They seem to self-select into prominent academic positions (of course I deal with academic folks, not folks with “straight jobs”—likely there are such people everywhere). I am not sure how rare the ability is, because I think most people do not work up to their genetic limits—usually acrasia gets them first. Academics often have an easier acrasia problem because (a) their work is interesting/rewarding and (b) collaborators/deadlines help get across motivation lulls.
People in startups are another example. Motivated startup people, especially single digit employees, often work long hours and intensely and productively.
They seem to self-select into prominent academic positions (of course I deal with academic folks, not folks with “straight jobs”—likely there are such people everywhere). I am not sure how rare the ability is, because I think most people do not work up to their genetic limits—usually acrasia gets them first. Academics often have an easier acrasia problem because (a) their work is interesting/rewarding and (b) collaborators/deadlines help get across motivation lulls.
People in startups are another example. Motivated startup people, especially single digit employees, often work long hours and intensely and productively.