My goal this year it to establish habits that benefit my health and overall well being.  This month I am focusing on getting up early.  Now, if any of you really knew me, you would know what a challenge this is.  I am not a morning person.  Never have been.  As a kid I was the one hiding under my covers with a flashlight reading books until it was almost 2 in the morning.  How I managed to make it through the day back then, I have no clue.  I will still find myself staying up later than I planned and it seems to derail my whole week.  So! I am trying to break the cycle this month and establish a habit of going to bed at 10:30 p.m. I woke up at 5 a.m. this morning and already feel more on top of the day.  I was able to get a full workout in and breakfast before 7 a.m.  I now feel like I have time to work on my blog.  Hopefully I can keep this habit up!  After researching, I  have found many successful people share the habit of early rising.  In fact, Ben Franklin was known for it, and even wrote what may be the first planner.  It started at 5 a.m.  I have included a picture of his “planner” from his 1791 autobiography below:

Seriously, the man would have been blogging all his wisdom if he were alive today.  If you are not an early riser, and would like to be one…take on the challenge with me this month! Be like Ben and set your clock for 5 a.m.  Set out your clothes and things you need so it isn’t so hard to jump right into action. Tell me all about what you are getting done with your “extra” morning hours.  Most importantly don’t forget to set your coffee on a timer to brew so it is ready for you as you rise.  One of the best smells in the morning is coffee.  I honestly couldn’t function without the stuff!

Happy rising!