Perception (and reception) matters

What’s the difference between someone who goes to sleep at 5:00 am and wakes up at noon and someone who goes to sleep at 10:00 pm and wakes up at 5:00 am?

Well, the first is obviously a complete slacker and the second is healthy, wealthy, and wise. Interesting, though, since both get the same amount of sleep per night. The difference is when they’re sleeping and the reputation that goes along with it.

I’m currently on the slacker sleeping schedule. And that’s perfectly fine with me. In fact, I’m more productive this way. Seriously, I’ve tested it. (Though to be fair, I often feel better about my productivity when I wake up early and complete everything before 9:00 am.)

But… what’s the perception? How do others receive that? They think, “Slacker!”

So here’s another question: does the most marriable man have a slacker reputation? I think not.

Even though I’m cool with the slacker hours, it’s not cool for my reception as the most marriable man. There are a number of these in life – I’ve just chosen this as an example.

You act differently not because it’s directly better for you but because it looks better for others.

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