When do you feel most productive?

When do you feel most productive? I find most people have a straightforward answer, like “morning” or “night,” but for me, the answer is, “it depends.” For me, productivity depends entirely on the type of work I’m doing, whether it’s creative work, routine office work, or routine housework. (I’m unpredictable.)

Mornings are best for my structured, routine tasks like meetings, email, and office work. It’s not all that exciting but it’s predictable, and I like getting those tasks all done earlier in the day. Same with housework for some reason. If I finish dusting the room and I get to see how clean it is in the sunlight, there’s a wonderful feeling of accomplishment that gets me through the rest of the day. 

Evenings are when my night owl personality comes out. That’s when creativity kicks in. Writing, brainstorming, and deeper thinking crawl out of the shadows and into the moonlight. My mind is free to wander and that’s often when the best ideas are born.

This contrast is exactly why having flexibility in your schedule is important. Having control over your time or running your own business allows you to align your work with your natural body rhythms. Instead of fighting against your energy levels, you can work in sync with them.

A strict 9-to-5 schedule can make this balance harder to achieve, and not everyone can have the luxury of deciding their schedule! I remember when I used to work a 9-to-5 and one time I was so sleepy that I forced myself to stay awake and type. I fell out of my chair, which jolted me awake – and this is my reasoning for a flexible schedule!

Understanding when you work best—and adjusting accordingly—is the best way to handle productivity. You’re not fighting your body or doing embarrassing things like falling asleep at the keyboard.