Has it been as busy a couple months for you as it has for me? I am a bit over-committed right now. I am trying to get caught up. I guess you could say I am Barely Surviving. How about you?

This morning it all came to a head when my alarm went off at 5:45AM. I knew it was going to be another grind until at least 9PM.

Snoozing the alarm and staying in bed definitely crossed my mind. A whole day of rest would do my mind and body a LOT of good. For a split second I really considered just bumping the snooze button. But here I am at work, wide awake and definitely not in bed.

While staying in bed was pretty enticing, I had some strong motives to get out of bed that helped me fight the alarm.

Here are the 10 reasons I got out of bed this morning:

1. My goals are clearly defined. I know what I want out of my life I know what I want out of my year, month, week and even day. I have written goals that include actions items for every day. The benefits of my goals are so strong that I couldn’t imagine losing out on a day of working towards those goals.
2. I know my “WHY.” Not only are my goals clearly defined, but I have clarity of purpose. I know “WHY” I am here. I know my calling. My purpose gives me the energy I need to keep going, even when I am physically and mentally tired.
3. I am a recovering slacker and I don’t want to relapse. Years ago I was a bit of a slacker. I don’t want to go back down that road. One day could change everything for me. Just like one drink could change everything for a recovering alcoholic.
4. I am not in college anymore and it’s not acceptable to sleep all day. Sometimes I yearn for the days when I was in college and I would go to two classes and then sleep the rest of the day. As great as it was sleeping for 16 hours a night– I’m not in college anymore. And to be honest, I don’t care to go back.
5. I would be bored by 8AM. It’s true. If I’d snoozed my alarm– sure I could stay in bed for a couple more hours. Maybe I would even get another REM cycle. But by 8AM I would be bored out of my mind. What would I even do for a full day of being lazy?
6. I had commitments today. On my calendar, I had phone and in-person appointments. I had work to do with clients and I have an engagement this evening as well. The definition of commitment is: following through and doing what you say you’ll do. Nothing would have been done if I’d have stayed in bed all day. I decided to keep my commitments because they are important to me.
7. I have developed a habit of getting up early and starting my day. My routine is just that, a routine. I have developed a habit of getting up at 5:45AM and starting my day. At this point it is unnatural for me to stay in bed. I am a routine type of person so breaking the routine would be difficult for me.
8. What would tomorrow look like if I stayed in bed today? I don’t even want to think about this question. It wouldn’t be pretty.
9. I had a choice. Staying in bed is a choice and I chose not to do so. Just like not being productive is a choice or being lazy is a choice. I refuse to choose any of those!
10. It’s my Dad’s birthday today and I knew he would be working. My Dad, who works in my business alongside me, turned 62 today. He only has like 60 minutes of time today that isn’t with clients and it’s HIS birthday! And let’s be honest he isn’t a spring chicken. If he got up today, you bet I was getting up. Oh yea and HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my Dad, Bill Moyer! Best dad ever!

Those are the reasons I got up today. They are the reasons I wake up early every day. Why did you get up today? If you’re struggling to find the motivation to wake up early, I would suggest you figure out an answer to some of the reasons I laid out above. What is your why? What are your goals? These are what will empower you to avoid the snooze machine.

Most of my reasons really come down to the fact that I love what I do. I know why I’m here and have taken personal responsibility for my goals and my actions. I am committed to being the BOSS of my life.

How about you?