1: Getting better at getting better is what RiseWithDrew is all about.
Monday through Thursday, we explore ideas from authors, thought leaders, and exemplary organizations. On Friday, I share something about myself or what we are working on at PCI.
“I’ll sleep when I’m dead,” I used to say with pride.
Work hard. Play hard. Get up early. Stay up late. Pack as much as I could into each and every day.
“When in doubt, sacrifice sleep.”
I said that, too.
Looking back, all I can say is: How dumb was that?!
Really dumb.
2: There are a few books that truly changed my life.
Why We Sleep by Matthew Walker, PhD, is one of those books.
For the first time, I understood all the health benefits of sleep. And the price we pay with our health if we do not.
It scared me to death.
3: So, about six or seven years ago, I dramatically changed my mindset. I started making sleep a priority.
Part of it was getting a Fitbit watch and later an Oura ring, which allows me to track my sleep. The competitive part of me likes turning it into a game.
Every morning when I wake up, one of the first things I do is write down in a journal what time my ring says I went to bed, how long I was in bed and my sleep score.
One of my goals this year is to be in bed by 10:15 pm, be in bed for 7 hours 45 minutes or more, or get an 85 sleep score 180 nights or 15 nights a month.
Which is up from my goal of 120 nights last year. [Happy to say I crushed that goal!]
When I get a good night’s sleep, I feel so much better. Life is so much better.
I wish I knew then what I know now. Indeed! I’d like to go back in time and tell the younger me. Of course, I can’t.
But like the old saying goes: The best day to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best day is today.
More next week.
____________________
Reflection: Do I prioritize sleep? How much better do I feel when I get a good night’s sleep?
Action: Read Matthew Walker’s book Why We Sleep.
What did you think of this post?
