How To Do More Work In Less Time

Early in my career, I worked for a tyrant. One day he stopped by my desk and asked me how things were going. “I’m working so hard I don’t have time to think,” I replied. (Note to file: this is not a good thing to say to your boss.)

“What time do you get to work?” he asked. I proudly told him that I was there everyday promptly at 9:00 a.m.

 

He was not impressed. “Get here at 8:00–that will give you plenty of time to think,” he said.

(And that’s not the only reason he was a tyrant.)

After that, during a long stretch of self-employment (see my post, “How To Make Money Without A Job“), I discovered a better way. It involves harnessing my biological clock–what scientists call circadian rhythms. These are the body’s daily cycles that put us to sleep and wake us up. By figuring out your best and worst periods, you can cut down on errors and accidents, take less time to complete complicated tasks and improve your creativity.

The first thing you need to determine is whether you are a morning person–what circadian physiologists call a lark–a night owl, or something in between (a hummingbird). If you don’t already know, you can take a survey, like the “Lark, Owl Or Hummingbird Questionnaire,” which downloads here as a PDF from the Cornell University web site.

Your energy level correlates with both body temperature and your body’s production of the hormone serotonin, which regulates mood, says Alan Hedge, professor of ergonomics at Cornell. Depending on the time of day, there can be a dramatic difference in your memory, ability to reason and think.

For optimal results, go to bed and wake up at about the same time each day, says James Maas, co-author with Rebecca Robbins of Sleep for Success! Everything You Must Know About Sleep But Are Too Tired to Ask. Forget all the macho execs who brag about getting by on a few hours. Most people need 7 to 8 hours of shut eye per night, but don’t get it, says Maas. “We’re a nation of working zombies.”

Hummingbirds hit their stride between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., have a mid-afternoon lull, and pick up steam again just before quitting. Here’s how they can organize work around high-energy periods. Larks and owls will need to adapt this schedule accordingly.

Morning peak (10 a.m. to 1 p.m.). This is when we tend to be most alert, cheerful and cooperative. It’s a good time for critical and creative thinking, operating tricky machinery, or doing tasks that you dread. If you’re planning to ask for a raise, catch the boss before 1 p.m.  Page 2.

Article from Forbes.com