There’s an interesting group of people out there who, when engrossed in their work or a passion project, completely “forget” to eat.

Sounds strange, doesn’t it? But it’s more common than you’d think.

Psychology has delved into the minds of these individuals and uncovered some unique traits that they all seem to share.

These traits not only set them apart from others but also shed light on how they approach their tasks with such single-minded focus.

In this article, we’re going to explore these 10 unique traits. Maybe you’ll recognize some of them in yourself or in the people around you.

And who knows?

Understanding these characteristics might just give us all a new perspective on how to channel our energies more effectively – even if we don’t skip lunch in the process!

1) Laser-focus

Those who frequently “forget” to eat when they’re immersed in work often display an incredible level of focus.

This isn’t your everyday concentration – it’s almost like they have a switch that allows them to zone in on a task, blocking out everything else, including basic needs like eating.

This trait is closely linked to the psychology of flow – a term coined by psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi.

In his own words, “The best moments in our lives are not the passive, receptive, relaxing times… The best moments usually occur if a person’s body or mind is stretched to its limits in a voluntary effort to accomplish something difficult and worthwhile.”

These individuals seem to live this concept, pushing their minds and bodies towards the completion of their task and inadvertently neglecting their hunger cues.

While this level of concentration can be beneficial for productivity and achievement, it’s crucial to remember that maintaining a balanced lifestyle is essential for overall health and wellbeing.

2) High level of self-discipline

Another common trait I’ve noticed among individuals who “forget” to eat when they’re engrossed in something is a high level of self-discipline.

They have the ability to resist distractions and stay committed to their task, which is no small feat in our world full of endless stimuli.

I remember working on a project with a colleague who would often skip lunch when we were on tight deadlines.

It was as if the calling of the task at hand was stronger than the grumble in his stomach.

His self-discipline was not just in controlling his hunger but also in maintaining an unwavering focus on the work.

Psychology great, Sigmund Freud, once said, “At the outset of his life, the individual is always his own educator, and the process of education goes on throughout his whole life.”

My colleague seemed to embody this quote – continuously educating himself through his work and displaying an enviable level of self-discipline.

While such self-discipline can be admirable and effective for productivity, maintaining a healthy balance between work and personal needs is vital for overall wellbeing.

3) Tendency towards perfectionism

Let’s be real here. Those who often “forget” to eat when they’re busy usually have a streak of perfectionism.

And I’m not just talking about wanting things to be ‘just right’.

It’s more about an incessant need to meet high standards, often self-imposed, that drives them to forgo basic necessities like food.

Perfectionism can push people to achieve great things, but it can also act as a double-edged sword.

The relentless pursuit of perfection can lead to stress, anxiety, and even burnout.

As Carl Jung, the famous Swiss psychiatrist, wisely stated, “The most terrifying thing is to accept oneself completely.”

As individuals, we need to understand that it’s okay not to be perfect. It’s okay to take breaks and nourish ourselves because ultimately, our health is our wealth.

If you see a bit of a perfectionist in yourself, remember that striving for excellence is admirable but don’t forget to take care of yourself in the process.

4) Resilience in the face of setbacks

Without a doubt, one trait that stands out among those who “forget” to eat during busy times is their resilience.

They possess an uncanny ability to bounce back from setbacks, refocusing on their task with unwavering determination.

I’ve personally witnessed a friend who, despite facing numerous hurdles in her entrepreneurial journey, never let any setback deter her.

Instead of stopping for a meal, she would often use those moments to reflect and strategize her next move.

As Albert Bandura once said, “In order to succeed, people need a sense of self-efficacy, to struggle together with resilience to meet the inevitable obstacles and inequities of life.”

It’s crucial to remember that nourishment and self-care play equally significant roles in our ability to withstand life’s challenges.

5) Appetite for solitude

Interestingly, many who “forget” to eat when they’re engrossed in work display an appetite for solitude.

They value their alone time as it allows them to dive deep into their tasks without distractions.

The famous psychologist Carl Jung once said, “Solitude is for me a fount of healing which makes my life worth living.”

This sentiment resonates deeply with these individuals.

While solitude can be rejuvenating, human connection and self-care, including regular meals, are equally important for overall wellbeing.

6) Unconventional problem-solving

One common trait among those who often “forget” to eat when they’re busy is their unconventional approach to problem-solving.

They have a knack for thinking outside the box, which allows them to come up with innovative solutions.

Psychologist Edward de Bono once said, “You cannot look in a new direction by looking harder in the same direction.”

These individuals seem to live by this mantra, continuously exploring new perspectives.

It’s crucial not to overlook the importance of regular nourishment for optimal brain function.

7) Passionate commitment

Another trait I’ve noticed in people who “forget” to eat when they’re busy is their passionate commitment to their work.

When they set their minds on a goal, they pursue it with all they’ve got, sometimes even at the expense of their physical needs.

I have a close friend who’s a researcher. When he’s onto something, he gets so caught up in his work that he often skips meals.

His dedication is awe-inspiring.

As psychologist Abraham Maslow once said, “A musician must make music, an artist must paint, a poet must write if he is to be ultimately at peace with himself.”

It’s important to maintain a balance and ensure our bodies get the nourishment they need.

8) High levels of stress

Let’s get real – those who often “forget” to eat when they’re busy usually experience high levels of stress.

The constant pressure to perform and deliver can be overwhelming, causing them to overlook their basic needs.

Famous psychologist Hans Selye once said, “It’s not stress that kills us, it is our reaction to it.”

While a certain amount of stress can boost performance, chronic stress can take a toll on our health.

So while it’s important to meet deadlines and achieve goals, it’s crucial to manage stress effectively and take care of our physical needs.

9) Extreme patience

Contrary to popular belief, those who “forget” to eat when they’re busy often exhibit extreme patience.

They understand that great work can’t be rushed and are willing to invest the time it takes to get things right.

As psychologist William James pointed out, “The greatest weapon against stress is our ability to choose one thought over another.”

These individuals choose patience over haste, even if it means skipping a meal.

Regular nourishment is key to sustaining our mental and physical energy.

10) Unwavering determination

Lastly, individuals who “forget” to eat when they’re busy usually display unwavering determination.

They set their eyes on the prize and don’t let anything distract them, not even hunger.

I’ve seen this trait in many successful people I know. Their determination is truly inspiring.

Psychologist Angela Duckworth said it best, “Grit is passion and perseverance for very long-term goals.”

This grit is evident in these individuals. But remember, even the grittiest of us need fuel to keep going. Don’t forget to eat!

Final thoughts: It’s about balance

The idiosyncrasies of human behavior are truly intriguing, especially when it comes to the habits of those who “forget” to eat when they’re busy.

While their unique traits can lead to high levels of productivity and achievement, it’s important to remember that balance is key.

Renowned psychologist Carl Rogers once said, “The good life is a process, not a state of being. It is a direction, not a destination.”

This quote rings true here. While the drive towards accomplishment is commendable, it is equally important to care for our physical needs.

Whether it’s resilience, focus, or unconventional problem-solving, each trait we’ve discussed has its strengths.

But let’s not overlook the importance of regular nourishment and self-care in our pursuit of success. After all, our bodies are the vehicles that drive us towards our goals.

If you identify with these traits or know someone who does, remember – balance is everything.

And while we strive to achieve our dreams and aspirations, let’s also make time to nourish ourselves and enjoy the journey.