There are three men in my neighborhood that are mysteries to my neighbors. Their families own and live in the largest and nicest houses in our zip code. They give back to the community, and their wives and kids are tied in well to everyone else. However, they’re so busy that no one sees them. They know they’re there and see them a few times a year at events, but the friendliness of our neighborhood has created an air of secrecy around these three men, although a false air.
I know all three of them. I’m friends with them. In fact, I’m like a party trick sometimes when others learn of my familiarity with the three men. “What does he do?” “How does he afford that place?” “Where is he all the time?” “How did you get to know him?” The last question is easy.
How do I know these guys? I met them and continue to foster friendships with them between 4:50 and 6:30 am during the week. That’s when I’m running or heading to the gym and they’re biking or doing intervals or returning home from the gym. Yes, that early. I also don’t think it’s coincidence that these three extremely successful and happy fathers and husbands wake up very early. We’ve all read or heard about the gazillion benefits of waking up early, but it was my observation this morning of one of these gentlemen that made me understand the most unique – and best – advantage of waking up early.
I was returning from a run this morning and one of the men was walking his dog. After we caught up about the Gators football team, I took a right and walked home. As I was walking, I realized how strange it was that such a busy man that travels weekly on a private jet was taking time to walk his dog. He does it every morning. How does he find time to walk his dog with the crazy demands on his life? It’s very simple – he does it before anyone else wakes up.
The best thing about waking up early is that no one else is awake and you can do things with intention. No reacting or responding to requests or demands. It’s awesome. I’ve been waking up at four something since 1997, and it’s one of the best habits I’ve ever made. I exercise, read, meditate, and walk the dog every morning. There is no way I could do these things after the bell rings at about 8:00. No possible way.
If you’re not doing the things that you want to do to be great – professional development, prospecting, preparing for presentations, working out, etc. – then wake up before everyone else and get it done. It’s really that simple. Read about the gazillion reasons to wake up early, but it really comes down to that – no one else is awake and you can do whatever you plan to do!
