1: For the first twenty-plus years of my adult life, my morning routine revolved around this question:
What is the absolute last possible minute I can set my alarm where I have time to shower, shave, and still make it to the office on time?
When I say the “absolute last possible minute,” I mean Absolute. Last. Possible. Minute.
There’s a better way. And a better life. It starts with getting up an hour earlier, Hal Elrod writes in The Miracle Morning.
What do we do with that hour? We invest in ourselves. We intentionally prepare for the day ahead. And, if we’ve created our goals for the year, we measure our progress and plan out what we must do next.
2: Jim Rohn tells us: “Your level of success will rarely exceed your level of personal development because success is something you attract by the person you become.”
Great for you, we say. Get up an hour earlier? I can’t do that!!
Yes, you can. Trust me, no one likes their sleep more than me. If I can do it, you can do it.
The bad news? At first, it’s going to suck. Seriously. Understanding it’s going to be difficult is the key.
3: Hal breaks down what we will experience into three distinct stages:
Phase 1: First 10 days. Unbearable but… temporary. Be prepared. And don’t give up.
Phase 2: Days 11-20. Uncomfortable, but no longer unbearable. We can do this! Discipline and commitment required.
Phase 3: Days 21-30. Becomes part of our identity. When transformation occurs.
Hal tells us: “Everything is difficult before it is easy. Every new experience is uncomfortable before it’s comfortable.”
There are some things we can do to make it easier. First, we actively and mindfully create a positive expectation for the next morning.
Next: Do not hit snooze. Move our alarm across the room and get up when it rings. Consider brushing our teeth, drinking a full glass of water, and perhaps putting on workout gear.
Because now, it’s “Go Time.”
More tomorrow!
___________________
Reflection: What would it cost me to get up an hour earlier to focus on my personal development? How might I benefit?
Action: Buy The Miracle Morning by Hal Elrod and read it.
What did you think of this post?
