The 9:00AM Club
I know there are a tonne of programs and a whole community wrapped around the concept of the 5AM club - and I get it - best time of the day (for some) to focus, have a structured morning routine, discipline, etc. etc.
For me though - when I became a digital independent, one of the things I love the most is being unshackled from traditional norms of professional hours of operation. I happen to be a night hawk and seldom go to bed before midnight - and sometimes I sleep from 10pm-2am and then get up for 2-3 hours and am so awake, creative and productive before going back to sleep at 5am.
I seldom wake up before 7 and like to do email, editing, writing or social media (professional and personal) while in bed for an hour or so. I typically "get up" around 9ish for breakfast. I exercise (usually walking outside or treadmill and sometimes weights) when I need to energize or it is convenient (like wanting to watch a video - best time for treadmill and the gym) - so that could be afternoon, morning(seldom) or night (usually).
When it is not a pandemic, I love to go with friends, colleagues or new connections to lunch and not be confined to the "12-1" norm - without the racing to make it on time and anxious about getting back to "the office" - I love taking the time to enjoy the others' company and having meaningful discussions and enjoying my meal.
I also love the choice of going out to the grocery or hardware store (depending on the needs) at 2-3 pm as it is typically not busy at the store and I like many others that can be a downturn for doing productive mental work - so might as well be out pushing a cart - or having a legit nap!
Suppertime changes based on kids' scheduled activities and it is important for me to be flexible to that so that we can eat together - even if it is on the run - but it is not necessary that we do, since there is schedule flexibility to be together at many other times that can be more meaningful.
This post was not meant to discount the 5AM club approach if that truly works for you or you are legitimately constrained to a traditional 8-5 Monday - Friday professional work cycle.
It was meant to point out the benefits of working differently as a Digital Independent that embraces a Work From Anywhere mindset and culture as I have.
And to let everyone know that I am not a morning person ;-)
