They say the early bird catches the worm in business. In fact, some of the world’s most successful leaders are morning people, including Tim Cook (Apple CEO), Howard Shultz (Starbucks CEO), Richard Branson, and Michelle Obama.

So is it true? Are early risers more successful than night owls? Well, there’s definitely some science behind the theory. If you want to know how to become successful in business, waking up at the crack of dawn could be your best bet.

But what if you’re just not a morning person? Here we delve into the potential science of being an early bird…and how to get around it if you’re more productive when the sun goes down.

Why the early bird catches the worm

The reasons for morning people being more successful seem to be linked to their general attitude and mindset. A Harvard biologist, Christoph Randler, did some research on this and concluded that early birds are generally more proactive, and this results in higher levels of productivity.

Furthermore, a study by the University of Toronto found that early risers are happier and healthier, and are more likely to possess greater positive emotion.

Are early risers more successful, really?

If the connection between waking up early and having a proactive mindset is true, then it makes sense for late sleepers to have a disadvantage when it comes to getting things done. However, this is very much based around a strict 9-to-5 day, and as more companies start to offer flexitime and remote contracts for employees, we could see a shift in the typical working hours.

That being said, the early bird catches the worm because there’s a great sense of achievement in attacking the day. So it wouldn’t hurt to adopt this way of thinking if you can wake up earlier. And if you want to know how to become successful in business after you graduate, forming healthy habits an building a routine is a must.

How to become successful in business as a night owl

The fact is, some people are just more productive at night. Do not despair if you are in this camp, because there are also plenty of successful people who are known to pull an all-nighter. Plus, there’s also some research suggesting that night owls are more intelligent and have longer periods of mental alertness!

If you struggle with early mornings, here are some tips to help you get the most out of your working hours:

· Have a good sleep routine (even if you sleep later)

· Work according to your own energy levels (when are you most productive or creative?)

· Create a quiet and distraction-free work zone

Some benefits of being a night owl in business include getting much-needed alone time in the office, fewer distractions (such as emails or calls), and being able to brainstorm in peace. So if you really are an evening person, make the most of the quiet time, and use a weekly planner to stay on top of your daily goals and tasks.

Are early risers more successful or do nighthawks make the best entrepreneurs? Well, the verdict is still out. But whichever camp you fall into, building a solid routine is key.

At the University of Bolton, we work closely with our business students to help them reach their potential. By tailoring our approach, we can align the course to you, and your personal and professional development needs.

As a leading Greater Manchester university, there’s nowhere better to study in this subject. We also have a range of business master’s degrees and professional development courses to help you take the next step in your career.

To find out more about applying for postgraduate training in in 2022, see our available courses.

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