How to find your personal work style

by Gretchen Rubin

As summer draws to a close and we settle back into our work routines, it's a perfect time to reflect on how we work best. Understanding our own work style isn’t just a helpful exercise; it’s a powerful tool for creating a more fulfilling, productive work life. When we know ourselves better, we can make small adjustments that lead to big improvements.

In this newsletter, I’ll explore key distinctions that can help you understand your work style more deeply, and offer practical steps to align your habits with your natural preferences.

Are You a Lark or an Owl?

We all have a natural rhythm that dictates when we feel most energetic, productive, and creative. Are you a morning person, a "Lark," who feels most alive early in the day, or do you thrive late at night, like an "Owl"? Research shows that about 40% of people are Larks, 30% are Owls, and the rest fall somewhere in between. These patterns are largely determined by genetics and age, and understanding your chronotype can help you plan your day to match your natural energy levels.

Try This at Work: Observe your energy peaks and plan your most challenging tasks during those times. If you're a Lark, take advantage of early mornings for deep work. If you're an Owl, save creative tasks for the evening.

Learn More: Are You a Lark or an Owl? Weigh In

Are You a Marathoner, Sprinter, or Procrastinator?

Do you prefer to start a project early and work on it steadily over time, or do you thrive on the adrenaline rush of a last-minute push? Knowing whether you're a marathoner, sprinter, or procrastinator can help you manage your time more effectively and reduce stress. Marathoners enjoy a slow and steady pace, sprinters excel under pressure—and procrastinators often delay out of anxiety and only start working when the deadline looms. You know you’re a procrastinator, not a marathoner, if you feel that your work suffered because you didn’t give yourself enough time.

Try This at Work: Reflect on your work pace. If you're a marathoner, break your tasks into small, manageable chunks. If you're a sprinter, be aware of the fact that you do good work in a short, intense burst. If you're a procrastinator, take one small step to get started, then follow up with another small step.

Learn More: Are You a Marathoner, Sprinter, or Procrastinator? Weigh In

Are You a Finisher or an Opener?

Some people love the thrill of starting something new—these are the openers. Others find satisfaction in crossing an item off the list—these are the finishers. Both approaches have their strengths, but knowing which one you are can help you choose projects that align with your strengths and avoid the frustration of unfinished work.

Try This at Work: If you're an opener, pair up with a finisher to ensure your projects reach completion. If you're a finisher, be careful not to rush near the end of the project, because you’re so eager to declare something “done.”

Learn More: Quiz: Are You a Finisher or an Opener?

Are You Drawn to Novelty or Familiarity?

Do you find comfort in routine and predictability, or are you energized by new experiences and change? Familiarity-lovers thrive on established routines and roles, while novelty-lovers seek out fresh challenges and opportunities. Understanding where you fall on this spectrum can help you choose the tasks and environments that keep you motivated and engaged.

Try This at Work: If you crave novelty, inject variety into your workday—try new methods, tools, or even locations. If you prefer familiarity, establish strong routines that help you feel grounded and secure even when your projects vary.

Learn More: Do You Love Familiarity or Novelty?

Knowing yourself is the first step to creating a work life that better aligns with who you are. By understanding your natural preferences—whether you're a Lark or an Owl, a marathoner or a sprinter, an opener or a finisher, or drawn to novelty or familiarity—reduce friction, make the most out of your work day, find ways to boost your productivity and happiness in your happiness and productivity at work.

Self-knowledge is powerful because it allows you to make choices that are right for you, setting you up for greater success and satisfaction.

Onward!

About the Author

Gretchen Rubin writes about habits, happiness, and human nature. Six of her books were New York Times bestsellers, including Life in Five Senses and The Happiness Project.

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