I’m Done Sleeping Now!

A number of years ago, friend and mentor Jeffrey Gitomer shared a stellar story of YES! Attitude by way of his granddaughter Morgan. The whole family is out to breakfast one morning and when Morgan reaches across the table for an item, she knocks over a full glass of orange juice. Rather then cower or cry, Morgan throws her hands up in the air and shouts “First spill of the day!”  If that doesn’t scream self-confidence and a positive attitude, I don’t know what does.

First spill of the day has long been one of my most favorite Gitomerisms of all time, but at the recent Gitomer Certified Advisor conference in Charlotte last week, another of Jeffrey’s progeny may have usurped the throne.

I like to stay up late and sleep in. It’s a bad habit, but one I am weak-willed in overcoming. That self-motivation required to open sleep-heavy eyelids and crawl out from under warm and cozy covers to greet the bright, cold light of day is lacking in my soul. But this past week Gitomer shared a new one-liner that I can use as a rally cry to begin the day.

Jeffrey’s youngest daughter Gabrielle Gitomer (who is currently four years old) woke up one morning and shouted from her room, announcing to the house:

“I’M DONE SLEEPING NOW!”

When I heard those words, I knew (after I stopped laughing!) that they were more than just a way to greet the morning, this phrase was a way to tell the world (and myself) that my eyes are open to a new day filled with ideas and adventure and possibilities. That my body (and spirit) are done slumbering and it’s time to go do great things.

So now when the alarm clock goes off in the morning, I open my eyes and shout “I’m done sleeping  now!” and it never fails to propel my body out of bed and my mind into the game.

Thank you, Gabrielle!