I am not a morning person. During the workweek I try to have a very set morning routine. It is the only way, for me, to get out of the house on time.

My morning routine starts the night before, when I carefully pick out my clothes. If I don’t have my outfit hanging on the bathroom hook when I wake up, I know that I will spend an inordinate amount of time trying to put together the right pants, blouse, and blazer. Although, at least twice a week, I find myself debating by changing my pre-selected outfit, as if I suddenly developed new taste overnight. Those thoughts add back into my morning the fifteen minutes I was trying to save the night before.

 I also mentally schedule myself a full fifteen minutes for breakfast, which sounds reasonable until I realize when I get into the kitchen, I only have five minutes. Coffee is non-negotiable, because without it I am technically awake but not legally functional. Over the years I have learned the importance of eating breakfast. If I am in a healthy mood, my breakfast may be prepared the night before (think overnight oats). If not, it’s a quick whatever I can grab and eat in five minutes.

 By the time I leave the house, if I’ve successfully followed my plan, I am on time, well dressed and well caffeinated and nourished. Sometimes two out of three is more than acceptable.

What is your plan for being on time in the morning?