Do you ever feel like the standard eight-hour workday just isn't cutting it? Working longer hours doesn't necessarily equate to success. It's all about when you work. Research shows that the best time to get things done is in the morning when your mind is fresh and creative.

And who better to take inspiration from than Scott Adams, the mastermind behind the famous Dilbert comic strip? For the past twenty years, he's been waking up at the crack of dawn and starting his day with a small breakfast of coffee and a protein bar. This sets him up perfectly for hours of drawing, dealing with management issues, and replying to countless emails. And with five comic books, nine nonfiction titles, a TV show, and even a movie under his belt, it's safe to say his routine is a success.

The key to success is to purposefully focus on your work for the first four hours and then take some time to rest afterward. You're more productive when working deliberately for a shorter period of time than when dedicating yourself to work impassively for the whole shift. This approach also allows for more time to pursue non-work-related activities, such as hobbies, hanging out with friends, or simply getting some rest.

In fact, a study conducted at a music conservatory in Berlin found that the top young musicians practiced for approximately four hours daily and had a longer resting time. They were more productive in the morning, taking naps or doing light exercises in the evening.

You can apply this same insight to your life, even if you don't have control over your work schedule. The key is to concentrate solely on your work in the morning and then take a break later to pursue your passions and recharge your energy.