I’ve put it off for so long. I always know I need to get a shredder and start destroying some documents. With 2006 taxes coming up I have no need to hold onto 2005 pay stubs, I’ve already reconciled to my W-2s. I have no need to hang onto old University bills, credit card statements, etc. In fact, here’s a guide on what you can trash. But, before you put it out on the curb you should definitely look a little closer..
Not a morning person? That’s fine, most people aren’t. Though, have you ever noticed that some of the most productive (and successful) people you know are early-risers? Sure, there are exceptions to this rule but in general, those that get up early use those first few hours to get their day started the right way.
So what’s the point of getting up early? It’s simple, really…
I remember an article in FastCompany (can’t find it, though) that outlined a number of executives’ daily routines. Each of them were waking up early and taking care of things before the day got hectic:
By waking up at 6, 5, or even 4am they were able to hit the day running without interruption. That’s the key to productivity: removing the distractions. Waking up early does that for you.
An obvious benefit to getting up early is the fact you’re up and starting your day before everyone else. By the time they get into the office they’ve already got your email in their inbox, you’ve already had your cup of coffee and are ready start producing results.
Waking up early means you’ve accomplished things that may have been scheduled later. For example, I used to budget time in the evening to go to the gym. I realized that things always come up in the evening. It’s too easy to put things off later in the day. If you do them in the morning before distractions and interruptions can occur, you’re bound to always get them done.
Now that you understand some of the benefits of getting up early I’ll describe my routine:
It’s a simple schedule but it’s dramatically changed things for me. First, I’m actually going to the gym as often as I’d like to. As soon as I wake up I put on my shoes and head out the door. No excuses, no delay, it just happens. After working out, a few minutes in the jacuzzi mean I can collect my thoughts before the day starts. I already have a mental plan by 7am.
Second, I eat a good breakfast every morning. I rarely ate breakfast in the past but now it’s a simple gesture every morning. While I’m eating I also read the paper and enjoy some silence as the sun comes up.
Third, I’m not rushed in the morning. I always have time to collect my thoughts. I never forget to bring anything to school. I never go out the door without some snack packed for the day. By waking up early and having more time I essentially slow down my morning.
If I haven’t convinced you yet, try getting up early every day for a week. As it becomes a habit it becomes easier. It’s obviously a great way to be productive and start your day right. But, I’m curious, what’s your morning routine?
Before I started writing this I hadn’t even realized David Seah had begun a similar experiment. Check out David’s (excellent) productivity blog for a detailed look at his morning routine.
I hate the (RED) campaign and everyone associated with it (both the consumers and the companies advocating it). Josh Spear has posted a neat little news clip about it. CNN says:
No kidding? Get people to “give” more by spending more on themselves? Sigh.
Rohail Rizvi introduced me to a website he has been working on while in college: Walamu. Walamu is posed to become a successful college marketplace with classifieds and textbook sales (local to universities). Rohail is a student at Rutgers and a member of a very neat young entrepreneur group called Mind Petals. I liked his story enough to look into Walamu a bit more…
Chris Yeh has put together his theory behind blogging. It’s clever. It makes sense when you read it. In short: the more you talk about, the less focused you are, the less readership your site will enjoy. In other words, if you don’t write for a niche you won’t be “successful.”
Actually, I think the title should read more like: “budget your time nearly the same way you should be budgeting your money”. If you know me then you I’m a) an accountant, b) a big fan of personal finance, and c) looking for new ways to be productive. I’ve found a secret I’ll share with you right now. When you “budget” your time, do it the same way you “budget” your money…
I want each and every one of you to help me solve this one:
Seriously, I’m curious as to what made it better.
This weekend I decided to return to San Francisco. I figured the first time (only two weeks ago) was strictly business so I needed to go back and see the sights. Plus, Noah was celebrating his birthday and I couldn’t not be there. Thus, I left for SFO on Friday morning…
Wednesday again already? Grab an umbrella, I’m about to pour on some knowledge.
A historical allusion to the later-removed “Jail Scene” from The Tempest.
I magically got a little sick (I never get sick). My throat hurts. It’s not good. Luckily I’m a guy and it’s okay for me to clear my throat profusely about a dozen times an hour. Additionally, we’re allowed to spit up anything we find back there. Gross? Sure. Sense of relief? Definitely. Anyway, one of the perks of working at a big company is the unlimited sources of hot drinks in the break room. Read on as I explore the tea section…