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Slay Your Dragons Before Breakfast

I wrote this post exactly five years ago. However, there is rarely a week that goes by that I don’t provide the link to someone. It seems that I am not the only who struggles with this.

I awoke this morning to the dragon’s hot breath on my face. I was disoriented, not quite knowing where I was. I struggled to open one eye. Then another.

An Icon of St. George

And there he was. A dragon. A very big dragon. With three heads. Sitting in my bedroom, like so many mornings before, he was waiting. His heads swerved back and forth, dancing in the dim light. Each head alternately belching fire and hissing smoke.

I groaned. Here we go again, I thought. If only I could shut my eyes and will him away. No such luck. His presence only grew more menacing.

I knew that I had to act. I leapt from the bed and ran straight at him. I have learned by experience that my only chance at victory is to slay the dragon while it is still dark. Before the first rays of sunshine strengthen his already substantial advantage.

Fortunately, once again I prevailed. But my victory is short-lived. I will face him again tomorrow. And the day after that.

Although this sounds like a fairy tale, it’s not. It’s my reality, day after day.

I face a dragon named Lethargy every morning. It has three heads: Pneuma (spiritual), Soma (physical), and Nous (intellectual).

If I don’t slay this dragon before breakfast, he usually gets the best of me. After breakfast—when the day’s activities are crowding into my life—my chances of doing battle and winning drop dramatically. Sometimes I can emerge victorious. But rarely.

My chances are better if I get in my basic disciplines before I get assaulted with the demands of the workday.

So, before breakfast, I complete the following:

  1. Read the Bible.I use this weapon to cut off the dragon’s middle head. I don’t know why it is so hard to defeat, but it is. A thousand and one distractions vie for my attention. That’s why I grab a cup of fresh tea, head to my favorite den chair, and begin reading at once.The Scriptures prime the pump and strengthen my resolve. If I can cut off the middle head of spiritual lethargy, the other two go down much easier. Currently, I am reading through the Bible in a year, using The NKJV Daily Bible (Kindle Edition).
  2. Engage in exercise.I use this weapon to cut off the dragon’s left head: physical lethargy. Sometimes, I think this is even more important than the middle head. Why? Because if I am not exercising regularly, it negatively impacts every other area of my life. It becomes more difficult to manage stress. I find that I just don’t have the energy to fight the other beasts I encounter.Currently, I am doing cardio four mornings a week for one hour and strength training two days a week for one hour. Weather permitting, I run outside. Otherwise, I am in the gym. Gail and I usually go together. It’s helpful to have an accountability partner.
  3. Listen to books. I use this weapon to cut off the dragon’s right head: intellectual lethargy. I learned a long time ago that “leaders read and readers lead.” By definition a leader (as opposed to a mere manager) stays out in front of his people. To lead, you have to set the pace. You have to be a thought leader.The problem I have is that it is difficult for me to sit still. I have a hard time finding a long enough stretch in the day to sit down and really read. I keep getting interrupted—or distracted.

    However, by downloading books from Audible.com onto my iPhone, I can listen to books while I’m working out. Honestly, there are days when I hate to stop running or exercising because I am so engrossed in my book. It makes the time fly by.

Though I don’t do it before breakfast, I have one other discipline that I try to practice daily: prayer. I find that the best time for me to pray is in the car. This was easy when I had a commute. It usually took 35–40 minutes, so I had plenty of time. Now, I take advantage of any trip in the car. It’s become my rolling ”prayer closet.”

So what are your biggest dragons? What is your strategy for defeating them before breakfast?
Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

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Posted on January 10, 2012

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  • http://www.carolhenders.blogspot.com/ Henders Carol

    My biggest dragon is just getting out of bed! Once I’m up I head immediately for the gym, come home eat, then sit with my tea, Bible and have some reading and prayer time.

    The next biggest dragon is stopping the quiet time. I enjoy it so much I have to force myself to head for my desk to start working!

