How to work smart

Here’s one tip on working smarter:

Do your deep work (the work that requires the most concentration) EARLY.

How early is that?

Many scientists that study the circadian rhythm say that mental alertness for most people is at an all time high around mid-morning, which is around 2-4 hours after we wake up. If, for example, you wake up at 7, your brain’s peak performance time is between 9 and 11 a.m.

What kind of work should I focus on during this time?

You can block off this peak performance time to allow your analytical brain to concentrate on the most complex tasks: reading, comprehension, critical thinking, problem-solving, applying what you’ve learned, repeating and recalling new information.

What are the benefits of doing deep work early?

Doing your deep work early in the day allows your brain to focus fully on the problem at hand, with fewer distractions, less inputs from your environment, and with the energy that you've gained from a restful night. It's the exact opposite of what can happen if you leave your hardest work for nighttime, when you are exhausted from all the work you’ve done during the day.

How can I get into this habit?

• For one week, keep a log of what you do during your peak times. Are you focusing on your important mental tasks? Are you learning new material, solving complex problems, reading, or writing? For most people, this time is usually spent commuting to work, checking email, making phone calls, watching or listening to the news.
• Re-prioritize your peak brain performance time. Think of ways you could rearrange the things you do early that are less important to your personal and professional development. Like to stay on top of the latest news? Save this activity for your lunch break or right after lunch. Emails are waiting in your inbox? Be careful of how many times you spend checking email; it can waste a lot of time in your day. Choose 2 blocks of time to go over your emails, one mid-afternoon and one closer to the end of your workday. It's better to be proactive early (by doing your important work) and reactive later (responding to questions, providing input on discussions, etc.).
• Create more space and time to your day by implementing a morning routine that can help you be productive. The benefit of a morning routine is that you jumpstart your day; you complete several tasks before moving on to work, school, or other responsibilities; you are more productive with your time; your day feels like it has more purpose; you feel more successful in what you do.

Curious to find out more about the circadian rhythm and how to use it so that you can work smarter instead or harder?

Here are two resources that provide additional details:

• Read this Wall Street Journal article: The Peak Time for Everything
• Take a look at a visual representation of the circadian rhythm in this infographic:Want To Increase Your Productivity? Listen To Your Internal Clock.