An old adage with a relevant modern meaning that ties in with the last post to show consistency counts. That early bird always gets the worm.
I happen to live near a cereal entrepreneur. He can’t help but build successful businesses. Success becomes a way of life. He told me a while back that he’s up at 4 each day.
Now, I found this really interesting because this is something he has in common with other successful people. I have listened to interviews with many that peak my interest, especially in the last four years. From those creating businesses and legendary investors to those successfully living in the wilderness to health gurus.-
They all hit the sack early and rise before most.
‘Complete a day's work before the others are up.’ To quote our neighbouring entrepreneur. And most of them do this well.
And they are as sharp as tacks.
Of course we should measure exactly what a successful life is here. I know there is far more to that. Another time perhaps.
I asked my mum some years ago why she used to bring my brother and I breakfast in bed on school days. ‘So I could keep you out of the way and get on.’ (We did have a small house in her defence.) I thought my mum got up early in those days. But it encouraged me to lay in bed until the last possible moment. So not a natural early riser then.
The post I sent last week featuring the morning smoothie pouring got me a message from a friend saying ‘it’s alright for you,’ and went on to list her tasks for the morning and how little time she has, I simply asked her what time she rises. Silence. For the record, the smoothie pour was at about 6am mas o menos. So we can talk further about the benefits of early risers.
1.5 to 2 hours after rising IS the most productive time for us. Creativity levels are high when mind and body work in tandem. Mornings are well known for being more productive. Just take it to another level. Slowly.
If you were to get up just one hour earlier each morning you would gain 15 days in a year.
So if you are struggling out of bed at 8 you are missing out. And if you are not waking up until that coffee an hour later, there is a problem, and the hood needs raising for an inspection. We are designed to be alert upon waking; that’s how we evolved.
If you can't get going in the morning, you are not only missing the most productive period of your day; you need to get under the bonnet to see what’s up.
Why..
The body hasn't been successfully cleaned because sleep is when the repairs go on. When the bonnet is up, the cleaning process is going on . To quote my health professional partner, it’s the energy exchange—the minerals or electrolytes moving to the right places. If that is not complete, you are not ‘with it’ on rising.
Personally, I can miss my good sleep for one night, but for three or four, a familiar message will come through from my joints. For me, the calcium-magnesium exchange is very important; I need them in the right place.* Good early sleep gives me this.
To pull on the last post, consistency counts, whether good habits or bad, they add up. Your health is the receipt for the life you lived.
Just remember the baby steps we mentioned before. Whatever you change.
Just as you are not going to become an entrepreneur overnight, you are not going to have first-class health return overnight either. Be kind to yourself and take small steps. We have covered a few already in these posts. As long as you are going forward and not using inability or even apathy as an excuse not to act as I did once - Hard lessons awaited me.
Believe me, I was on the floor, unable to do most anything. I wanted it all back—my old health and ability. I had to learn to eat the elephant a bite at a time.
It can be done; I don’t mean the elephant. Never underestimate baby steps.
*Magnesium levels need to be high enough to create the Magnesium / Calcium exchange, i.e., magnesium is needed to get the calcium into the bones. This happens at night.
This is important. We’ll do a post on it. But only if you share this one with someone! OK?
A great book we read a while back that will wake you up to the power of sleep...
This is the youngest member of the family, Tom Tildler. He’s an expert on the subject. He treats it very seriously.
I just had to finish with an entrepreneurial quote I saw on another substack I’m subscribed to. Thanks to Ferg.
I would say it clouds your decisions as well.
Many thanks for reading you are greatly appreciated.
Good night, see if you can spot the worm tomorrow morning !
If you missed the last post here’s your chance…..