My Low-Tech Secret to Getting Up Early Every Day

  I skipped my 6:00 AM workout this morning for only the 3rd time since December 21, 2013. I've been ruthless these past 6 months about getting up early and getting a workout in.Consistently getting up early will change your life. But, it's difficult. Here's?my secret:I take a black marker and mark an "X" through that day's square on my calendar every morning when I return from my workout. It is surprisingly satisfying to make that mark each day, and to look back and see the series of "X's" earlier that month makes me feel as if I'm really accomplishing something.I get up every morning between 5:00 and 5:30 AM; some (most?) mornings, I'd much rather roll over and go back to sleep. But, knowing that the day's calendar will lack a fat "X" through it if I don't get up and go has given me the motivation to overcome the desire to go back to sleep.This technique will work for other things, too.Want‘to give up Coke?Pray every day?Stop watching?The Bachelor?Try the calendar technique and let me know how it goes. ?I have a bad shoulder and needed a rest day today. Still, part of me wishes May 22 had a big "X" through it....? I get up early on Sundays, too, but I don't workout on Sundays, and so I don't mark through the day. Plus, I like making Sundays different, set apart.