  • http://www.StoriesofRacialHealing.com Phyllis Unterschuetz

    You do an hour-long workout before eating anything in the morning? Isn’t it hard on your body to force it to perform like that without fuel?

    • http://www.MicheleCushatt.com/ Michele Cushatt

      I work out almost every morning, and usually don’t eat breakfast until I get back. But I typically need some kind of running snack before heading out (i.e. banana and peanut butter).

    • http://www.jeffrandleman.com Jeff Randleman

      I usually eat after my workout as well.

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  • http://talesofwork.com kimanzi constable

    I struggle with the same three dragons, and I read the Bible and listen to some aweosme podcasts in the morning. I wake up at 3 am to deliever bread so it’s pretty physical!

    • Jim Martin

      Kimanzi, waking up at 3 am to deliver bread!  Wow.  Sounds like it is very physical!

      • http://talesofwork.com kimanzi constable

        Yeah it is and it’s not my dream job. That’s why I’m following my dreams this year!

    • http://www.MicheleCushatt.com/ Michele Cushatt

      Ahhh … Podcasts. One of my fave early morning rituals.

  • Cindiet

    I totally agree about reading the Bible first thing in the morning. Beth Moore once said that she does so because “His mercies are new every morning” and for me that is so true. My husband and I pray in the car as I drive him to work…love that we get to spend time together praying for one another, for our family, friends, church and other concerns. And we had both gotten out of the exercise routine, but since the New Year we have been back to the gym and I do weights at home.

  • David Gould

    I would be interested to know if your prayer schedule (in the car) allows you to fir in the normal morning and evening prayers that are relatively normative for Orthodox Christians, and I imagine for deacons? How do you fit in day by day your vocational requirements as a deacon?

  • http://brandonweldy.wordpress.com Brandon Weldy

    Lethargy is my big dragon that faces me at the beginning of the day. I also face procrastination. My wife is a wonderful help. When my alarm goes off she often gets up and to head to the bathroom and turns on the shower for me. This forces me to get up, otherwise so much water would be wasted. Reading my Bible early in the day changes the mood of my entire day as well. 

    • http://www.MicheleCushatt.com/ Michele Cushatt

      Now that’s a good wife!

      • http://brandonweldy.wordpress.com Brandon Weldy

        Yes, she is pretty great! I’m thankful for all she does everyday.

    • http://www.jeffrandleman.com Jeff Randleman

      Sounds rather sneaky to me.  Does she go back to bed?  I bet she just wants your pillow…

      • http://brandonweldy.wordpress.com Brandon Weldy

        I read this comment to her and she laughed. She said she knows the sooner I get up the sooner she can get my pillow and go back to sleep.

        • http://www.jeffrandleman.com Jeff Randleman

          Lol!  And now you know the truth!  Enjoy the showers, because I bet there’s not a thing you can do about it…

  • Blclarke09

    I really enjoy getting your posts each morning. They always seem to be exactly what I need. I will add one thing I do which is to pray against the spirit of heaviness and to have positive dreams.

  • Tishsheard

    I started my own business last year and largely work alone, unless i am seeing clients. I am struggling to get started this year and struggling to have a positive outlook, although i had a very good year last year. I have recently joined your blog and am thoroughly enjoying your posts. They really are helping me in terms of planning and slaying the odd dragon or 2! Thank you!

  • http://jonstolpe.wordpress.com Jon Stolpe

    1 big cup which is probably the equivalent of 2 or 3 cups.

  • http://twitter.com/peterwalters64 Peter Walters

    Marshall,

    I am with you, once I start my day running it’s hard to slow down and get quiet.  Funny how my days are always better when I start out with prayer and planning yet there are many days when this gets thrown to the wind and my actions say God you will have to wait until tomorrow.  I am glad that at this point in my life more days start with prayer than without prayer.  

