People often ask me how I’m able to accomplish so much in one week…or even in one day. Frankly, I don’t necessarily feel like I’m accomplishing a great deal, but I guess I just stir up so much dust that it looks that way to someone from the outside. When asked, I’ll usually try to sound strategic or tenacious or overly wise with my time. Maybe it’s a combination of all of these things, but I think my secret power is much simpler.

I sleep.
Yes, you heard it right…I sleep.

Every night, I get between 8 and 9 hours of uninterrupted sleep. These days, I’m in bed between 9 and 10pm, and I’m awake around 6 or 6:30 in the morning. I rarely wake up in the middle of the night. If I do, I feel like I had a bad night of sleep.

Even in the midst of my 10 years of workaholism, I allowed everything in my life to suffer…except sleep. There is something about sleep that makes it a serious requirement in my life.

10 Ways That Sleep Gives Me Super Powers

1. I have a much more positive outlook on the world.
2. My physical body is rejuvenated.
3. I wake up mentally energized to tackle the challenges of my day.
4. My eyes are wide open to see new opportunities.
5. My mind has been processing ideas for 8-9 hours straight.
6. I’m more aware that there are multiple options in a situation.
7. I’m more gracious and forgiving toward others.
8. I feel connected to my wife because we fell asleep together.
9. I’m wide awake for the entire day.
10. I don’t have a problem falling asleep the next night.

I wake up, check email, make my kids’ lunches, drink a protein shake with two raw eggs and half a banana, take a shower, and take my son to school. I’m fully awake and ready to enjoy the projects and meetings of my day.

What’s holding you back from experiencing these super powers?

If you’re not already inspired, check out this humorous take on sleep by Ariana Huffington.