Because I'm in the midst of the busiest time of my life, ever, I've actually been setting the alarm and dragging myself out of bed at 6 AM in order to make sure everything gets done.
I work at home and can set my own schedule, so most days I allow myself to sleep until I wake naturally. I'm not a late sleeper--dozing until 7 feels lazy to me. But lately there's so much going on I've been staying up later at night, reading longer before I turn out the light. And that means more and more mornings I'm snoozing later than I'd like.
And now that I'm working on a couple little things like rewriting a novel and running a writing program, and my social life also insists on intruding, there aren't enough hours in the day. Something had to give and it was that extra hour of sleep in the morning.
So I have been setting my alarm for 6 AM, and getting up early has been a revelation.
For one thing, I get so much done so fast in those early hours. When I'm half asleep, coffee in hand, I get right to it. (I figure I better make my effort worth it.) Without distractions, it is easy to breeze through things. I should know this, because it is how I got the first draft of my novel done. I got up every morning at, I believe, 5 AM, and worked for several hours before starting on the "real" work of the day.
I also like the actual process of getting up at a pre-assigned time. It is a commitment I've made in advance and thus my mind and body are prepped for action. I feel focused and directed. There's no dithering or farting around, just intent work. Getting up early to work sets an intention that creates productivity.
And perhaps the best thing about it is how the feeling carries through the day. Getting a lot done first thing in the morning gives me a sense of accomplishment that sets the tone for everything that follows. It creates a little glow that follows me along and gives me a boost. Energy breeds energy, and getting things done breeds more getting things done. (Isn't this so often the case? I'm either getting tons done, or nothing.)
So, I'm a convert to setting the alarm and dragging myself out of bed. This, after months of enjoying sleeping as long as I wanted. It just feels more productive, period.
And, all that being said, tomorrow is Saturday. I'm sleeping in.
How about you? Do you get up early to write? Or stay up late and sleep in?
