One of our readers sent in a request. "How do I get up early in the morning without hitting the snooze button?" I chuckled when reading this request because I can easily relate to this issue. I confess I too am a 'snooze button' junkie! I thought I had created a solution to this problem by putting my alarm clock across the room.
My logic was that once I was up, I wouldn't want to go back to bed.WRONG! I jump up, hit the snooze button and then gleefully jump right back in to my nice warm bed. And, I will do it more than once! I know it's a crazy habit. Oh, and by the way, my clock is set 15 minutes ahead of the actual time in addition! I decided that if the reader and I are both struggling with this issue, then there are other 'snooze button' junkies in our community. We all know that this is a habit and habits can be changed - IF we decide to do it.
It takes 21 days to change a habit. So how do we take a habit from annoying, interfering, or embarrassing into actually creating a new habit for ourselves? Don't you feel better when you make the decision to change and actually do it? Using the belief that it takes 21 days to change a habit, start by understanding yourself: -Why do you hit the snooze button? -Are you getting enough sleep? If not, then of course, you will want to continue to sleep. Try to modify your behavior and start slowly by going to bed 15 minutes earlier the first week, 30 minutes the second and 1 hour the third week. Take the full 21 days to develop your new sleep pattern.
-Maybe you go to bed at a reasonable time but don't sleep well. In this case, try doing relaxing activities before bed. You've probably heard about taking a bath, reading a book or listening to good music. In essence, unwind with something relaxing. Forget the eating, exercising and talking on the phone before going to bed. Most people become stimulated when they speak on the phone.
3 Steps to Change -Decide what you want to change and spin the words in a positive manner. For example, instead of stating "I want to stop hitting the snooze button," replace it with "I am getting out of bed and starting my day when the alarm rings." See the difference? You are training your mind to think it will accomplish what you want.
-Select a date when you will complete this goal -Write down your goal (three times) every night before you go to bed - make sure you use the positive wording. As you sleep, your mind can work for you. I have used the above three steps successfully in making changes in my life. Just keep it small and simple and you will develop your "success muscles." I plan to start this new goal tonight. Good luck to all of the 'snooze button" junkies in our community! Let me know if you are successful in developing a new habit.
Copyright (c) 2008 Pat Brill.
Pat Brill is the co-author of "Busy Moms: The Heart and Soul of a Home", (http://www.busymombook.com ) an ebook filled with time-saving and stress-reducing tips and ideas to help build a stronger home, a stronger family and a stronger you. Pat can be reached at pat@busymombook.com.
