A habit is a recurrent, often unconscious pattern of behavior that is acquired through frequent repetition. I’m a consultant so my job is rarely the same, and I love that.  Tonight, I realized I have a terrible unique habit for first days. I break most of the rules and still manage to succeed.

First, I hardly sleep. Sometimes I don’t at all. First days make me anxious and nervous so I overanalyze and think critically about what’s coming my way. It usually makes me really prepared, or the lack of sleep keeps me on my toes all day. It’s great and makes me wonder what else my human body can do.

Second, I wear the same outfit. I’m a guy who loves to take chances with his wardrobe selections but not on the first day. I have an “IBM blue” dress shirt and standard grey dress slacks that I pair with black dress shoes and a black belt. I can’t think of any important occasion that I haven’t worn this ensemble. My dad gave me the shirt, giving me the “IBM” line for interviewers, and I was with my mom when she bought me those dress shoes from Glendale Mall in Indianapolis. I think she shared some of her knowledge about retail upselling at the time. I have a terrible memory, but I remember those small comforting details that relax me on a first day.

Third, show up early. This is actually one of “the rules” but it’s very important to me. I hate being the first one there. It’s an anxiety trigger that I’m doing something wrong (e.g. where is everyone else?). If I’m cutting it close on time, it usually sparks an adrenaline rush that makes me super attentive for the first hour. Being just early enough is the most challenging part of a first day for me.

Finally, do you. If you need eight hours of sleep and a cup of coffee in the morning, do it. If you function better without sleep and a quirky routine like me, do it. The sooner you identify your DNA (what makes you, you), the more successful you’ll be on your first day. Some need chaos, some simplicity, some don’t need anything out of the ordinary. What do you need? What are your first day habits?