The Early Morning Experiment
I’ve forgotten what I need the most
The Father, Son, and Holy Ghost
I’ve forgotten what I love the most
The Father, Son, and Holy Ghost
– Andrew Osenga, “If I Had Wings …”, Souvenirs and Postcards
Rick asked me this past weekend how things were going with getting up early and having some quiet time before starting my day. I told him that it was going okay, but that was only partially true.
On the days when I was focused on the reasons for getting up early—to take time for that relationship that should be #1 in my life, but, unfortunately, doesn’t always get that exalted status—I would have a great day. On the days when I groaned at the alarm clock and listened to my body’s grumbles for sleep, I would have a lousy day.
I’m fully aware that I’ve put a shock to the system in getting up as early as I have. I went from 0645 or so to a good two hours earlier, and that’s a big change, not unlike going from LA to NYC. I had some issues adapting, but I’m just about there now.
Of course, I’m stupid and I focus on that change instead of the larger and more important change.
The lesson, as always, is that I’m stupid.
Maybe if I write that on my forehead, I’ll remember it.
I don’t think that ever worked for anyone. Look at the OT Jews…
August 3rd, 2004 at 13:35What, the writing something on your forehead? Yeah, you’re probably right about that, Rog.
August 3rd, 2004 at 13:40Maybe if you wrote it on everyone else’s foreheads, Geof …
August 4th, 2004 at 00:09Geof,
Take a step back and remove that thought from your mind. I will NOT allow you to write messages on Jessica’s forehead
In doing something like this, essentially making a drastic overhaul of your lifestyle, there are very few people in this world who can make the change without having troubles. I’ve tried getting up earlier before, but that lasts for just a few days and then I give up. Give it some time and as you do it more, it will hopefully start getting easier to do it on a daily basis. (my personal thoughts on this relate to working out and forcing myself to go to the gym)
In this goal, you’ve got a very powerful Friend on your side here. Draw on that power where needed, and when possible enjoy your morning time so that you can have better days.
August 4th, 2004 at 07:29Awww, c’mon, Rick! Jason’s idea is such a good one.
August 4th, 2004 at 08:03I failed miserably at getting up early this morning, but I still had some quiet time, so I’m happy either way.
You know what I often find to be the problem with changing schedules like that? The fact that we tell ourselves that we’re going to get up earlier but we never tell ourselves that we’re going to bed earlier. There are only so many hours in the day that you can physically be awake and be healthy. Pushing yourself to cut two more hours of sleep from your schedule is not a good way to make that schedule change stick. I personally tend to function pretty well on 6 hours of sleep, so I make sure that I get in bed early enough to get that much. On the mornings that I play hockey I have to get in bed pretty damn early, but that’s a sacrifice I’m willing to make.
I know you know all of that and I know that this is important to you so cut out something and get to bed earlier.
August 4th, 2004 at 11:39Oh, I have been going to bed earlier. I’m still mentally adjusting to packing it in at 2200, but I’m usually getting there or close.
Last night, though, I sure as heck didn’t get there.
August 4th, 2004 at 11:43