There’s a dividing line: Are you a morning person or a night owl? While some people naturally thrive in the early hours, others find their energy peaking long after the sun goes down. But what if your preferences aren’t set in stone? Sometimes, embracing new habits can lead to surprising and positive outcomes.
I never considered myself a morning person. When my babies forced me out of bed in the wee hours, I was a trooper but I didn’t like it.
But everything changed when Summer Fridays rolled around during my agency job. We could take Friday afternoons off if we came in an hour early or stayed an hour later Monday through Thursday. This coveted early start to the weekend was such a perk that I decided to give the early mornings a try. My kids were seven and four at the time, and though the idea of getting up early wasn’t appealing, the promise of a longer weekend was.
To my surprise, I got into the groove of arriving at the office by 7 a.m. Initially, it was a challenge, but as the summer went on, I found myself enjoying the quiet time before the rest of the world got rolling. The uninterrupted hours allowed me to get a lot done, setting a productive tone for the rest of the day. By the time summer wound down, I was hooked. I continued the habit, not because I had to, but because I wanted to. I didn’t think I’d like it, but I did—and I still do.
This experience taught me a valuable lesson: sometimes, we can grow to appreciate new habits, even if they don’t feel natural at first. Research supports the idea that while we may have a natural inclination toward being a morning person or a night owl, our preferences can change over time. It’s important to recognize that what works for us may evolve with our circumstances, and that’s okay.
Whether you’re an early bird, a night owl, or somewhere in between, the key is to find what aligns with your current needs and lifestyle. Embrace the possibility of change and be open to new routines. You might discover that something you once resisted can become a cherished part of your day. After all, it’s not about fitting into a specific category—it’s about working with what’s right for you and knowing that it can change as you do.
Links Du Jour:
Night Owls vs Early Birds – 9 Science-backed Differences – Lull
Waking Up Early Isn’t Necessarily Better – Time Magazine
Morning Person vs Night Person Psychology: Can a Night Owl Become an Early Bird? – The Science Times
Two Minutes Du Jour 
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