Work with your Biology

You are unique. The complex arrangement of cells and DNA that create you are one of a kind. Others may be similar, but you are the only on just like you. As a one of a kind masterpiece, you should embrace that which is absolutely you. How, you may ask, does this relate to achieving your goals.

A part of our biology is that we all have a biological clock (and not the baby clock).  Biochemical, physiological, and behavioral studies have shown us that the body operates in cycles.  This rhythm has come to be known as the “circadian rhythm” (circadian literally translated from Latin for “around the day”).  These cycles can be queued by external stimuli such as sunlight, or darkness… but when these factors are removed, the human body still adheres to it’s own rhythm of just over 24 hours.  During this rhythm, processes like body temperature, brain wave activity, and hormone production surge up and down as your body adjusts.  So then, it stands to reason that you will be far more productive during times when your brain wave activity and energy levels are higher, as opposed to the hours when it dips.

We are all unique in that the time of day we are most productive is not the same for everyone. Some are early morning people. The pop out of bed with loads of energy and are most productive early in the day. Others are slow starters who are most productive late in the morning or in the early afternoon. Still others are true night owls, the later it gets the more productive they become. Much of finding your own circadian rhythm has to do with paying attention to what your body is telling you.

It is important to figure out when you are most productive and devote this time to the biggest (i.e. most important) tasks. What a waste it would be working on the low mental engagement items during a time when your mind and body are working at full efficiency and productivity.  This would leave the truly important tasks for times when you are not physiologically prepare to deliver the best results. Work with the natural rhythms of your body. Use your unique biology to be most productive.

Your most productive time (no matter the time of day that is right for you) is the time to tackle the things that require your highest attention. This time is also a great time to be your’ most creative. Tasks that do not require full attention should be relegated to your less productive times. Harness the power of your biology to work smarter.