Manage your energy - not your time!

WHEN ARE YOU MOST PRODUCTIVE?

ARE YOU A NIGHT OWL?

Useful strategies for night owls

Owls are slow to start but creative in the morning, slumping midday, and at their productive peak at night. Although the traditional work day isn’t structured for night owls, they are roughly 1 in 4 office workers. Too often, owls are subtly penalized for not fitting productivity stereotypes about go-getters and “early birds.” But that’s a mistake: Work is global now, so all 24 hours count. There are real advantages to having some sharp minds in the evening. If you manage an “owlish” team, don’t load up the morning with meetings. Set deadlines that allow people the flexibility of finishing tasks after traditional office hours, if that is when they feel most focused and energetic.

• Negotiate later start and finish times.
• Collaborate with a team or manage customers in a different time zone.
• Offer to work the “last leg” to get projects over the finish line.
• Create an “overnight” analysis that others can use in the morning.

HOW CAN YOU OPTIMIZE YOUR PEAK TIME?

Your peak hours are like gold - spend them wisely!

Examples of work that benefits from peak time

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• Writing, analyzing, and researching
• Reviewing complex data or documents
• Strategic planning or thinking
• Technically demanding processes
• Meeting with important clients
• Negotiating critical business
• Pitching and presenting
• Resolving difficult customer problems

Include something that personally invigorates you in your three daily goals. It will make you happier—and more effective, too!

First, identify three important things you want to accomplish to get the most out of your peak time each day. Ask yourself:

• What is strategically important?
• What can I do to drive results?
• What activity will fulfil me?

Next, write down your top three goals. Keep them clear and brief - about the amount of text that would easily fit on a sticky note. By writing three goals, you’re setting peak time priorities for that day. You’re not replacing a more complete to-do list or a project tracking system.

Finally, decide which goals you’ve identified for the day would benefit most from peak time. Remember that you are most capable of deep, strategic thinking at your peak. Peak time is great for solo work, but it doesn’t have to be. It often brings optimism and goodwill, so it can also be a good time for collaboration. But a word of advice: Just because it’s your prime time doesn’t mean it will always be easy to sustain focus.

WHEN YOU HIT A SLUMP

Slumps are inevitable. Your biological peak won’t last forever. When you’re starting to lose energy and focus, don’t force your way through a task that suddenly feels twice as difficult. You’ll only waste time and, potentially, make errors. Recognize that your energy has weakened and take a short break.

Go outside for a walk, get a healthy snack or a drink, connect with a coworker.

Tackle routine work!

Don't make judgement calls!

MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR SECOND WIND

What work could you do during this second wind of energy?

During your rebound period, revisit the three goals you wrote down for the day. Is there anything left to accomplish?

• Write a rough draft.
• Tackle a complex problem.
• Bounce a plan off a coworker.
• Test a product or service.
• Look for inspiration.

Many people experience an afternoon slump, but the good news is that mood and energy begin climbing again in the late afternoon and early evening. Yes! The late afternoon rebound is a good time for important work that doesn’t require a high degree of precision. Some research suggests you may even be more creative during this rebound period.

HOW DID THE DAY GO?

When you are aware of how your energy and focus fluctuate throughout the day, you can make smarter choices about what you do - and when you do it.