I took Darcy and the bike up Sliabh Coimealta (Keeper Hill) early this morning. Thick, freezing fog gave way to crisp air and sun bleached panoramas. I feel set up for the day and can’t wait to do it again.
The thing is, I’ve never been much of a morning person. I’ve always loved to sleep in at the weekends and generally been slow to come around during the week. But I made a decision recently to change it – to really make the most of every day. As tends to happen, I’ve intended to try it for a while, without actually getting around to it. I know unless I make a conscious, definite decision, it’s not going to happen. I never have a problem if I’m going somewhere for team building or adventure training, but if I know I’m going to be inside all day – either coaching or in the office – I decided I needed to kickstart the day.
So I reviewed my thoughts on the matter and decided to give it a proper trial.
I’m a firm believer in ‘personal experiments’. Everything is open to question; no belief, habit or attitude is sacred. Examine the options and try them out. Be aware of the results (measure them and log them if necessary). Then go with what works for you. Forget what anyone else thinks, how deep the belief is institutionalised, or how long it’s been accepted. If it works for you and makes your life better, embrace it and enjoy it. This applies at all levels, from religious doctrine to colour of clothing. I know it’s harder than I’ve made out here, but ask yourself what you want from life. Are you going to follow blindly, or make yourself happy and proud?
I knew that this morning thing was mostly about attitude, but physiologically it probably made sense too. I was going to do a proper experiment on it. I reckoned this subject didn’t need in-depth analysis, charting, journalling or perfect scientific method, as I’ve used at other times, or when coaching others. I’d just promise myself I’d get up and out every morning for three weeks, look back, compare with before and make a decision and plan from there.
Some personal thoughts on early morning exercise were:
- I’ve usually been sluggish in the mornings but feel sharper after some exercise.
- Fresh air wakes me up like nothing else.
- Fitness isn’t the problem, just a lack of zip in the mornings.
- In Chinese Medicine, they say that morning is ‘Yang’ time – physical energy, rising sun and all that. Better to exercise then.
- Darcy loves a run in the mornings.
- Breakfast tastes better when I earn it!
- I have the option of a quick run in the park most mornings, or a cycle further afield if I have time.
- It usually takes about three weeks to make or break a habit.
- Life’s too bloody short not to give it a go…
The first couple of days needed the snooze button before I slithered out from under the sheets. The next couple were eased by Darcy’s enthusiasm and comical looks as he tried to figure out what I was doing. After that we got used to a bit if a rhythm. And even though my initial plan didn’t include weekends, I found myself excited about this morning since early yesterday evening. I jumped out of bed today and practically dragged Darcy into the car. This is at the end of week two. So a week to go and it’s looking good (and feeling great!).
The other important thing here is that I’ve blogged about it. When setting a goal or a test, it really helps to tell people. It makes it official, and when things get tough, the commitment you’ve made can spur you on. Of course you need to pick the right people – someone who will encourage and not put you down if you fall short (good natured slagging is allowed!). But even to hear the intention coming out of your own mouth can be a powerful thing.
And it’s fun. There’s a great sense of freedom and exploration, almost like playing, when you experiment with behaviour. The discoveries bring huge pride, a sense of self and enormous confidence – you know irrefutably who you are and where you stand on an issue. Knowing you can change your beliefs and patterns to improve your life brings a satisfying duality of possibility and belonging. So go for it, take on a personal experiment and tell someone about it. Enjoy.
