Find out when you work best

THIS TUESDAY ON TORIE TALKS… LET’S TALK ABOUT WORKING YOUR BEST.

I used to love to work in the late evenings; it was by far my best time to knock out big things. After years of college homework after working all day that may have been out of necessity.

Then I had kids.  And by the end of the day, I am toast.

Now I have realized, if it’s important, if I really need to focus on it, I must get it done in the a.m. when I am fresh. I take control of my day and schedule my big stuff early – not sacrificing my quality and time by leaving it late in the day. I know a task can take 2-3 times longer as the day progresses.

If I am running out of time to complete a project I am better to wake up a few hours early the next day to get it done than to stay up late and do a crummy job. It also helps that no one in the house wants to get up so early, so I have peace and quiet and hours of uninterrupted time. (Note that it is important to balance this with going to bed early to avoid burnout.)

“It’s important to determine which surroundings work best for you,
and then build that environment to suit your needs.”

-Marilu Henner

When is your best time? 
When do your best creative ideas come? 
When can you focus and knock out the important stuff?

Figure this out and use it to your advantage. And don’t fight it, if it changes—the night owl can turn into an early riser. I am living proof.

TAKE ACTION

Pay attention to how you work at different times of the day. When do you have the most energy?  When are you most focused? When can you best come up with creative ideas and solutions, and when is the best time to execute these plans?

Also, notice where you work. Are you best in your home office alone? At a busy cafe? In an office with other people buzzing around? Inside? Outside?  Find your magic formula and watch the magic happen.

Here’s to creating the life you LOVE!