I am so tired of hearing how early risers are more productive than night owls. That’s not true. Not in my case, anyway.
I’m a night owl – and proud of it. Why? Because despite having many say that my sleeping habits make me less likely to achieve, I prove them wrong. I don’t just do that every once in a while. I do it every single day.
The Myth of the Early Riser Advantage
It’s often said that waking up early is the hallmark of success. The world seems to celebrate early birds with quotes like:
“The early bird gets the worm.”
That phrase alone has shaped a narrative that favors mornings as the only time to get meaningful work done. But if that were universally true, how do you explain people like me—who get their best work done after the sun sets?
I’m Not Alone—Most of You Are Night Owls Too
I asked my readers a simple question:
“What do you more closely identify with…being an early riser or a night owl?”
Out of the 27 respondents (a small sample, to be sure), 70% identified as night owls. That’s a huge majority.
Other studies have suggested the numbers vary—but still, night owls are not some rare breed. We’re out here. We’re working late, thinking deeply, creating in the quiet—and being written off simply because our clocks run differently.
Are you a proud Night Owl? You’re not alone—and you’re not behind. Inside the TimeCrafting Trust membership community, you’ll find frameworks designed for your hours—including The Night Owl Action Plan, a guide and audio program made specifically for those who thrive after dark. When you join, you’ll not only get this full toolkit, but ongoing access to a community that understands productivity isn’t just for early birds. Join today as a Premium member and get access to The Night Owl Action Plan for tonight. Because your best work might start when the world winds down.
Society Isn’t Built for Night Owls
Much of the modern world is structured around morning energy. Schools start before 9 a.m. across most of North America, rewarding those who are alert early and penalizing those who aren’t.
That early structure often gets baked into later parts of life, making night owls feel like they’re out of step or falling behind. But the reality is, they’re simply working with a different rhythm.
Science Is Starting to Catch Up
More research is beginning to challenge the early bird bias. I’m constantly scanning for studies that help validate what I’ve known all along: being a night owl doesn’t mean you’re lazy, disorganized, or doomed.
It just means you’re wired differently—and when you align your work with your energy, you can be just as productive, focused, and fulfilled as anyone else.
Embrace Your Natural Rhythm
If you’re more productive later in the day than earlier, own it. I’ll be the loud one for you if need be. Because while the early bird may get the worm, it’s the second mouse that gets the cheese—and the night owl gets a lot done after the world goes quiet.
