The Common Traits of Successful Individuals

If you identify as a morning person, it may be due to your brain’s chemical balance. Neuroscientist Lisa Feldman Barrett explains that brain chemicals can sometimes act like a leaky hose, affecting how easily neurons communicate. So, if you find yourself at your best by 7 AM, that’s your brain's chemical cocktail at work. However, not everyone shares this trait.

For instance, my brain typically kicks into gear around 10 AM. As a self-employed individual, it's essential for me to heed my body's natural rhythm. While waking up at 7 AM might offer more hours in the day, the quality of work matters just as much as the quantity.

Interestingly, many people gravitate toward early mornings. CBS reports that 55% of individuals feel most alert between 5 AM and 12 PM. Notable figures like Yahoo’s Melissa Mayer manage on just four to six hours of sleep, while Apple’s Tim Cook and Twitter’s Jack Dorsey both rise early for exercise. While these habits work for them, they may not suit everyone.

The Myth of the Morning Person

It’s crucial to note that your brain requires 30 to 60 minutes to become fully alert after waking. So, even if you wake up early, your mind still needs time to adjust. Moreover, being an early riser does not guarantee success. A study from the University of Southampton found that night owls, who tend to sleep later, actually earn more and perform similarly on cognitive tests compared to their morning counterparts.

The findings don’t end there. Night owls may have more social and sexual advantages, but they also tend to procrastinate and engage in higher rates of smoking and drinking. Morning people, on the other hand, often report feeling happier and healthier. Both groups can argue their points, but ultimately, your body knows what works best for you.

Accepting Your Productivity Limits

When I experience a challenging workday, frustration sets in as I question why I'm not a super-productive machine. The reality is that our bodies have natural peaks and troughs; you might be most productive in the morning, slow down in the afternoon, and then experience a burst of energy as the day wraps up. Remember that neither you nor your mind has an infinite energy supply.

Research indicates that those who work longer hours are not necessarily more productive than those who work shorter hours. In fact, maintaining a life outside of work can enhance success by reducing stress and revitalizing your energy. After realizing this, I shifted from rigid writing goals to social ones, aiming to engage with friends and prioritize enjoyment. The rejuvenation I felt afterward was surprising—fun truly enhances productivity.

Challenging the “Ideal Worker” Mentality

The concept of the “ideal worker” is often skewed. As described by the Greater Good Magazine from the University of Berkeley, these individuals prioritize work over personal life, often neglecting hobbies or interests. They tend to have others manage domestic responsibilities, allowing them to focus solely on their careers.

In essence, the idea of the ideal worker is a myth. A study has shown that people often prefer to keep busy, even with trivial tasks, rather than embrace idleness. Even powerful figures seem to misunderstand this, as evidenced by Donald Trump’s remark on sleep.

Your Body Knows What’s Best

Understanding your natural rhythm is essential to your productivity. By accepting that you cannot be productive 24/7, you grant yourself a break from self-criticism. Embracing your limitations allows you to appreciate your unique qualities. Your natural rhythm will not allow you to forfeit sleep for the sake of productivity; eventually, your body will demand attention.

Your alertness will naturally fluctuate as brain chemicals ebb and flow throughout the day. Remember, you are not just an “ideal worker”—you are a human being with your own cycles and fluctuations. And that’s perfectly okay.

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