Bollocks to working 9 to 5: Why after 20 years of graft I'm learning to trust my own body clock
Do you ever wake up early and have one of those doink moments?
This morning, for some unexplained reason, my first thought was a brand new invention, designed to help evenly disperse the warm air that rises from a traditional household radiator.
As I came to a bit more, I pondered what a simple but ingenious idea it could be.
Forcing warm air down to your chilly toes, not just up the wall and across the ceiling above your head. It could save household hundreds of pounds, saving the planet to boot.
Thank goodness for Google however.
One quick search for 'radiator fan' and lo and behold a company from North Shields has already created just that, the Radfan.
They even have a helpful cartoon to illustrate the problem I thought my idea would solve. Hey ho.
Next thought was another potential business idea. Something that has slowly been formulating. Incubating in my mind, gradually taking shape. I jotted down a few pointers. But lost impetus after a bullet point or two.
The third was in relation to a potentially much bigger project. Something I would happily buy into if it came my way in my old role at Asda, but the reality is I'm not going to be selling it to me.
I checked the time. It was just after 7.30am.
Multiple leads researched, including the ownership structure of a US beverage company, a couple of emails despatched, and a not so new invention already put to bed.
I wondered if I'm normal. If not, what on earth is wrong with my head? 90 minutes of activity, and I hadn't even got out of bed. The wife was just beginning to stir. The kids still fast asleep. Unfortunately this is how my brain is wired.
My wife by comparison prefers to burn the midnight oil.
While opposites clearly attract, it can make for painful conversations when we're trying to discuss anything of note after tea time.
By early evening my ability to think has diminished to such a degree as to render me monosyllabic.
Unfortunately this can be misconstrued as being rude, uninterested, or worse.
You could argue I peaked too soon 12 hours earlier.
I shamelessly use mindless TV and Twitter, to help me coast towards sleep at the end of the day.
Once well rested however, I then wake with a start, and off we go again.
I turn my devices on, and immediately crave mental stimulation.
Being in sync with your own body clock at my age is important. I've gone past the point of being energetic all the time, I've also resigned myself to being me.
I'm alert first thing. This is when I do my best thinking. I need to write earlier in the day, or at the very least break the back of any blog I'm penning.
Meetings at lunchtime are fine, but no alcohol otherwise I'll make shit decisions.
Afternoons should be relatively relaxed, meeting friends and colleagues, but not trying to impress new people.
Evenings are sacred and should be used for well earned time off. Unless I'm going to an event which is fun, playful, or entertaining.
Resist the urge to work at weekends at all costs, in spite of having the energy and ability. Force yourself to be distracted. And that's it. For me...
It's taken me a while to realise how to be in sync with my own body. But now I have I realise, unlike Dolly, working 9-5 is not the best way for me to make a living.
Follow Dom on Twitter @domburch