  • Nancy Fairweather

    Generally great advice- but you may find some benefit in splitting your Bible reading and prayer time.  Pray for half your current Bible time, then read the Bible.  Then ask God about anything you found difficult (or why you thought it was such an ‘easy’ passage).  I find greater benefit in being able to shut out the entire world and just be with God- this makes for bad driving lol, eyes shut and all… :D

  • Jk7javakafe

    @michaelhyatt, thanks for these powerful words. I have the same problem trying to slay my own “dragon” daily. Knowing what has to be some daily is the easy part, however, the “doing” part is where we as people tend to let the “dragon” hinder our daily activities. We all have to rid our lives daily from Satan.

  • Born2xcell4real

    Wonderful? you dragon seem to be same as mine but i have succeeded in slaying the spiritual and intellectual head in part, and ignored the physical part. I will push hard to slain this dragon completely. God bless you for this piece!

  • Ron Alvesteffer

    I like to pray in the car too.  That seems to be the best place to avoid distractions.  I turn off the radio, put the phone on vibrat and pray.  Also a good time to listen.  I always wonder though, why, when I am praying for patience, I seem to get cut off in traffic!  This challenges me and I think it is God messing with and testing me. :)  I

    • http://www.MicheleCushatt.com/ Michele Cushatt

      I’ve learned praying for patience is one of the most dangerous prayers!

  • http://www.facebook.com/eversmiling Kingsley Izuka Uchunor

    What a metaphoric post there!

    My most dreaded dragon USED TO BE reading the Bible before breakfast, until God gave me breakthrough that now my cliché is: “No Bible, No Breakfast” .  Once in a while I do exercise but what I do most commonly, for my physical well-being, is taking at least a glass of water before any other thing every morning.

    This has greatly helped my metabolism, in fact, I can not remember the last time I became ill.
    These are fast becoming a lifestyle!

  • http://www.jeffrandleman.com Jeff Randleman

    I just read this today!  Exactly what I needed.  Thanks!

  • http://www.joeyo.org Joey O’Connor

    This is such a timely post. I have been working out harder the past month with triathlon training (a new 2012 goal), but at the same time, been battling head colds that won’t go away.

    Fatigue, sickness and lack of focus can really cause the dragon to raise it’s head.

    On some days, one of the most spiritual things I can do is take a nap!

    • Jim Martin

      Joey, you are so right about fatigue, sickness, and lack of focus being factors that cause the dragon to raise it’s head.  I’ve experienced this as well.

      • http://www.joeyo.org Joey O’Connor

        Thanks Jim…we all need what I call “foxhole brothers.” Best to you! God bless…

  • Marty

    Great post.  I think what you’re doing is honoring the principle of “first fruits.”  You’re giving God the first and he’s blessing the rest supernaturally.  Blessings Michael.  I enjoy your blog.

  • Anton

    Michael my dragon has a fourth head – an emotional component. I need to review my dreams and goals every morning and say affirmations to keep me focused on what is important. If i do not keep focus, the urgent things can easily distract me from what is important. Great blog – I can’t wait for it every morning. ( we get it first in New Zealand) Anton

  • http://brevis.me Robert Ewoldt

    Michael, this is a fantastic post.  I like the metaphor of slaying the dragon early in the morning.

  • http://iconart.us Matthew Lawler

    Nice post. It’s real tough to slay him in the broad light of mid-day. Morning is definitely best!

    • http://theordainedbarista.com Barry Hill

      Matthew,
      By mid morning, if I haven’t already slayed the dragon, I’m already thinking about all the things on my list for the day—and it’s too late. you’re right, morning is best!

  • Angiewright7

    Great post! I love the imagery of the three headed dragon. I too like to listen to books. I even at times listen to my Bible. Another great audiobook source is @Christianaudio.com. They even sometimes offer some excellent audiobooks for free.

    • http://theordainedbarista.com Barry Hill

      Angie,
      I am with you! I have been listening to the Bible in my car on the way to work. My default radio station is ESPN Mike and Mike in the morning, but I have been replacing them with the word! And, now that the EAGLES are out of contention it’s a little less painful. ha. Thanks for posting!

