Waking up early is one personal habit that is common amongst successful sales professionals (and others). Especially in the security industry where you’ve constantly got customer issues to handle, quotes to get out the door, and other “non-face-time” activity. There isn’t a better time to knock out these tasks than early in the morning … long before the phone starts ringing or others arrive at the office. I know what you’re thinking: “Brilliant Chris, like I’ve never heard that one before. My problem is getting out of bed in the first place. I hate the morning.” Ok, I’ve got a solution…
In keeping with the theme of keeping it light this week, I want to share with you a somewhat ridiculous, but extremely effective idea that most of you will try it tomorrow morning. I used this technique for about two months to get in the habit of becoming an early riser, and have never looked back. In fact, it’s 5:57 am as I’m typing this post in my home office.
Let’s go back to your statement earlier of “My problem is getting out of bed in the first place.” That’s everyone’s challenge. Once we’re up, it’s easy. Think back to a time when you worked out in the morning or had to get up for an event. By the time you were up and running you felt awesome. You might have even pledged to start getting up early all the time. Then, that alarm went off the next morning and all those ideas were just plain stupid. If only you could snap up and get moving. Well, you can by using this technique.
First, position your alarm across the room. When you go to bed the night before, place an Oreo cookie next to your alarm device but near a night light. Make sure you have fresh milk in the refrigerator, and set the coffee maker to brew 15 minutes before your alarm. Imagine this:
The alarm goes off. You rise and walk across the room to turn it off and there is the Oreo shining in the night light. You throw the Oreo in your mouth and walk to the refrigerator to grab some milk. After taking a couple gulps of milk, the smell of coffee arouses you and you’re off. An amazing day ahead of you! Crazy? Yep, but no crazier than lying in bed while the most productive and exhilarating time of the day is wasting away.
