Early Sunrise in Valley Forge – 2003
.
In Stephen R. Covey‘s The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People, shared traits and behaviors of effective people are described (at the strategic level). I’ve found one habit, at the functional level, which seems to span every effective person I’ve met. I do it too.
It’s waking up and doing something you enjoy. By starting the day and doing something focused, for yourself, you’re establishing a sort of leadership over your day. Instead of waking up and being ruled/owned by the clock, it’s getting up and taking control of the day.
Personally, I run. It starts with getting up, stretching, and hitting the pavement. This time is my time. While my legs are spinning, my mind is churning through any challenges or plans for the day. Most everyone I’ve met who are business leaders do something for themselves first.
It can be anything… Coffee and a newspaper, yoga, morning television news, surfing, gardening, art, etc. You can start off by getting in to the office at 7:00am if that’s what you want. The point is that you’re doing this for yourself and not for anyone else. Your day is starting off under your lead.
I totally agree with this. For me it's the morning walk (with camera) that gets me going. One of the administrators at my son's school mentioned that she often sees me out walking in the morning, and asked, “do you do that every day?” Me: “Oh yeah. For my sanity as much as for the exercise.” From the looks of your Flickr photostream, I suspect you've seen me out walking, too — I'm often on the Schuylkill River Trail. :-) Anyway, it makes all the difference to start the day with something just for me.
I don't recall seeing someone with a camera, but I'm sure I'll recognize you when I see you next. I'm going to be on the lookout now. I've been saying “good morning” to everyone I pass, so be ready to respond back.
Sol, thank you, that's a great tip! I need lots of coffee in the mornings and some quiet time, in the garden during the Summer.
I can't run as i injured my back a few years ago but I love walking. Have never thought of starting the day with a walk though, but I'm going to try it, a lovely start to the day.
Your blog is great, full of very useful stuff for a newbie, thank you! Will definitely be back, found you from Remarkabloggers tweet (thanks, Michael!)
:o)
Thanks Dianne – Please do try the walking first thing, that time is all for you.
I enjoy running to. It clears my head and I just get to enjoy the beauty of being outside. How do you like Nike+? I've been thinking about getting it. My nano is shot and now I have an ipod touch so not sure if it works with that.
The only thing I don't like about Nike+ is that it's Nike. I'm a devout Asics Gel Kayano runner and I have take a razor knife them to embed the accelerometer. This isn't really a problem though – after installation it's unnoticeable.
There are three differences I find with Nike+ versus running free. First, one can go back and see an honest representation of what they've run. Second is the effect on the competitive types… We don't want today's time/distance to be slower/shorter than yesterday.
I hear rumors of the iPhone and iPod Touch supporting Nike+ in June. This is highly likely given the availability of the SDK.
I enjoy running to. It clears my head and I just get to enjoy the beauty of being outside. How do you like Nike+? I've been thinking about getting it. My nano is shot and now I have an ipod touch so not sure if it works with that.
The only thing I don't like about Nike+ is that it's Nike. I'm a devout Asics Gel Kayano runner and I have take a razor knife them to embed the accelerometer. This isn't really a problem though – after installation it's unnoticeable.
There are three differences I find with Nike+ versus running free. First, one can go back and see an honest representation of what they've run. Second is the effect on the competitive types… We don't want today's time/distance to be slower/shorter than yesterday.
I hear rumors of the iPhone and iPod Touch supporting Nike+ in June. This is highly likely given the availability of the SDK.