What Works For You?
If you are fortunate to work a flexible schedule, you have choices as to when you work. Everybody is different
I usually wake up between four and five in the morning. I didn't use to be a morning person, but that is when my body and mind have decided it wants to start the day. I use to fight to go back to sleep or lay in bed tossing and turning.
We Don't Punch A Clock
My wife and I work for ourselves and we work from home. Actually, we work from wherever we want since our jobs are online. We don't work a standard nine-to-five job as many do. We have flexibility as to what hours we choose to apply to our jobs. Our income is project-based rather than hourly where we would be required to punch a clock. We have deadlines that we must meet, but otherwise, we are free to work when we want.
Pushing To Conform
If you try to push your mind and body to conform to a schedule you make sacrifices. It is nearly impossible to perform at your best when your mind and body are not prepared to do so. Sure, you can train them to adhere to a schedule through repeated actions but should you?
For some, training yourself to take action at specific times each day is necessary. If you must keep a strict schedule or have to work around the schedule of others you may be required to force the habits. Over time your body and mind will begin to prepare for that routine. However, if you have flexibility in your schedule creating a set routine may not be best.
The Struggles and Costs
Focus
When I tried to adhere to a standard nine-to-five my work often suffered. I am an entrepreneur and author and most tasks require focus. It is difficult to force focus. I would frequently find myself staring blankly at the screen of my laptop with my thoughts wandering. Or brain locked, unable to find the solution to the problem.
Creativity
Other parts of my job require creativity. Some tasks include creating online graphics or descriptive words and phrases for my books. Creativity is challenging when your mind is not in it.
Distractions
Throughout the day there can be a number of distractions. Sure I could lock myself away and unplug. But why not simply work on tasks that require my full attention when others are not asking for it?
Fatigue
Sometimes we are simply too tired to be productive. I have spent many days "pushing through" trying to squeeze out whatever productivity I can. This is not the most efficient use of my time. When we are rested we are able to accomplish exponentially more than when we are fatigued. Whether mentally or physically exhausted, you cannot produce your best work.