By February, many of us start feeling like our New Year intentions around focus, organization or time management are already slipping. For a long time, I assumed the answer was to try harder or stay more disciplined. But the more I learned about creativity, ADHD and rhythms, the more I realized the issue wasn’t effort — it was biological.
Two ideas reshaped how I think about work and energy. From In the FLO by Alisa Vitti, I began to understand the infradian rhythm — the monthly cycle experienced by people who menstruate — and how different phases of the cycle can make certain types of work feel more natural than others. And from When: The Scientific Secrets of Perfect Timing by Daniel H. Pink, I learned about the circadian rhythm — the 24-hour cycle we all experience — and how timing throughout the day affects focus, accuracy and creativity.
Once I understood these patterns, my work habits finally made sense. Instead of fighting my rhythms, I began working with them — and when possible, I try to extend that thinking to others as well.
How Work Aligns with the Infradian Rhythm
In In the FLO, Vitti explains that people who menstruate don’t operate only on a daily rhythm — we also move through a monthly hormonal rhythm that can influence energy, mood and cognitive strengths. Certain kinds of work can feel easier or more effective during different phases of the cycle, sometimes feeling like this:
- Follicular (7 – 10 days): Energy and curiosity often rise, so brainstorming, planning and initiating ideas may feel more natural.
- Ovulation (3 – 4 days): Communication and confidence typically peak, which is why collaboration, presentations and outreach seems easier here.
- Luteal (10 – 14 days): Focus and task-orientation strengthen, making detail work, organization and follow-through especially satisfying.
- Menstrual (3 – 7 days): Energy usually dips, and many people feel more reflective, making evaluation and strategy feel most aligned.
This isn’t about rigid scheduling. It’s about noticing when certain types of work tend to flow more easily — and using that awareness to work with yourself instead of against yourself.
For those who are not menstruating, there are still meaningful ways to align work with timing through the circadian rhythm.
The Circadian Rhythm and Daily Timing
In When, Pink describes the daily “peak, trough and rebound” arc. Most people typically peak in the morning, making it the best for analytical and focused work. They experience a trough in the early afternoon, causing energy and accuracy to dip. And they’ll rebound during late afternoon or early evening, bringing a return of creativity.
This helped explain why I naturally prefer to write and meet with clients in the morning, saving administrative tasks for mid-day and social media content for the afternoon. Pink even cites research showing that performance on high-stakes activities (such as surgeries!) drops in the afternoon — reinforcing how strongly timing affects outcomes.
Chronotypes and Different Working Styles
Of course, not everyone experiences these patterns the same way. Pink identifies three broad chronotypes:
- Larks — early risers who tend to peak early
- Owls — late risers who tend to peak late
- Third birds — most people, somewhere in the middle
This matters because not everyone does their best work at the same time of day. Understanding my own tendencies made me more open to the idea that others may work differently — and that, when possible, it’s worth acknowledging those differences.
Letting Others Work With Their Rhythms
One of the most supportive things we can do as leaders is recognize that people operate differently. That doesn’t mean removing structure — it means creating reasonable flexibility within it.
Sometimes that looks like shared overlap hours, assigning certain tasks to the right time of day or acknowledging that productivity isn’t always linear. We can still track time, manage workloads and stay accountable, while also giving people space to work in ways that align with how they function best. When that happens, people tend to be more focused, thoughtful and engaged.
Working in the Flow Is Practical — Not Indulgent
For me, working in the flow isn’t about chasing inspiration or resisting structure. It’s about understanding how my brain and body operate and organizing my work in ways that support that reality. It helps me use my best energy for meaningful work, feel less frustrated during slower periods and create space for others to work in ways that make sense for them. And the more I’ve leaned into this approach, the more sustainable — and human — work has felt.
