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The other day I had to get up at 5:00 AM to pick my mother-in-law up at the airport. Obviously I was not happy about this. Not because it was my mother-in-law that I was getting but because I had to wake up so darn early - I hate alarm clocks. When I finally made it out and onto the highway I was astonished at the sheer volume of traffic on the road at that time. I was completely dumbfounded by the fact that all of these people had probably woken up at 4:00 am or earlier to get themselves ready and presentable for work.
That got me thinking. Unless these people are all going to bed at eight o'clock, none of them are getting the recommended eight hours of sleep at night. Granted, not many people actually get eight hours of sleep and many even function better on less but you get my drift. So, one of two things is happening here: These people are either going to bed at a "reasonable" hour and getting sufficient sleep (but with no quality time for family or friends) or they are sacrificing their sleep so they can live their lives. I am no doctor but from what I do know, sleep is really a pretty important component to living a healthy life.
This example is probably a bit extreme for the majority of the work force. I would guess that there are many more people who are able to get up later than 4:00 am and have ample time to prep themselves for work. Even so, I have to assume that 90-95% (if not more) of them are using an alarm clock to wake up. Is there anything worse than being abruptly woken out of that deep, relaxing R.E.M. sleep? (Of course there is, but I am just talking about your typical day here.)
What a way to start your day. Your very first waking thought probably has some profanity running through as you curse that incessant buzz, beep or noise that blares from the alarm. You are definitely getting off on the right foot for a positive and productive day - NOT. After an eye-opening shower and quick bite to eat you guzzle down some coffee to keep the eye lids open on your commute in. A few more cups to get you ready for your morning at work and you are good-to-go. (No wonder Starbucks is on every corner now.)
So what have we learned? Is getting up early for work actually detrimental to your health? I suppose you could make that argument. Lack of sleep definitely has an impact on your health. How about your psyche? Studies have been done that indicate that people who are happier live longer and healthier lives. If your first thought when the alarm goes off is something that I can't print then I would guess that you're not in a good place mentally. Now let's talk chemicals. I am astonished when I watch people chug their large, tall, grande or whatever they are calling the huge vat of coffee that people are drinking now - that can't be good for you. Nonetheless they've got to have it or they can't function.
So yes, I am going to say that getting up early for work is detrimental to your health.
What can we do? Start by doing this: imagine for a second what your day would be like if you woke up when your body was ready to wake up. No alarm clock, no wakeup call. You are refreshed, right? Your first thought, well it is probably a lot more pleasant than the profanity you muttered in anger when the alarm sounded. Ah, refreshed and in a good mood, now that is a great way to start your day.
Okay you're now awake, in a great mood and feeling refreshed but you're feeling a little hungry. No problem, you've got time. Sit down and have a leisurely breakfast with your family. You don't have to run out of the door anymore. Gone are the days of that hideous schedule that had been wrapped around you like a noose. Your morning is great.
On to the rest of the day: hmm, what to do first? Maybe a little exercise to invigorate yourself? Go to the gym, maybe a run or a swim. Exercise doesn't suit you, okay hit the mall, go shopping or catch a matinee. Maybe you'll just dive right into your daily method of operation. Hit the activities later and let's make some money now. A few hours of focused energy and all cylinders are firing, you are a money making machine.
It's now mid afternoon and what are you going to do? Anything you want. Maybe a little work, maybe a little play - whatever, it's up to you.
This is the absolute beauty in being your own boss. You do what you want, when you want and with whom you want. You make the rules. Work as much as you want or as little as you want. Your child has a ballgame, go and watch. Better yet, be a coach - you've got the time.
Remember what it was like when you were young and you would stop at nothing to get that new bike or game. Where did that passion go? Get it back. You want this, go get it. Enjoy your life again.
Why does it have to be hard? Because we have been conditioned to think that it is? Why stay in the box? Get out of it, think out of it. There are other ways, and you know what, it's not hard to get started. The business models of multi-level marketing, direct marketing and direct sales make it possible for you to achieve great success. They are simple systems that can give you the life you deserve.
Take control of your life, of your destiny!
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