  • Tim Blankenship

    Unbelievable timing on this post. With the New Year, I believe “resolutions” start with these disciplines. Thanks for sharing.

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  • Wayne Hedlund

    This is great advise. I try to be an avid reader but still feel like I’m always behind. I might just try listening to books. Thanks for the repost and reminder!

  • Dreemail

    Every time I read your blog I have less excuse, and I thank you again.  I do think there is some aspect of lethargy that is biological, but I think you would largely disagree.  I find that at the same time encouraging and frustrating.

  • Br Branch

    The evening is the best time to start the day, see Genesis.

    In other words, by going to bed with everything sorted, the mornings are prepared for you.

    This may mean, and usually does, putting all the days dragons out of your life, so to speak. Each day we encounter things that would make themselves at home with us if we would only let them sleep the night and be made welcome.

    Try it. Before hitting the pillow, engage in a meditation on the lessons learnable for the day, meaning the good and bad, and as you do so, allow your thoughts to be taken captive by the faith you have and by so doing, close the door on unwanted guests, being the dragons of the day. Instead enter into some deep and meaningful praise and worship and sink sweetly into sleep from there.

    The night is for preparation for the morning and the day that comes with it. Sleep well and the dragons will be a thing of yesterday.

    Blessings and love,

    Br. Branch.

    ps… the same is true for when we get home from work or anywhere (the shopping trip and drive may be a stir-crazy experience!) when we need to leave all dragons outside. A moment of two to decide to do so and we can enter the house and home without bringing any invaders in.

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  • Anonymous

    Lovely metaphor! 

    Recently I’ve created my dragon-slaying habits, though not only before breakfast:

    1. every evening a write a question to myself and in the morning I answer it
    2. in my daily commute to work I spent around 45 min in a bus – that’s where I read a book
    3. and then I spent around 20-30 minutes running

    This proves to be great exercise and definitely slays the dragon of lethargy :)

  • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_TAC57JBPM7Q4NKDANFKJXO5E5U Farhat

    Read the Quran as well. It is an amazing book. 

  • Drochester

    I really liked this.  Thanks for Sharing

  • http://www.beforethecross.com/ Mike Mobley

    Awesome post!  Love the disciplines set up for each day!

  • Izzy

    Such a good article :)

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  • http://twitter.com/ronadavis Rona Riley Davis

    My 3-headed dragon wears 3 hockey masks called SNOOZE 5, SNOOZE 10, and SNOOZE 5 More!!  My biggest hurdle in life is getting up!  Not waking up,  I do wake up, I just don’t stay awake & I don’t get up!  I stay up late, and have for as long as I remember.  As a wife, mom, solopreneur, and ministry founder it seems night is the only time I truly have to myself – uninterrupted, quiet enough to hear my thoughts and allow my creativity to flow into projects I cherish!  BUT, a few short hours later, again I smell that hot dragon breath, feel the fire crisping my eyelashes and open my eyes to see those ugly hockey masks staring me down, bullying me to hit the snooze and go back to sleep!  On the rare occasion I do wake up early, ahead of my family, and steal those precious morning hours alone I love it and my day goes so much smoother,  better, and more productive.

    I don’t know how to get out of this decades long cycle and yank off those hockey masks, crush them and bury them so I can THEN slay the dragon!  Any suggestions from rehabilitated night owls??? 

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  • The

    i love this article

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  • Lelanie9

    Thank you for this sharing this! My 5 year old daughter has been giggling since yesterday and tonight I asked her what is so funny, she told me she saw three heads. I googled three heads and found some interesting things. The serpent/devil is compared to a dragon in revelations, on another website they describe the devil as someone with three heads. Your dragon with three heads helped was like a confirmation. Everyone has a dragon and most people dont realise it. I prayed for my daughter and will keep on praying that Jesus will protect her body, mind and soul from this dragon! Thank you again…

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