I have been reading a lot of self improvement and business books over this winter period, and one of the themes that permeates both genre's of book is the idea that getting an early start is the key to being successful.
I decided to give it a shot, and am now at the end of my 2nd week of getting up around 05:30, and cracking on with my day.
My routine before was basically get up about 07:15, get the kids up and drink lots and lots of coffee, while getting them breakfasted and supervising them getting ready for school. I would them grab some breakfast and get on with my day, usually starting about 09:30 ish. Needless to say, I was feeling like I was wasting a good chunk of the day in a morning, and while 9-9:30 is not a bad time to start with noisy tools, I was struggling to find time for the day to day business maintenance activities ( dealing with accounts/waste/servicing etc) so I decided to start a new morning routine.
Now, I am awake at between 05:30 and 06:00 depending on what time I got to bed the night before, and I get dressed and take to dog out for a walk. This is good for me and him, and also gives me a valid reason to get up, and once I'm up he is expecting the walk now, so I feel bad if I don't take him :)
I am usually home for 06:40 and I get a nice big cup of tea (I quit coffee too. I now use the machine to brew tea) and then settle down to plan my day, and take care of any paperwork type stuff I have to do before anyone else gets up. I am starting to enjoy the morning peace and quiet, and will build on the routine as I get more used to it.
So I was wondering what other people have as a morning routine, if you have one? Do you subscribe to the 'Early to bed, early to rise makes you healthy wealthy and wise' idea?
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Thats a really interesting thread Graham - It was Phil V who last year mentioned a good bit of advice about beginning the day 45 mins or so before usual to really reduce the tension that can occur due to delays in the day from outside influences.I will look to start my operation about 1hr earlier this year, i guess it is easier for us in the warm summer months as the daylight helps. This golden hour will include printing the daily task sheet, checking over the van and trailer for supply and being in the van earlier. My only concern will be the possibility of falling asleep at 930pm not 11pm but hey, that's getting older for you!!
Not repeating THAT routine in a hurry!
You'll sleep tonight :)
I'm also planning this. It's partly why I'm after an employee. I will have to be at the yard on time and therefore get more into my day. I hate being in a rush in the morning, you just start the day stressed. As the saying goes "an hour in the morning is worth 2 in the afternoon"
I do paperwork etc late at night when kids in bed. Works for me as I'm a night owl anyway
I'm traditionally a night person too. I used to work nights and that was fine for me really. Having kids put an end to that though. I used to think 10am was the crack of dawn :P
It's far better to make important decisions when your mind is fresh. The fewer interuptions, the more clarity you can apply to the decision. I would suggest that is a short while after you wake up - whatever that time is.....
I have an early morning routine, where all the immediate decisions are made such that it can be communicated clearly to everyone when they arrive. Otherwise, valuable time is wasted.
I then set aside a chunk of time to deal with emails, make initial phone calls and deal with any left overs....
I try not to do important work (quotes, emails etc) after early evening. My mind is not fresh and focused. Also if I need to make any calls to check for plants, spares etc it is too late.
I Think everyone has their own best times of day.
What works for you would not work for me.
I like to go to bed knowing my plan for the next day then it's just a case of doing it.
I guess there's a difference when there are guys depending on knowing what they are doing on arrival @ 7am
Telling people the day before doesn't work for us, nor takes account of what one finds in the morning re: weather etc
I like to get decisions, work etc out of the way "early" to give me the evening back for social reasons.
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