Great Leaders Are Well Rested

I’m not a sleep expert by any means.  But what I’ve learned over the years from other experts will make you a better leader.  Consider this your wake up call to make the changes you need to be a better leader.

When you get enough sleep consistently, your outlook and attitude changes.  When you feel good, you act more outgoing; more cheerful.  Things don’t bother you as much.  You don’t get as stressed.  You’re more likely to work out.  You’re more likely to eat healthy.  Your energy level helps you to think quicker.  You get more done in a shorter period.  You accept bigger challenges and you dream bigger.  You’re less irritable so your personal life runs smoother.  Your employees love you because you show up rested and ready to share your genuine enthusiasm.

Most of us need at least 8 hours of sleep per night.  I believe that my need is closer to 9 hours, but that’s me.  My question for you to meditate on this morning is, do you want to become a great leader?  And if so, what role does sleep play in your life?  Are you getting enough?

My challenge to you… based on what most “experts” suggest:

1. Get rid of caffeine in your diet.  If you need it, you’re not getting the sleep you need (sleepiness is part of the way you were designed… to let you know that you need to rest).
2. Go to sleep at the same time every night.  If you need to wake up at 6am, go to bed no later than 10pm every night.  If you’re still getting tired, move that up to 9:00pm.  But stay consistent.  Any changes to your schedule will throw you off.
3. Get rid of all electronic devices in your room.  If anything, read an enjoyable book each night in bed that will help you wind down.
4. Put index cards and a pen by your bed.  If you think of an idea at night, just write it down and let it wait till morning.
5. Exercise every morning.  If you need to wake up 30 minutes earlier, than do that, throw on some running shoes, and run out the door for a quick job.  It will help you wake up and it boosts your metabolism all day.
6. Eat a good breakfast.  Not a big one.  A healthy one.
7. _____________________________________  (you tell me what goes here).

By the way, if you’re resistant to these ideas because you are a work-a-holic and can’t imagine losing 2 hours of work time just to get better sleep, I will challenge you big time on that.  My guess is that you will get more done when you feel great even if you have two hours less per day.