Becoming a Productive Morning Person: Beyond Bedtimes

Setting an alarm and sticking to a strict waking schedule is just the beginning of becoming a true morning person. This article delves into strategies that go beyond the basics to help you become more productive and efficient in the morning hours.

1. Bird Dogging Your Schedule

Set your alarm as early as you want to get up and get up when it starts. This technique might feel intrusive in the first week, as you adjust to your new routine. Your body might not be accustomed to falling asleep at the time you desire. However, with time, it will adapt, and waking up earlier will become easier.

2. Embrace Accountability with a Furry Friend

A hard reset and sticking to a schedule can be challenging, but imagine having an accountability buddy who wants to make sure you're alive and ready to go in the morning. A hungry cat can serve as an excellent motivator. Set your cat's food time for 6 AM, and she'll ensure that you're up and ready to make breakfast by 5:55 AM. Although her waking-up whims can be unpredictable, a cat's instincts are set in stone.

A compilation of weird but effective tips to help you wake up earlier can be found here.

3. Apply Deadlines to Your Life

Deadlines, especially firm ones, are the secret to success, but they can be unpredictable too. The key is to set firm deadlines for both work and personal tasks. This approach forces you to manage your time effectively and allocate resources to get things done on time. For instance, set a deadline for your morning dental appointment, your midday project, or a pending errand. Write these deadlines on your calendar and allocate time accordingly.

4. Start Your Day with the Magic Brew

Coffee is your lifeblood in the mornings. Whether you're into strong brewed coffee, cold brew, or your favorite specialty drink, drinking it can elevate your mood and energy levels. Treat yourself in the morning and appreciate the early sunlight that greets you. Revel in the fact that no one else is up, and you have this serene, uninterrupted time for yourself.

5. Benjamin Franklin’s Law of Early Risers

“Early to bed and early to rise makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise.” - Benjamin Franklin. Take this adage seriously. Have a clear purpose for your morning activities, from making home renovations to keeping a list of tasks by your bedside to tackle. Make these activities a part of your daily routine.

6. Morning Rituals for a Productive Day

Becoming a productive morning person is largely a matter of habit. Start your day with an early wake-up call and follow it with a series of actions. For instance, wake up at 5 AM, make your breakfast, and start your day with a 30-minute walk to set the tone for a productive day ahead.

Implementing these strategies will gradually turn you into a morning person who is not just awake but energized and ready to take on the day.