43 Folders

Back to Work

Merlin’s weekly podcast with Dan Benjamin. We talk about creativity, independence, and making things you love.

Join us via RSS, iTunes, or at 5by5.tv.

”What’s 43 Folders?”
43Folders.com is Merlin Mann’s website about finding the time and attention to do your best creative work.

43F Podcast: Modest Change: Honor Thy Energy

Modest Change: Honor Thy Energy

43folders.com - Learn the times you're most energetic and productive, and adjust your schedule and your work accordingly. Also: please just let the teenagers sleep, for God's sake.

Download MP3

More at Odeo.com...

Subscribe to the 43 Folders Podcast on Odeo.com Subscribe to the 43 Folders podcast in iTunes

jeff's picture

I think circadian rhythms are...

I think circadian rhythms are a crock. But I do think that sleep is an amazing brain-fermentation tool. I like to take a powernap (huzzah pzziz) at some point mid-day and I always notice an increase in my motivation, concentration, brilliance and boyish good looks after my mid-day slumber.

And, having done polyphasic sleep, I know that I'm able to excel on very minimal sleep -- so long as I'm getting enough REM cycles during the day. That is, I can excel so long as I stay healthy, otherwise I need all the recoup time I can get. But taking advantage of the amazing power of REM to increase my brain's organizational abilities is always a good idea. Which is why this very afternoon I shut my door, popped in my Shure e2c's, and lay on the floor for twenty minutes of shut eye. After that, I had another two hours of peak performance before I headed home to the Chaos Lab.

I'm all for early-morning productivity, when there's no distraction or interruption, but I'm also for getting another burst of energy and enthusiasm for a finish-line sprint.

 
EXPLORE 43Folders THE GOOD STUFF

Popular
Today

Popular
Classics

An Oblique Strategy:
Honor thy error as a hidden intention


STAY IN THE LOOP:

Subscribe with Google Reader

Subscribe on Netvibes

Add to Technorati Favorites

Subscribe on Pageflakes

Add RSS feed

The Podcast Feed

Cranking

Merlin used to crank. He’s not cranking any more.

This is an essay about family, priorities, and Shakey’s Pizza, and it’s probably the best thing he’s written. »

Scared Shitless

Merlin’s scared. You’re scared. Everybody is scared.

This is the video of Merlin’s keynote at Webstock 2011. The one where he cried. You should watch it. »