rehearsal

I am pathetic at getting out of bed. I play the vicious game of "how much time can I shave off of my routine in order to make it to class or other obligations on time." On the weekends, when I have no set obligations, this game can go on for hours. It's pathetic. And the problem has only become worse as accounting has progressively drained me of energy. I hit rock bottom a couple of weeks ago and felt like such a loser because I am incapable of stepping out of bed before absolutely necessary. I am so sick of having just enough time. I want more time to do good things. So I took my issue to Google.

I searched "how to get out of bed on time" and came across a suggestion which is sending me well on my way to on-time-riser-hood. I'm so excited.

I now practice getting out of bed. Before it's time to get of bed. The logic behind rehearsing getting out of bed is sound. I now take about ten minutes before I go to bed to train my subconscious how to wake up when the alarm goes off. Charlotte laughed when I told her that I've been practicing getting out of bed. I laugh at myself too.

Rehearsal goes something like this:
1. Climb into bed and turn off the light.
2. Set the alarm for 1-2 minutes later.
3. Turn off the light and pretend to be sleeping.
4. The alarm rings
5. Routine commences: Push back covers, hit alarm, turn on light, jump down from top bunk, high-five Harry Potter wand that is by the bedroom door. (Yes, I am training my subconscious to high-five a fake wand as soon as I get out of bed. I feel it starts my way in style.)
6. Repeat steps 1 - 5 about four more times before going to bed for real.

And the best part is that this works! As soon as my alarm rings in the morning, even though I am tired and foggy, the routine immediately begins. It stills takes some effort for me to climb down from my bunk, but I have made it up on time for two days in a row! (This is a big deal for me.)

So yeah, I am turning into a punctual riser. I'm excited.

*What is the silliest routine you have had to practice?