In
January, I shared a bit about my early morning routine. I’m up at 4:15 a.m., out of
the house by 4:30 a.m., and off and running! But guess what, if you challenged
me to stay up until midnight I wouldn't be able to do it!
Since
we value teamwork here at Children’s Specialized Hospital, it got me thinking
how an early bird and a night owl can learn from each other!
My
best friend is a night person, as were her mother and father. I lived with her
folks after college for a short period of time when I was interning on Capitol
Hill. Just like now, I would be out of the house by 5 a.m. so I could meet my
friends to run on the National Mall in Washington DC (see, I’ve always been a little OCD in keeping
myself fit).
I
would get home at night to end my day and rest, but at 8 p.m. they would be
just starting to cook dinner. Sometimes they wouldn’t eat until 9 p.m., I was
already sound asleep by that time! After dinner, they’d all hang out and carry
on until the wee hours of the night.
As
an early bird, I couldn't even begin to understand.
What
I like about the morning is the quiet. Usually there is little to no traffic,
no one looking for you or trying to take away some of your time (although I
have done 4 a.m. conference calls, although they are rare).
The
morning time is really your own time, whereas the rest of the day tends to be
about working as a team with other people or with those who may need your help.
For
me, the morning is all about keeping a schedule—early to bed, early to rise—and
keeping a consistent pattern. Having a schedule doesn't lend itself to
spontaneity (remember, I’m a creature of routine).
So
my tip for those who want to be an early bird: make a plan and keep it. Get to
bed early, and stay away from caffeine after 3 p.m. Turn your bedroom into a
peaceful space— no TV, no games, etc.
If
you want to become a night owl, well… I’ve got nothing!
What
are your tips and tricks for the morning? Or if you are a night person - how do
you get it all done when you are up so late? Seriously, I’m curious.
