Do you remember the classic TV show The Twilight Zone? There was one episode in particular that I think about some time. There was a soldier that suddenly noticed time had stopped, for everybody but him. He walked around and there were people outside frozen in time. Everything was standing perfectly still.
Waking up early feels a little bit like that old episode. Everyone is asleep in their beds, and the roads and sidewalks are almost completely empty. I’ve discovered early mornings this year, and I love it. I’ve been waking up at about 5:30 and heading to Cross Fit or hitting the golf course. I can complete 9 holes of golf before many people are even awake. I’m not the only one out there, but I might as well be.
I’ve really been enjoying these early mornings, and it got me thinking that staying up late doesn’t compare. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy binge-watching shows on Netflix and staying up late with a good book, but there is something magical about early mornings. No distractions, just the chance to accomplish what matters most to you.
I’ve been a night owl for the last few years, it was really the only way to keep my sanity after working a long day and finally getting the kids to sleep. Staying up late was the only way to get a break until I joined the early shift. I may be behind on Luther, Orange is the New Black and Sherlock – but I’m getting stronger and my golf game is showing signs of improvement and those things are more satisfying to me than a great episode of my favorite show.