Replies could be generated automatically. Since I presume they are checking applications on computers/tablets they could make checks next to each question. The person reviewing the application could simply check "Not good enough" or "Deal-breaker" next to the answer. It wouldn't be a lot but at least you'd get some idea on what needs improvement, and it wouldn't take much effort on their part. Or am I over-simplifying this?

For me, at least, rationalizations and planning don't work when it comes to forming new habits. I just have to jump into it. With sleeping, I set my alarm clock at 4:30 and got up. First couple of days were tough, but eventually my internal clock shifted.

Having said that, you should have a good reason for waking up early aside from "I want to be one of those guys that get up super early; they seem to do so much work before I even open my eyes." For me, it was a couple of reasons: - doing my morning power walk before all the traffic (so I can put in my earbuds and crank up the noise) - getting stuff done before everyone else wakes up and messages/emails/calls... start - prepping most of my food for the day so that I save more time - avoiding evenings when I have to do a lot of work so I can focus more on reading/learning

It also helps if you're tough on yourself. I know I won't achieve what I want by irregular sleeping schedule and spoiling myself. And if there is ever a late night I still get up at the same time; I just take a caffeine pill later in the day.

If I could count the number of hours I spent in my life half awake in my bed - it would fill many holidays <sigh>

I've tried a number of times to rise early, but I've never managed to do it consistently. When considering to get up, I can't convince myself that i HAVE to get up, since I can do what I want to do later anyways.

It seems that, on my own, the reasons are not strong enough for me to get up: the only thing that worked was when I had a commitment with a group of friends to swim at 7AM with them.