bed tonight, at 9:30, I'll decide whether I want to make it 5:30 or 6:00.
Who's with me? Who wants to "Five, four, three, two, one" to an easier morning? It'll take several times to make it a habit; but, eventually, you won't even have to count. You'll just do it.
Happy week!
Laura
I can get on board with this. Thank you for the idea, Laura.
ReplyDeleteThat's a great idea, Laura! Since my husband and I are both retired, we don't use alarm clocks at all. My natural body rhythm gets me up about the same time each morning.
ReplyDeleteI generally do pretty good getting up. I have a hungry cat that demands me getting up every morning. I get up at 5:30 or 6AM every day - have for years. Just a habit.
ReplyDeleteThis is a great idea. My problem is getting to sleep at night. Sometimes it's 1:30 or 2:00 am before my mind slows down enough to sleep. Then I stay in bed later in the morning, sometimes until 9:00 which used to be unheard of for me. Thank goodness I'm retired and it doesn't affect a job.
ReplyDeleteI'm really glad your counting is helping you.
Blessings and hugs,
Betsy
No thanks. I go to bed after midnight and get up between 9-10. I got up early for so many years and now my schedule works just fine for me at this stage of life.
ReplyDeleteI really like that John Maxwell quote. I thrive on a daily routine...and it all starts first thing in the morning. I don't use an alarm clock but I still need to make decisions that set the tone for my day. Thanks for the encouragement!
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