The Early Bird Catches the Worm

By Brenda Jank

A popular pastime people love is finding hidden treasures all around the world. Some treasure hunters rise hours before dawn just to be the first hunter onsite.  

We’ve all heard the expression, “the early bird catches the worm” as some type of motivational incentive. As children, this may have been a helpful motivational tip to make sure we are on time and eager to become successful. Does that same motivation translate into our busy, chaotic, adult schedules? 

The old English proverb encourages eagerness and motivation, but what if we don’t catch the worm? A lot of guilt, shame, and weariness can arise from this high standard.

Did you know most birds sleep between 10-12 hours a day? If they don’t get enough sleep they can become cranky and even unwell. 

We don’t need to lose sleep in order to catch the worm. 

Here are some small ways to help make rest a priority so you can complete your daily duties and tasks.

  • Give yourself a bedtime. Sometimes this is the first step.
  • If sleep (or lack thereof) is your worst enemy – don’t give up the fight. Consider a trip to your doctor to explore underlying issues that may be the culprit.
  • Begin exploring think-outside-the box solutions today. Enjoy our Sleep Survival Guide.

The early bird cannot be successful if they don’t get the proper amount of sleep. 

Be still, rest, and catch those worms!


Brenda Jank and the Run Hard. Rest Well. team are thought leaders in the arena of Restorative Wellness. Find additional resources at www.RunHardRestWell.org. Contact us at: Brenda@runhardrestwell.org

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