Onboard computers are now in command of the countdown
I keep being almost-late to work. This is unsatisfactory to me, so I have spent some time identifying the cause in hopes of making changes.
The cause is fairly clear. In order to get to work on time, I must get out of bed at a time of day when my mind is especially fogged and sluggish. Though I keep an eye on the clock, I am repeatedly unable to summon any sense of urgency until I reach the point at which I really should have gotten out of the shower 5 minutes ago. Then I panic, my mind clears, and I efficiently complete my morning preparations and head out the door.
Now, the obvious answer is, “You lamer, get your act together, concentrate, and get moving!” Unfortunately, that’s a bootstrapping problem. Despite repeated attempts, I find myself completely unable to focus or concentrate until that first burst of adrenaline. Though I don’t like drinking soda in the morning, perhaps caffeine pills would help as part of my morning chemistry regimen. (Boy, does that clash with my action-hero fantasies. Dammit, Indiana Jones doesn’t have to hit a pharmacy every 6:30am.)
If they ever offer me that earlier shift, I could be looking at a problem.
What works for me, when almost nothing else does, is having someone help. If I’m having trouble getting up I enlist somebody to call me and chat me up first thing in the morning, it helps with the groggy.
It doesn’t always work though. But might be worth it.