By: Hassan Shifaau
Recently, one of my schoolmates asked me this question: what makes you a successful and happy personality?
My answer: I started waking up early morning and using my time to learn something new, it helped me become who I am today.
When I started a hotel industry career I was not a morning person. I grew up waking up late and sleeping late. Having a full-time job as a bell driver, boutique assistant, and then moving to reception as a receptionist changed my entire life. I had to take shift base duties but I was never on time to morning duty. I got my very first warning letter after being late to duty for more than 6 days in a row.
The very next day I asked myself what I should do to fix myself. I thought the best thing would be waking up early to do something. With few friends, I started waking up for morning exercise. With this mindset, I started going to the gym in the morning. The first day was very difficult. I practiced this for 27 days and today I don’t need an alarm to wake me up. I am up at 05.30 in the morning, where ever I am.
Here are my 7 tips from what I learned:
Have a reason to wake up: At my very first job I did not have much to do after work since it was a shift based job. So my reason was to wake up for the gym and exercise.
Make your bed: This was a tough job when I started. After making my bed I tell myself, yes my very first task one is completed. This is a very simple task but with this, it develops new habits of keeping my room clean and clothes off the floor. Like US Navy Admiral William McRaven said in an inspirational speech to university students, this task gives a sense of accomplishment.
Reward yourself each day: As my working environment is an island resort, I do a daily round around the resort walking or by bike. My win and reward of the day are to take a beautiful sunrise picture.
Get on a sleep schedule: Going to bed early and waking up early every day trains my body and gives a good sleeping pattern. This helps me to get myself connected to people early in the morning.
Productive Output: Starting early every day helps me to concentrate well, this helps me to achieve my targets of the day. Early morning, I have fewer interruptions and fewer calls which allows me to focus on work and completes faster. if you are a writer or blogger this is could help you for sure.
Use the time well: When I started early I had enough time in the morning. Later on, with my schedules, I started to read, write, and watch the sunrise to use the time but I never miss having my early morning coffee. This allows me to use my time for leisure for my morning routine.
More Organized: Being an early riser helps to kickstart my day. The unfinished work of the previous day, the urgent tasks and prioritize my day accordingly.
When I get my half of the task done by 10 am to 11 am before my coffee break it feels and gives me the confidence that I can still be fast and productive. This makes my day feel successful. I believe it is absolutely fine and normal to feel proud and celebrate daily performance.
To motivate me I use to tease some of my friends by saying, you are having coffee at my lunchtime.
You can keep on waking up late or you can decide to adopt this healthy habit and be exceptional.
“Early to bed and early to rise makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise.” ~Benjamin Franklin
About the Writer: Hassan Shifau is the Manager of People & Culture at Anantara Hotels, Resorts, and Spas. He a keen learner who believes in success through hard work.
