I love early mornings. I love the hour or so before the rest of the world stirs. It is peaceful.
Some of the things I use the golden hour for (and of course if I did them all, it would take more than an hour - perhaps I need 3 golden hours):
1 - Organizing my day. If I start the day organized, I tend to get more done but more importantly, I just feel good.
2 - Working out. I have found that working out first thing is the best time for me to do it. It starts the day off right.
3 - Journaling. OK so this is not for everyone and might be a bit out there. I do not do a diary - it is not about my feelings, it is about how I am doing on my goals. I like to spend 20 minutes writing 3 pages free hand. I modified the journalling that "The Artist Way" by Julia Cameron talks about to make it more "business and goal" focussed.
4 - Meditation and yoga. This is more one of those like to do but rarely do things. It would be a good thing to do though.
5 - Walk. Sometimes I walk to work. But even without a walk to work, a walk is a great way to start the day.
6 - Actually digging in and getting lots done. I find I can be highly productive without the usual interruptions that happen during the day.
7 - Reviewing my goals. I find days I spend time reviewing my goals that I am more fucused and more productive on getting done what I want to get done.
I am off for a productive day now.
As I read this in the early morning, I relate to the message. I'd just add that it would be okay to journal about feelings on occasion too, Jim. Those soft, squishy things we would rather ignore oftentimes ignite our behavior at work and home: The more we're on top of our feelings the less likely they'll be to bring us down.
ReplyDeleteJim,
ReplyDeleteAs a fellow CEO, blogger, and father of two, I totally concur with the value you place on the "golden hour." I have my best ideas early in the morning. But you missed one. I have got to have that cup of Joe to get the juices flowing. Then...look out world! Hooah!
Any advice for us non-morning people? I agree - when I do get up early I seem to be so much more productive all day, but getting my butt out of bed and being at 'full energy' right from the get go is my real challenge.
ReplyDeleteI also like the early mornings. I consider it as the peak of my day.
ReplyDeleteI also want to do almost everything during that time but it's definitely not enough for a lot of tasks.
There's no better time for me than the early mornings. If given enough time, I will certainly do it during that time.
ReplyDelete