Unlocking Your Saturdays: Strategies to Become a Morning Person
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Chapter 1: Understanding the Concept of Earning Saturdays
In his insightful book "Greenlights," Matthew McConaughey emphasizes the importance of "earning our Saturdays." Initially, I grasped the essence of this idea, but the full meaning eluded me. For many years, I squandered my Saturdays, feeling as though they were undeserved.
Am I Not a Morning Person? Let's Challenge That Notion
Routines can be beneficial, yet we often fall into unproductive habits. Reflecting on my previous routine, I realize it might resonate with many of you.
As Monday dawns, I would groggily emerge from bed, ill-prepared for the day ahead. I barely had nine minutes to get dressed, brew a cup of coffee, and dash out the door. Often, I didn’t even have time to bid my partner farewell, leaving the house in a daze.
At work, I would be a bundle of irritation, lamenting all the things I wished I had done that morning. By evening, I intended to go to bed early and rise refreshed the next day. Instead, I would indulge in a glass of wine or a smoke, lounging on the couch until the clock struck midnight. The following day, the cycle would repeat, leaving me feeling inadequate.
This was my routine, a cycle of failure. "If only I could be a morning person," I would think.
But are some individuals truly destined to be morning enthusiasts, waking up at the crack of dawn to meditate, exercise, journal, whip up a gourmet breakfast, and finish with an invigorating cold shower? I say that's nonsense.
If you believe you aren't a morning person, I challenge that assertion. Anyone can cultivate the habit of waking up at a set time. Even better, we can train ourselves to rise early enough to shake off the morning fog and start the day safely.
Don't take my word for it—listen to Mel Robbins on her podcast. Like many, she would return home after work, indulge in wine, and complain about her day, only to go to bed far too late and wake up feeling frustrated about missed opportunities.
Fast forward to today, Mel hosts one of the most popular podcasts in the country. Do you think she achieved this in a matter of months while consuming bottles of wine each night? Absolutely not. Mel transformed herself into a morning person and helped countless others realize they could too.
After examining my genetic report from 23andMe, I found no evidence suggesting I was predisposed to being a morning person. The idea of not being a morning person is simply a distraction from realizing our potential to thrive in the early hours.
Improving our habits isn't rocket science. It begins with silencing that inner voice that claims we're too tired to take action. Remind yourself that you have better things to focus on than succumbing to negativity.
Admittedly, some of this may sound unusual, but it’s as real as anything you can imagine. All it requires is a few tricks to build momentum.
Disconnect
Disconnect from screens at least an hour before bedtime. Phones, laptops, TVs, and other bright distractions stimulate our minds and hinder sleep.
Create a No-Phone Zone in the Bedroom
Charge your phone outside the bedroom. Position it far enough away that you must get up to turn off the alarm, but close enough to hear it.
Distract Your Inner Critic
Develop a diversion for that internal voice urging you to remain in bed. Do whatever it takes to distract yourself for just three minutes—walk around, sing a silly song, or dance to your favorite tune.
Get Up Immediately
As soon as your alarm sounds, leap out of bed. Allowing even ten seconds for your inner dialogue to take over can lead to staying under the covers longer than intended.
There are countless self-help tips available, but the steps above are what helped me transition from a habitual sleeper to someone who rises before the sun.
Consistency is Key
While my system isn't flawless, it has worked for me six out of seven days a week—far better odds than any lottery. There may be days when I slip back under the covers, and that's okay. We're human, and mistakes happen. The key is to let go of the past and start anew each day.
Repetition and consistency are vital for success. When McConaughey spoke about earning our Saturdays, he referred to qualities like discipline, perseverance, and sacrifice.
Rise and shine! Trade your time beneath the covers for something more meaningful and fulfilling. Soon enough, you'll be reaping the rewards of truly earning your Saturdays.
In this video, Matthew McConaughey shares his unique approach to achieving your desires, illustrating how mindset can transform your goals into reality.
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