When I was about 3 years old, my parents let me stay up one night as an experiment. Just to see how long I'd last. When I was still happily playing at 2am, they finally gave up and put me to bed!
I'm also a procrastinator--a dangerous thing for a night owl. If there are things I need to do I spend all day dragging my feet...and then (surprise surprise) feel very productive when I stay up all night doing them! It just fuels my nocturnal tendencies!
As a result of this I have NEVER been a morning person. I hate getting up early (especially for flights)! I always prefer to start work a little later in the day and work into the night. I've had the wonderful luxury of doing just that these last few months. But of course, you don't always get to decide your own schedule!
Now that I've taken this job my biggest focus at the moment is figuring out how to keep running a priority. I'll be working long hours, often at client sites. My days will vary but it still means most of the time....I'LL HAVE TO GET UP EARLY IN THE MORNING BEFORE WORK AND RUN!
Did I just say that?!
Somehow this night owl will have to morph into an early bird. It means @6amclub for me. *GULP*
I know I shouldn't freak out or whine about it. Amazingly there are so many of you getting up even earlier, not just for work but for your families! That is some serious running dedication!
So you know what? I'm going to prove that I'm dedicated, too! I will get up early even if I have to set 2 alarms, and I'll make sure that I run enough to train for the Edinburgh Marathon or whatever challenge I decide to go for next.
So starting Wednesday (I'm a procrastinator, remember?) I'm going to be a faithful member of the @6amclub so it's not such a shock to the system when I go back to work. I know it won't be easy, and I bet there will be a few bumps along the way. But a part of me is excited to see how I do.
Can night owls ever become happy, successful early birds? Or only very tired, reluctant ones?
I guess I'll have to wait and see....
.
of course you can. You just need to force yourself to go to bed early. not watching tv will help!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the vote of confidence, Rodrigo! Will definitely need to turn the TV off early. Computer, too!
DeleteI had to make this change for my job too. I have to get up at 5.45am and at first I could hardly stomach any breakfast. Now I foot really think about it.
ReplyDeleteGood luck with he new job. Before you know it you'll be settled in and your body clock adjusted.
Al (@alnicholl77)
Wow, 5:45? How long did it take you to adjust? I'm hoping if I'm diligent my body (and mind) will get used to it soon.
DeleteThanks for taking the time to read and comment! :)
Well it didn't happen overnight and when I was first commuting it was between Glasgow and Edinburgh instead of Perthshire and Edinburgh like now, but suddenly at one point my wife and I had to get up "early" for a flight and, while she was staggering about the place, I was up fairly quickly and chomping down on my breakfast in no time. I'd suddenly become an early bird. Much to both our surprise!
ReplyDeleteHave you started your job yet? If so I hope it's going well and you're adjusting to the early mornings.
Al
My start date has been confirmed for the beginning of March, so I have a few more weeks to adjust to the early starts.
DeleteIt's been okay so far but I think the true test will come when I have to run AND work.
LOL I'm glad to hear that it can be done!