It’s hotly debated (at least on the internet!) whether Daylight Saving Time serves any purpose in today’s world. Springing forward and falling back certainly cause issues which may be considered challenging and possibly beneficial. In any case, this month we did ‘fall back’ and as I do most years, I had a conversation with myself about how to use the “extra” hour in the morning.

Depending on your situation and frame of mind the idea of extra time might bring thoughts of more sleep, more work, increased efficiency, freedom or abundance. My first thought was to wake up early and get some work done. “Control” my time, line up and knock off those pesky tasks that tend to elude me during busy days. I immediately rebelled against and discarded this idea. I already work many hours and get plenty done every day!

There are many great books and tools to help us frame in and optimize our time. I’m currently reading two books on the subject and love them both!

• Off the Clock: Feel Less Busy While Getting More Done by Laura Vanderkam    @lvanderkam
• The Miracle Morning: The Not-So-Obvious Secret Guaranteed To Transform Your Life… (Before 8AM) by Hal Elrod    @MiracleMorning

As a start, I’ve implemented a little tweak rather than a massive overhaul. My goal is to keep it simple and focus on two things I have direct influence over – the time I choose wake up every day and the mindset I bring to that day. Here’s what is actually happening so far. I wake up just a little earlier and read or listen to something that sets me up for a calm and grateful morning. Then I get to walk my dog a little further, spend a few minutes more over coffee with Paul, and generally rush a little less. So far this is a happy improvement to my mornings and a great start to my days. We’ll see what happens in 6 months when it’s time to spring forward!

My little Sunrise pup and me enjoying the early morning!