Let the Day Go (and Tips for Waking Up)

Recently, I wrote about trying to fix my sleep habits, especially because of their connection with my morning devotions. I wanted to share a few brief reflections that didn’t end up making it into that post.

As an extreme introvert, I can idolize the time before bed. The day’s business is done. No more work, ministry, or events on the calendar. My wife is asleep and the house is quiet. I can relax and use the time however I want — whether that’s checking a few tasks off my to-do list or more often than not, unwinding with some entertainment. I value that “de-compressing” time.

There’s nothing wrong with alone time, but it becomes a problem when I hold on to the day too tightly. What do I mean? Going to sleep means the end of my blissful alone time and embracing the next day, with all it’s hustle and bustle, whereas staying up means prolonging those feelings of rest and relaxation just a bit longer. Once I’m in that frame of mind, it’s easy for the pull of entertainment to suck me in.

Instead I’m learning to “let the day go”. I’ll sometimes repeat that phrase to myself, when I find myself staying up too late. Yes, alone time is good in its proper place. But it’s not an escape from my God-given opportunities and responsibilities as a husband, friend, church member, son, and employee. Psalm 127:2 tells us that the Lord gives his beloved sleep. I don’t need to fear tomorrow and it’s worries. I can go to sleep with peace, excited to meet with God first thing in the morning. I can sleep in faith, knowing that God will provide fresh new mercy every morning and he is sovereign over the next days events.

Tips for Waking Up

We’ve touched on some of my heart issues for getting to sleep on time, but what about waking up? Practically speaking, the main factor of whether I’ll wake up or not is whether I can battle through the initial grogginess and get out of bed. In that moment of first waking up, the hazy fog of sleep is so powerful (somehow far less attractive when I’m deciding to sleep the night before!). It’s difficult to resist the urge to hit that snooze button and float off for another 10 minutes.

However, if I’m able to battle through the initial grogginess and make it through these 4 habits, I can usually start my morning on a good note:

Rehydrate – Chug water for 10 seconds
Brush Up – Splash cold water on your face, then brush your teeth, etc.
Movement – Do 10 pushups.
Light/Fresh Air – Turn on the lights (I’ll sometimes set my smart light to gradually turn on before my alarm) or go outside (helpful when I was doing my devotions at the park)

The key is that no matter how miserable you feel, to run through these habits on auto-pilot. This video expands on healthy habits for waking up early without feeling tired.

Until next time!

Why Keep Writing?

I’ve never been the most consistent writer. One of the main reasons why I started this blog was to write shorter, more informal posts that I could churn out on a regular schedule. Unfortunately, I’ve already started and stopped multiple times.

But I’m not giving up yet! I’m writing this brief post to recommit to my original posting schedule of a new post every two weeks on Wednesday.

Why keep writing for 1G?

I’ve found myself musing more about this question. Life is full and busy these days with marriage, increased responsibilities at work, and ministry and relational commitments. Why spend time with the tedious, often frustrating writing process, even for these short posts?

Two thoughts:

One Foot Forward, One Day’s Grace

I still believe in my purpose for this blog: to explore grace-fueled productivity for struggling people, one step at a time. As I near 30, this reason sometimes feels silly. Many of my peers are advancing in their careers, starting families, and stepping into leadership roles. It can feel like the season for small steps has passed. Now, it’s time to grit your teeth, grow up, and make up lost ground.

Still, I know there are those who find simple tasks overwhelming, even if they look like they have it all put together on the outside. I know I still feel that way. I want to write to encourage those people. Learning to write consistently is a way for me to strive to be productive, one step at a time.

Committing to Lifelong Learning

As life becomes more busy, it’s easy to adopt a passive approach to life, without reflection on the way I’m living. Writing about grace-fuelled productivity helps me examine my habits and day-to-day practices, and brainstorm how I can improve.

Conclusion

I’m not sure exactly what these next posts will look like, but I’m hoping to have fun and not take my content too seriously. I’ll see you again in two weeks. Until next time!

Hesitations

I went back and forth about whether to make 1G a public blog or keep it as a personal project. Here were my main hesitations:

#1: I don’t have a great track-record of success

Most productivity resources are written by people who have scaled the mountain of productivity. Their advice is credible, because it is tried and true in their own lives.

Me? I wouldn’t say I’m at the bottom of the mountain, but I’m not that far from base camp. I’ve read a fair amount about productivity. And I’ve tinkered and failed enough to have an idea of my tendencies, what works and doesn’t work for me, and what I should try going forward.

Still, I’m far from a productive person. Like many, I’ve made resolutions in January, only to fall flat by February (or mid-January). I have all kinds of bad habits which have persisted for years. With my track-record, what evidence do I have that this time will be different?

#2: My life feels so ordinary and these changes seem so small

Most productivity gurus are incredible people. They’re innovative entrepreneurs, influential pastors, or prolific bloggers with demanding jobs and families to care for. Meanwhile, here I am just straining to be a competent adult.

Who am I to write about productivity? I don’t have a crazy life or crazy goals. I work a modest job with modest responsibilities at church and at home. Will my efforts to grow seem silly? What will others think about the ordinariness of my life and aspirations?

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Ultimately, (with some prodding from a persistent friend) I’ve decided to write publicly. In many ways, pushing forward despite these hesitations is the whole point of 1G. I suspect others struggle with similar reservations. They’re afraid of resolving to change, out of fear they’ll fail like all the other times before. Or they’re afraid that trying will bring them face to face with past mistakes and a mediocre life.

If that’s you, know I’m right here with you. I’m no productivity expert; I’m just a normal guy! So if I can slowly but surely change by God’s grace, then maybe you can too.