Taking advantage of the quiet time ~ The 30 Challenge

Monday, October 18, 2010

Taking advantage of the quiet time

I remember someone saying that U.S. Marines get more done before 9am than most people do in a full day. There is some bravado in this, but there are reasons why the concept makes sense. For me, on days when I have to show up for work early, I'll look at the clock after a couple of hours and wow, I've accomplished a ton and the day is really just starting.

I think it's because:
  1. Most other people aren't around to bother you (via email, phone call, drop-in)
  2. In the early morning, it's very quiet. You wake in the dark, and it's silent outside. There's no traffic. No stimulation and no stress.
  3. In this period of quietness you have time to think, not just react. And thinking often means you plan, and if you follow a plan for the day instead of just bouncing around multi-tasking, you can get a lot accomplished.
I think the above just lays the groundwork for prioritizing to fit in the 'big rocks' that often get missed: Prayer or reading of scripture, exercise, or talking with your spouse over breakfast.

Me, I'm starting slowly and hope to build it up. My goal is to be getting up at 6am on a consistent basis, but I'm not a natural morning person and I seem to go to bed late. Therefore I'm starting out by consistently getting up at 7am.

Pete

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