In our driven work environments, the early bird is often celebrated, while those who thrive later in the day are seen as outliers. This is the classic "owl and fowl" dilemma, where "fowls" (early risers) are praised for their punctuality, while "owls" (night owls) are often perceived as being late or unproductive. But what if our workplaces recognized that not everyone thrives on the same schedule? Obviously, the owls are still getting their meals in the evening and aren’t they known as the wise ones? By aligning with our circadian rhythms and finding our flow, we can achieve greater productivity and satisfaction in our work.
The circadian rhythm is the 24-hour internal clock that regulates sleep-wake cycles, varies from person to person. These variations are known as chronotypes. Some people are naturally inclined to wake up early (morning types or "fowls"), while others hit their stride later in the day (evening types or "owls"). Understanding your chronotype is crucial to optimizing your work schedule.
Despite the societal bias towards early risers, research shows that forcing an owl to work on a fowl's schedule can lead to decreased productivity and increased stress. This is where the concept of "flow" comes into play.
Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, a pioneer in positive psychology, describes flow as a state of complete immersion and focus in an activity. When in flow, time seems to disappear, and productivity peaks. However, achieving flow in a traditional 9-to-5 work environment can be challenging, especially for owls who are forced to work outside their natural peak hours.
In progressive workplaces, there is a growing recognition that allowing employees to work in alignment with their chronotypes can lead to better outcomes. When people can work during their natural peak energy times, they are more likely to enter a flow state, resulting in higher productivity and job satisfaction.
I experienced a vivid metaphor for this concept while traveling in Laos. The journey from Luang Prabang to Pak Beng was gruelling—a 10-hour trek against the strong Mekong current. The boat's loud engine struggled, and the passengers grew weary as we fought against the river's natural flow. On the return trip, however, everything was different. We travelled with the current, and the journey was smooth, peaceful and three hours shorter. The engine purred quietly, and the energy on the boat was calm and relaxed.
As I noticed the scenery gently passing by, it highlighted the importance of flowing with nature, rather than against it. When we align with our natural state, whether in a river or in our daily work, the journey becomes easier, more efficient, and less draining.
Three Ways to Align with Your Natural State
Identify Your Chronotype: Understanding whether you are an owl, a fowl, or somewhere in between is the first step. This self-awareness allows you to plan your day around your natural energy peaks.
Flexible Work Schedules: If possible, advocate for a flexible work schedule that aligns with your chronotype. Progressive companies are beginning to understand that when employees work during their peak times, they are more productive and engaged.
Prioritize Tasks During Peak Energy Times: Schedule your most demanding tasks during your natural high-energy periods. For owls, this might mean tackling creative work in the late afternoon or evening, while fowls might prefer early morning for complex problem-solving.
Embracing your circadian rhythm and working in flow is not just a personal benefit but a professional one as well. By understanding and leveraging your chronotype, you can align your work with your natural energy patterns, leading to greater productivity and well-being. Like a boat journey in Laos, it's easier to achieve your goals when you move with the flow of your natural rhythms rather than against them.
Learning to manage your energy is part of my transformational coaching package reach out if you would like to learn more.
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