If My Alarm Clock Is The Key To Success, I May As Well Go Back To Bed

I’m a night-owl by nature.  My body clock is set so that I get a natural rush of energy in the late afternoon.  When most of my coworkers are winding down, I’m revving up to crank out the work.  This happens again around 9 pm. If I’m not careful, I can easily be up until midnight or later.

Hubby is programmed the same way.  The good news is that our wake/sleep schedules are compatible. The bad news is that our snooze alarms go off for at least an hour in the morning.  Prying us out of bed is next to impossible.  The dog has given up on ever getting her breakfast at a decent hour.

We’ve tried everything to switch our body clocks but have come to the realization that we are night people.  And there’s nothing wrong with that.

Except Forbes just wrote a piece that basically says to be super successful one has to be an early riser, stating that morning people have been found to be more productive and proactive than those of us who prefer to work in the evening.

According to the article, this is a common trait among CEO’s, government officials and other influential people.  Examples of successful early risers include Margaret Thatcher, Frank Lloyd Wright and Disney CEO Roger Iger.

Well, I can explain these three: Margaret Thatcher lived in London where the weather is all sorts of gloomy.  If she wanted to see the sun she probably had to watch it rise.  Frank Lloyd Wright was living outside at his various Taliesin sites, communing with nature to create the perfect building.  And Roger Iger has to be up; he’s got all those kids and parents pounding at the park gates to get in to the rides.

To entice us to be more successful, Forbes lists 5 things super successful people do before 8 am.  I’m here to tell you why this will not work.

EXERCISE

Forbes says: Exercising before work gives you a boost of energy for the day and that deserved sense of accomplishment. Anyone can tackle a pile of paperwork after 200 ab reps! Morning workouts also eliminate the possibility of flaking out on your cardio after a long day at work.

I Say: First, it’s difficult and dangerous to exercise when you are still asleep.  Treadmills and weights require a certain amount of attention.  Besides, my hair looks terrible and I smell bad in the morning.  The only sense of accomplishment I get from a morning workout is that I get to pick up a cappuccino and donut on the way home, negating the positive effect of the workout. So you can see why exercising in the morning is a bad idea.

MAP OUT YOUR DAY

Forbes says: Basically what they mean is to get your to-do list and thoughts in order during the quiet time before others are up and at the office.  With uninterrupted time, you can also solve some problems.  They also suggest planning a 10 minute break in your schedule to walk around the block or meditate during the day.

I say:  So I’m supposed to sleep peacefully trying to remember the stuff to put on my to-do list in the morning? Sounds like a nightmare to me. Better to scribble to-dos on a Post-It and stick on my computer before leaving the office.  Ever try meditating at work? Especially in a cubicle?  The stares from co-workers and comments like, “Is she alive?” are not conducive to becoming one with the office and at peace with that nasty to-do list.

EAT A HEALTHY BREAKFAST

Forbes says: Take extra time in the morning to fuel your body for the tasks ahead of it. It will help keep your mind on what’s at hand and not your growling stomach.

I say: Would love to have time for this, Forbes.  I’ll get back to you when I get a personal chef to cook for me.  Right now I’ll have to stick with to-go items like granola bars and coffee in a travel mug, or if I’m lucky a piece of toast.  Even the dog is happy if I just remember to throw some kibble in her bowl.

VISUALIZATION

Forbes says: Take a moment to visualize your day ahead of you, focusing on the successes you will have. Even just a minute of visualization and positive thinking can help improve your mood and outlook on your work load for the day.

I say: I’ve nailed this one.  In fact, I’m visualizing my day right now.  It’s going to be crazy busy, with the phones ringing off the hook, an in-box with 100 emails and a series of unplanned meetings that rip my to-do list out of my hands.  Somehow this visualization exercise has not improved my mood.  Duh.

MAKE YOUR DAY TOP HEAVY

Forbes says: Here’s an easy tip to save yourself the stress – do that least desirable task on your list first. …. The morning is the time when you are (generally) more well-rested and your energy level is up. Therefore, you are more well-equipped to handle more difficult projects. And look at it this way, your day will get progressively easier, not the other way around. By the time your work day is ending, you’re winding down with easier to dos and heading into your free time more relaxed. Success!

I Say:  Here’s a better idea: let’s just forget about that least desirable task altogether, shall we? First thing in the morning I haven’t had enough coffee yet to read the paper much less handle anything important and undesirable.  Besides, my entire day is heavy.  Sweeping that task under the rug isn’t going to hurt anyone, is it?  Out of sight and out of mind equals success, right?

I certainly respect Forbes’ POV on this subject.  But I’m sure you agree that my way is better.