I used to sleep long hours and I used to dread early morning swims/workouts. But the years have changed me. Now, I love waking up at the crack of dawn, or even earlier. One day I woke up early enough to drive to the beach and see the sunrise, and from that day on I decided daylight needs to be taken advantage of to the fullest.
That doesn't mean I don't loooooove my sleep. I do very much. But I rather start my day early enough to have time to do everything I need to do and don't waste my day sleeping and procrastinating my daily activities. So, it's been a while (I don't actually remember exactly when it started) that I begin my day early and I do my "morning routine" - Coffee, protein and fruit smoothie, TV morning news (I love Good Morning America) and my computer. I do all these before my swim and weight lifting workout.
After my swim practice I come back home for breakfast and continue my work. I can't begin to tell you how efficient that schedule is for me and how much I do even before noon comes around. It is just great! So the main thing I want to share with you today is how important is to schedule and plan your day - start your day waking up early and planning your day with everything that comes with it, responsibilities and recreation - and by that I mean work, food and exercise. There's no point to work your butt off when you forget about your body and your health. Create a plan that fits all the areas in your life without slacking in any of them - They all deserve your attention because they all make what and who you are.
And above all - Love yourself.