In the Way

Using a Plan as Motivation

So, getting up early last week was again, a complete failure - I woke up, rationalized my way out of getting out of bed (just as I promised not to) every morning.  It was terrible - I woke up late, missed breakfast, was late to work, and somehow was still just as tired as when I get up early. 

Ive decided a big part of the problem is having a reason to get up - I decided to plan to get up early each day last week without planning on running in the morning, thinking that taking baby steps would more likely lead to success.  I think, however, its had the opposite result - as I lie in bed in the morning, I realize that I dont have a specific reason to get up, so I stay in bed.  This week I decided to buckle down and plan on exercising in the morning, and when the alarm went off today, I popped right out of bed.  I ran, made it to work on time, and felt great all day. 

While it's still pretty early to tell, I think its becoming apparent that without a real reason to escape the pillowy clutches of the matress, you're pretty unlikely to do so - so make a plan, and have a reason to get out of bed in the morning - I think you'll find it's much easier to do.

Getting up Early - Wednesday

I simply cannot seem to do it.  I managed to be up at 6:20 tuesday, but Monday and this morning (Wednesdady) were complete failures.  I'm going to keep trying, because Im really committed to the idea of getting up early.  I love mornings, and I love getting things done before work.  Maybe I just need to try a bit harder?

In my quest for early rising success, I decided to see what the mighty internet had to say on the subject outside of Steve Pavlina's wisdom.  Lo and behold, and entire site devoted to the subject:

Howtowakeupearly.com

A few more sites/posts that seem like they might be of help:

Waking up Early:  15 tips that Work

Zen Habits:  10 Benifits of Rising Early, and How to Do It

LifeHack.com: Wake Up Early and other healthy sleeping tips

Getting up Earlier - a week later

Again, complete failure.  Not once this week did I wake up before 8.  Every morning my alarm was set, and every morning I ignored it.   Why?  I have no idea.  My wife has been sick, which hasnt helped (she's been up much of the night tossing and turning, which makes for a less than restful night for me), but Id like to be able to accomplish my goals in less than perfect situations.  Im more determined for the week ahead of me, but Im just not sure what I can change to do a better job.  Steve Pavlina suggests practicing getting up - lay down in the middle of the afternoon or evening, just as you would be laying in the morning - in bed, in a darkened room, with your alarm set to go off a few minutes later.  When the alarm goes off, hop out of bed, no questions asked.  He suggests doing this a few times a night until you get it right in the morning - so we'll see how I do this week. 

I feel like Im not holding myself accountable enough, so Ill blog about my experience every day. 

Video Games as Entertainment

I often find myself defending the value of videogames.  We werent allowed to have game systems in my home growing up, so I didnt get to play much then, and Im pretty busy now between work and my many side projects, so I am by no means a hardcore gamer.  I do, however, enjoy video games, and have always viewed them as a perfectly suitable form of entertainment.

As with most new forms of entertainment, video games get a terrible rap.  I can still hear my mother only half jokingly explaining that they would "turn your brains to mush".  Video Games are often touted as the downfall of todays youth.  However, Id be so bold as to suggest that not only are video games suitable for entertaining minors and adults alike, they should be preferred over TV and movies.  Why?

Videogames require interaction - thought, and problem solving.  It may not be math, but it is true problem solving in its finest form - such that kids dont even realize they are doing it.  Problem solving isnt limited to puzzle games like Tetris  either - in any game, a child (or adult) will quickly learn to adapt to the control system, recognize his objective, and how to go about obtaining it.

With the recent release of games including Halo 3 and COD 4, online multiplayer has taken center stage in the video game world.  Having played both of these games I can say that I couldnt be more excited that our kids are spending time in these arenas.  As the level of competition in these games increases, the necessity of critical thought and snap decisions becomes necessity.  In a game like halo 3, its never as simple as point and shoot.  Elevation, trajectory, weapon choice, opponents weapon choice, health level, and objectives all come into play as each player fights towards victory.  If any element is left out, the player loses - immediate consequence for his lack of foresight.

Getting up Earlier

Another week gone, and no running to be had.  Im getting pretty frustrated at this point - and Im really concerned about why I cant make myself do the things I want to do.  If I know that I want a specific end result, and I know the steps necessary to get there, why cant I make myself take the steps?

I dont know the answer to that, and I suppose if I did, I'd be a bestselling author.  Regardless, Im not giving up - I think maybe I just need a little more help.  Ive decided I might have a better chance if I do this in steps - first work on getting up on time every morning, and then work on running every day.  Maybe its just too much to jump into both at the same time.

So its time to start getting up early - one of the personal development bloggers I respect most has an interesting few posts on the subject, maybe the most famous how-to-wake-up-early series on the web.  What an honor.  Anyway, his name is Steve Pavlina and his "How to Become and Early Riser" series can be found here.

The gist of it is this:  First, train yourself to get up right when your alarm goes off.  At 5 or 6 in the morning, your brain can rationalize better than any other time, and it always thinks that more sleep is the way to go.  If you allow yourself to contemplate whether or not getting up is a good idea, you wont get up.  Second, Get up at the same time every day, but go to bed when you're tired.  Your body will tell you when you need to go to bed.

Im going to give this a try for the next week - get up every day at 6, no questions asked.  If I can stick with it for a week, Ill try to get going on a running plan at the same time.

Sickness and Exercise Part II

So, Im still failing.  Not getting up early, running, none of it.  Ugh.

While I havent made any headway there, I did find a blog post on a blog called PhitnPhat about exercising and sickness. I have no idea if the blog is reputable, if theyve checked their sources, or have any idea what thayre talking about.  I'll be quoting them as fact:

The best course of action to continue to see gains in your training programs and get well fast are to take a break when you are sick from weight training and do your cardio only as you feel up to it. Cardio can help you when you have a common cold by oxygenating the body and working up some productive coughing. Don’t expect to bust out HIIT training, but a good walk, especially in the sunshine can do amazing things for your recovery. Always drink plenty of fluids while you are sick and rest. You’ll come back ready to move forward in your training.

Interesting stuff.  This doesnt have anything to do with my real concern of breaking habits, but it is interesting to hear what the best course of action is for your body when you get sick.