This Behavioral Scientist Works 70-Hour Weeks (And Actually Enjoys It)

A few months ago, I sat down with Dr. Abby, a behavioral scientist who caught my attention with her unique approach to productivity.

Most entrepreneurs I talk to burn out from long hours. But Dr. Abby? She works 70-hour weeks and genuinely loves it.

What struck me wasn't her jam-packed schedule – it was how she made it work.

While juggling a corporate job, speaking gigs, and Forbes columns, she'd cracked the code on productive hours.

Beyond the Traditional “Hustle Hard” Advice

My first question got straight to the point: what's your biggest challenge? Dr. Abby didn't sugar-coat it. “Sacrifice is the biggest challenge,” she told me.

But unlike most productivity advice that just tells you to push harder, she approaches it differently.

Here's her actual schedule: 10 hours during the week, 8 hours on weekends, and a full day off every few weeks. Being an introvert, this intense solo work actually energizes her.

Not for everyone, sure. But that's exactly the point.

The Psychology Behind Sustainable Success

Our conversation shifted to motivation, and this is where Dr. Abby's expertise really shined. She uses her psychology background differently.

Instead of pushing through tough days, Dr. Abby studies them.

Her research uncovered a pattern we all face: motivation tanks in the middle of projects, not at the start or end. Simple, but powerful.

It's this insight that helped her shift from teaching psychology to landing speaking gigs with the FBI and Secret Service.

The Counterintuitive Health-First Approach

The real surprise came when she broke down her daily routine. She swears by what most would call “wasted” time:

• 15 minutes of direct sunlight daily
• Regular breaks every couple hours
• Early morning workouts
• Strict sleep schedule

“A healthy body is a healthy mind,” she explained. “Getting 15 minutes of sun seems counterproductive when you're busy, but it's going to help you work effectively.”

Content Strategy That Actually Works

Diving into audience building revealed something refreshingly honest. It took her two years before her blog gained real traction. But here's what kept her going:

1. She focused on her unique angle first: “Making science accessible” became her motto
2. She balanced high-visibility content (Instagram reels) with what she loved (writing)
3. She maintained consistency even when it felt like no one was reading

“Everyone says just get started,” she told me. “But I disagree. Take time to figure out why someone would come to you specifically.”

Want More Freedom? Start Here

I left my chat with Dr. Abby thinking about one thing: most of us try to copy other people's schedules and systems. But that's backward.

Take 30 minutes this week. Just you and a notebook.

Ask yourself:

What's your unique angle?

Why would someone pick you over the countless others in your space?

Dr. Abby nailed this part early. “Making science accessible” became her filter for everything – from Instagram reels to Forbes columns. Find yours, and watch how it simplifies every business decision after.

Curious about Dr. Abby's other insights? Check her out at abbymorono.com.

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