In 2022, I made a lot of changes in my daily habits. More exercise, more reading, more training in my business, being more intentional in my relationships both professionally and personal. When I say “more” I don’t mean wearing myself out, but scheduling time blocks which add up to significant improvements in Health, Wealth, Love and Happiness. It is important to rest and recover in anything that you do that causes growth.
I recommend reading “The One Thing” by Gary Keller and “Atomic Habits” by James Clear. You can follow my book reads at the Goodreads section on your right of my page.
My recap from 2022: 115 books read (I read 30 minutes or more a day – scheduled), five 5Ks, one half-marathon, 400 miles jogged/walked/, 7 million pounds lifted, 750 hours volunteered in the veteran community, and 500 hours of business training.
Over the years, you may have heard that a 4AM wakeup was a success indicator. I decided to study this and test an early riser lifestyle and started the 4AM Club for Early Risers:
www.facebook.com/4AMclubForEarlyRisers (please consider following along).
When I decided to implement the early wakeup, I was already zapped by 8pm and realized that if I set my alarm for 4AM I still got 8 hours of sleep. I was getting up normally around 5:30 AM. The change to 4AM was difficult at first, but I started feeling energized and felt ready to go to bed around 9pm and 10pm at the latest not 8pm. I tested this off and on throughout the year and decided that I was going to commit to an early riser schedule in 2023, at least 6 days week with break on Sunday.
Then, I heard of a former prisoner who has been getting up every morning at 0245 (2:45 AM) every morning for 15 years! He said he did it in prison for 10 years, because he realized that he needed to change himself and recognized that he got himself in prison for the way he thought and acted and needed to commit to a life-changing way. I figured if a prisoner could do it, I could too!
He was up before the guards came around, had his rack made and area cleaned, did his exercises in his cell, journaled, read good books, and before he was set free was already on his way to success. In 5 short years, he has amassed amazing wealth and influence.
I am into my 3rd week with the 0245 Wakeup schedule. I started the year with the idea of making a gradual change from 4AM to 0245. My plan was to take 30 to 60 days to make the change, but realized that I could do it faster. I started by setting my alarm 15 minutes earlier everyday until I reached 0245.
My internal clock is reset for the most part and I tell people, I am just in a different time zone and this is adding so much value to my life and vitality. I am still adjusting but here are few bullet points for your review. I realize it is not for everybody, but it gets respect and attention when I say to clients and friends “Who do you know that is up at 0245 AM and hitting it? That’s is how committed I am to you and the mission.”
Feedback points:
- My first day at 0345 AM wakeup was a little rough, coming off vacation. I needed to take a 3 hour nap during the day to adjust. Keep in mind the day before was a 4 AM wakeup that I had been doing intermittingly in 2022.
- 2nd day at 0330 AM only had to take a one-hour nap and felt good (started getting sleepy at 8pm)
- People start feedback, asking “Why?” “You are crazy.” “I can’t do that.”, etc.
- Started getting into a routine, in bed by 8pm or 9pm at the latest and although it was tough to get up at 0245, it got easier.
- A few times, I got to bed later and I had to adjust my schedule to get in more sleep, but still pushed for an early rise.
- Challenged my followers on social media to consider the change to the benefit of their own future (those who detect a needed change this could be for you).
Run the numbers: I am picking up about 6 (hours a day) x 6 (days) x 52 (weeks): 1,872 hours per year or 46.8 weeks of 40-hour work weeks or 10 extra months of productivity. True there are only 24 hours in the day, but an early schedule allows me to get a jump on the day and a tempo that has momentum. Think in terms of a quantum leap. How much productivity do you think this could add your life or business?
I feel energized, focused, and getting daily wins before the sun rises! As with anything potentially life changing, test it, try it, make the change, and then do it!
Why did I make this change? I care about people. I want to be the best I can be and I want to see you succeed and if my example helps you, then great. To change the world, we must first change ourselves.
Proverbs 6:6-8 King James Version
6 Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise: 7 Which having no guide, overseer, or ruler,8 Provideth her meat in the summer, and gathereth her food in the harvest.
Imagine what an army of ants can do!?
On mission!
About the Author
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Strategic Marketer, Technologist, Media Personality, Columnist/Blogger, Speaker, Entrepreneur, Video Producer (motion picture, documentary and web), and Shofar Blower. Strategy first, tactics second.
Marketing Dynamics is a true strategic marketing company with a focus on entrepreneurship with interests in entertainment, technology, broadcast, publishing, politics, non-profits, and start-ups. We are building strong alliances in each one of these sectors and growing opportunities to benefit our clients, business partners, and friends.
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Andy is a U.S. Marine Corps Veteran (Desert Storm/Shield) and Graduate from Texas A&M University with a degree in Marketing and Tulane University in Applied Business. Accelerate your business with us, because the market never stays the same.
Former founding Marketing Director Board Member of the American Veterans Museum being planned in Houston.
Andy served as the Public Relations Officer for the 22nd District Department of Texas American Legion (over 12 posts in Houston) and American Legion Post 164 PR Officer in Katy, Texas and currently serves as the PR Officer for the Marine Corps League McLemore Detachment 324 (one of the oldest detachments in the USA). Member of The Military Order of the Devil Dogs (Fun and Honor Society).
Founding member of Veterans Business Force a division of Network In Action based in Houston, Texas.
Member and advisor to President and Founder of the Veterans Chamber of Commerce in Houston, Texas.
Creator of A Million Veteran Millionaires (www.aMillionVeteranMillionaires.com).
Member of Katy Area Chamber of Commerce and the Katy Christian Chamber.
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