Doing all the right things but at the wrong times

Productivity can’t be reduced to time management. If that were the case, then more time at the office would always equate to getting more things done.

But how often has a busy day left you feeling overwhelmed, frustrated, and disconnected from your work?

Here’s a question to think about…

What if the problem is that you’re doing all the right things, but at the wrong times?

Consider these two ideas:

1. You are better at some things at some times than at others
2. Different tasks take different amounts of energy

Energy management is the art of scheduling energy-expensive tasks to match your natural rhythms of peak focus and motivation. 

It elevates planning your day to the next level. Not only do you plan when you have time to complete a task, but you also consider how much energy that task will require. 

Difficult or important tasks – those that mandate more mental energy and creativity – should be scheduled when your energy tank is full (usually first thing in the morning for most people). In contrast, routine or monotonous tasks should be relegated to moments of energy recovery or dips in motivation (like the hour after lunch break).

You may not have complete control over your schedule. But that shouldn’t discourage you from making small changes to your routines.

Here are a few suggestions on how to get started on the path of energy management:

1. Conduct an energy audit. Pay attention to your energy level throughout the day. Try to find daily and weekly patterns in your motivation and focus. 
2. Rank your routine tasks. What things energize you? Which drain you? If possible, look for ways to eliminate, delegate, or automate the tasks that drain your energy. Try to make more time for the things that energize you. 
3. Sync your calendar with your energy levels. If you already have a daily or weekly routine, how well does it match your natural energy levels? Try experimenting with moving more difficult and energy-draining tasks to times of the day when your motivation and focus is highest. 

Energy management is more of an art than a science. It takes time, experimentation, and self-awareness to figure out a schedule that works best for you.

Few people manage their time well, and even fewer manage their energy. The key to sustainable productivity is learning how to do both.