20 October 2010
Successful Intentions Newsletter
Hi ,
What's your "chronotype"? Are you an Owl or a Lark?
If you prefer to get up later in the morning but like to work in the evening you're an Owl. But if you'd rather be early to bed and early to rise you're a Lark. And it turns out this does make you healthy, wealthy and wise!
Studies show Owls tend to be smarter and more creative than Larks. They have a better sense of humour, and they're more outgoing. But Larks tend to get better grades at school which puts them in line for better job opportunities. They tend to be more proactive and more conscientious. The business world is made for Larks!
How do you know if you're a Lark or an Owl, ? Answer yes or no to these questions:
| 1. When I don't have to get up early for work I sleep in for about 2 hours. |
| 2. I feel in charge of making things happen. |
| 3. I like to work for a few hours before going in to the office. |
| 4. I pretty much wake up at the same time every day, even without an alarm clock. |
| 5. I am at my most creative at night. |
| 6. I spend time identifying long-range goals for myself. |
| 7. Friends tell me I am very outgoing. |
| 8. I am more creative than conscientious. |
If you answered "yes" to 1, 5, 7, and 8, chances are you're an Owl. If you answered "yes" to 2, 3, 4, and 6, you're most likely a Lark. If your responses were evenly split you might be a Lowl!
Of course, much of whether you're a Lark or an Owl is changeable. About 50% is due to genetics. And while sleep has a lot to do with productivity it's not the number of hours you sleep but the timing. You can shift from Owl to Lark by going to bed earlier, and at the same time every night. You can also go outside in the sunlight early in the morning. Daylight resets your circadian clock and helps you shift toward a Lark "chronotype".
But there are other, less noticeable ways you may be influencing your circadian clock. Too much coffee in the morning has the effect of lengthening your day and making you more Owl-like. Coffee in the afternoon shortens your day and promotes Lark-ness. Big meals at night can turn you into an Owl, whilst eating a good breakfast (before 8am) gets you flying as a Lark. Skipping meals because you're not hungry (or you think it will help you lose weight - it won't) is more Owl than Lark.
Owls are often disadvantaged in the word of commerce. Getting to work early is deeply ingrained as a sign of ambition and enthusiasm. But in our interconnected 24/7 working environment we need to make room for the creative, intelligent, and extroverted Owls. Just don't call them lazy!
Explore my "Wisdom Circle" blog for musings, research, and applications of practical wisdom!
Keep your intentions clear,
Peter Webb
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