🌅 While You Sleep, I’m Building Me

Excellence isn’t born at 9 a.m. — it starts long before the world wakes up.

When people ask about my morning routine and I say it starts at 4 a.m., they usually respond with an “OMG, you’re crazy!” But here’s the thing — this is a habit I’ve built over time, and it works for me.

My daily routine is made up of small, consistent habits I’ve practiced for years. Success doesn’t come from showing up on time — it comes from showing up prepared.

While you’re sleeping, I’m working on me. I start my day with gratitude, prayer, and exercise — because how you begin your morning sets the tone for everything that follows.

Those early hours are quiet, intentional, and sacred. It’s my time to center myself before the world starts demanding pieces of me.

By the time you walk into work, I’ve already read every report, reviewed my follow-ups, and planned my day. While you’re flustered, I’m calm and managing — because I started my day with intention and alignment.

I know what you might be thinking — “Oh, I bet she works from home.” Let me just say this clearly: I do NOT work from home. When I leave, my computer stays.

That’s how I maintain my work-life balance. I’m a firm believer in being 100 percent present where you are. 

Things will always happen, and work will always be there — but your peace, family, and health deserve space too.

That’s actually part of why I go in early — to get a jump start. Most days, I leave by 4:00 or 4:30 p.m., and occasionally 5:00 if a concern arises. When I’m at work, I give it my all.

When I leave, I allow myself to disconnect and be fully present in my personal life.

Even arriving an hour early can change the entire flow of your day.

That one quiet hour gives you time to breathe, plan, and prepare before the chaos begins.

I’m a 9:00 to 9:30 p.m. type of woman. There’s no staying up all night scrolling social media or binge-watching TV — that time is for relaxing, preparing for the next day, reading, or spending time with family.

I thrive in structure, and I protect my peace through routine.

Sure, there are nights when I feel like watching a movie, but I always regret it the next morning when I’m tired and not functioning at my best.

That’s the choice I make daily — delayed gratification over instant gratification.

Succeeding as a Director of Nursing requires more than clocking in for your 9-to 5.

It’s about building systems, creating habits, and preparing your mind before the day begins.

When you lead intentionally, everything flows differently — your team feels it, your outcomes reflect it, and your peace stays intact.

💜 Planning and Preparation Produces Positive Outcomes. #ButDidYouFollowThrough?

Ask yourself — what could one extra hour in the morning do for your peace, your focus, and your team?

The truth is, excellence is built in the quiet hours — the ones no one sees.

So tomorrow, set your alarm a little earlier and start building you.

Lead with Love,

💜 Your Fav Nurse Leader,

Bilquis Ali