01/ 14/ 2008
by Glenn Townes
The body clock we are all born with is responsible for whether you are a morning or night person. This invisible force may also dictate what type of small business might be right for you.
The internal timepiece determines if you are a "lark" or "early bird", meaning the kind of person who is up at dawn, sharp as a tack and raring to go full force. If you are lethargic and apathetic in the morning but lively, energetic and on point during the late night hours, you are an "owl." The rest of us are "hummingbirds"—ready for action in the morning or late at night. Some experts argue that hummingbirds may gravitate toward being "larks" or "owls" but generally are productive at anytime.
So what's a "larkish" business owner to do when running a business requires some late night hours? And is it possible for an "owl" to ever get anything done during the early morning hours or even before lunch?
The sleep factor
The solution is simple: In order to make the most of your day you've got to make the most of your night—no matter what your body clock regulates. The key to everything is sleep and getting enough of it. Nearly everyone needs at least eight hours of sleep, according to various sleep experts. Sleep deprivation can lead to serious health problems such as diabetes, high blood pressure and mental illness. Some sleeping disorder scientists contend that just one week of decreased sleep will hinder your ability to fight infections, manage stress and properly process carbohydrates.
Energetic schedules
Entrepreneurs should schedule their days based almost exclusively on their energy level. For example, "larkish" people should work on projects that require concentration and attention to detail in the morning. Whenever possible, larkish business owners should hold staff and client meetings early in the morning, before lunch. This is especially important if the meetings are expected to be lengthy, intense and even contentious.
Reserve the afternoon hours for sorting through the mail, responding to e-mails and holding informal or perhaps one-on-one interviews or meetings. Simply put, night owls should do the opposite. Do the easy stuff in the morning and the more cumbersome and tedious tasks in the afternoon or early evening.
Nap time
Back in the 1980s business people used the power lunch to energize. Now we use the power nap. Believe it or not, a quick 20-minute nap can nearly recharge and restore your body clock to its full potential. It might also be a good idea as a business owner to offer this luxury to some of your employees. Some savvy and progressive mid to large companies encourage employees to take a "cat nap" during the course of hectic workday. In fact, some firms even provide a "nap" or snooze room for workers. In some cases, a 20-minute nap will boost your energy and proficiency level more than a cup of coffee or sugar laced cookie or donut.
Healthy Lifestyle
Entrepreneurs often work excessively long hours in order to establish and maintain their dream job of self-employment. Frequently, things such as visits to the doctor and regular check-ups are neglected or put on the back burner. While we all are somewhat guided by our internal clock, the key to adjusting to a morning or night ritual is to keep your health in check.
When your energy and proficiency level is in a slump, don't simply accept it as the inevitable byproduct of your body clock. Take a quick walk; drink a glass of water; take a power nap and recharge your faculties. While you cannot reset your body clock, you can indeed reboot and electrify yourself in order to maximize your productivity and help your business thrive.
