Picture this: It’s 2016, and I’m a college senior pulling an all-nighter to write a 20-page research paper. Back then, past 10 PM was my magic hour – I could accomplish anything. Fast forward to today, and you’ll find me practically dozing off on the couch by that same time.

What changed? As it turns out, your most productive hours naturally shift as you reach adulthood, thanks to something called your chronotype. Understanding this has completely transformed how I approach my workday as a creative entrepreneur, and it might just do the same for you.

Breaking Free from the 9-5 Mindset

Let’s be honest: most of us were raised in a 9-5, Monday through Friday world. But here’s the thing – not everyone is built for that schedule. As creative entrepreneurs, we have the freedom to work when and where we want. At least, that’s the dream, right?

The reality is that this freedom can be overwhelming. No one taught us how to create our own schedule or that our day could look different from the rigid structure we grew up with. (Remember school?) Everyone started at the same time, switched classes at the same time, went home at the same time. But what if I told you there’s a better way – one that’s actually aligned with your natural rhythms?

Understanding Your Chronotype

Your chronotype determines your body’s natural inclination to sleep, wake, and be productive at specific times. It influences everything from your appetite and exercise patterns to your core body temperature. Think of it as your body’s internal clock, but one that’s uniquely yours.

There are four main chronotypes:

1. The Lion (Early Bird)

• Wakes up energized
• Most productive in the morning and early afternoon
• Ready to tackle the day at dawn

1. The Bear (Most Common)

• Follows the sun’s natural rhythm
• Represents about 50% of the population
• Aligns well with traditional office hours

1. The Wolf (Night Owl)

• Most alert in the evenings
• Represents about 15% of the population
• Think: typical teenager energy patterns

1. The Dolphin (Light Sleeper)

• Similar to actual dolphins, who keep half their brain alert while sleeping
• May struggle with traditional sleep patterns
• Often battle with insomnia

The Three Flow States

Regardless of your chronotype, everyone can access three types of flow states – but at different times of the day:

1. Deep Work Flow

• Best for complex, analytical tasks
• Perfect for tackling challenging projects
• Ideal for strategic planning and problem-solving

1. Communication Flow

• Optimal for writing, speaking, and meetings
• Great for content creation
• Perfect for client interactions

1. Creative Flow

• When your right brain takes the wheel
• Ideal for artistic tasks and brainstorming
• Best time for design work and creative writing

My Personal Journey with Chronotypes

When I started my entrepreneurial journey (part-time in 2016, then full-time in 2020), I spent years trying to find the perfect daily routine. I wanted it all – to work less, create more, and access flow states effortlessly. Sound familiar?

The game-changer? Discovering my chronotype and letting go of conventional work hours. I realized I wasn’t that 5 AM miracle morning person, and that’s okay. Remember my student teaching days? I’d be driving an hour to work, eating breakfast behind the wheel just to stay awake. Now I rarely check emails before 2 PM, and my business is better for it.

Finding Your Flow: My Top Tips

Here’s what helps me get into and maintain a flow state:

1. Create the right atmosphere:
   • Find your perfect ASMR or playlist
   • Use “Do Not Disturb” mode religiously
   • Track your time with focus timer apps
2. Implement a batch day system:
   • Group similar tasks together
   • Schedule them during your optimal hours
   • Stick to your natural rhythm

Ready to Discover Your Chronotype?

Want to find out your chronotype? Here’s my challenge to you: Try quitting your morning alarm for a week or two (if your schedule allows it). Pay attention to:

• When you naturally wake up
• Your energy peaks throughout the day
• Your most productive hours

Remember, there’s no “right” chronotype. The key is understanding and working with your natural rhythm rather than against it.

The Freedom to Choose

As creative entrepreneurs, we have the incredible opportunity to design our workdays around our natural energy patterns. It’s time to let go of the shame around not fitting into traditional work hours and embrace what works best for you.

Whether you’re a Lion ready to conquer the world at dawn or a Wolf who comes alive at midnight, your unique rhythm is your superpower. Use it to create a schedule that energizes rather than depletes you.

Ready to quit your alarm clock and discover your natural rhythm? Let me know in the comments how it goes – I might just join you in this experiment!

P.S. For those interested in learning more about chronotypes, check out Dr. Michael Breus’s work on the topic. His research has been instrumental in understanding these patterns.