5 Tips for Introverts to Match Your Energy With Your Schedule
Nothing like looking at a busy week ahead and feeling exhaustion start to creep in. One of the best things I’ve done for myself over the years is looking at my week ahead with a lens to match my energy with my schedule. Yes, there will be weeks where, as an introvert, it is all in and all week. But most weeks, you have more control over your schedule and how you manage it. While you look at your week as a whole, the real magic is day-to-day. You know the saying “One Day at a Time” (or is that a 70’s sitcom that comes to mind?); that’s how you win the week and find your best practices to match your energy with your schedule.
Here are five tips for creating a plan that works with your energy levels and schedule each day:
- Start by writing down any meetings, events, or tasks that you need to complete for the day.
Starting your day by writing down any meetings, events, or tasks you need to complete can be an immensely helpful way to begin your day. It helps you to stay on track and reduces decision fatigue. Having a clear plan for the day makes it easier for you to focus on the task at hand and complete it quickly. Having a written plan also allows you to adjust if something unexpected comes up during the day (not that that ever happens, right?) or if you find yourself running out of time. Setting aside a few minutes each morning to plan, can set the tone for a productive and positive day ahead. - Plot out chunks of time when you know you’ll be most productive.
Plotting out chunks of time when you know you’ll be most productive is a great way to get through your day efficiently. Everyone has different peak times for productivity, and it can be helpful to schedule tasks around that. Daniel Pink has a great book called When: The Scientific Secrets of Perfect Timing on this topic. This also allows you to prioritize the more important or complex tasks which require more time and energy while leaving the simpler tasks for in-between periods. By being aware of your own natural rhythms, you can take full advantage of them and make sure your day is spent effectively. - Schedule breaks between tasks so you can rest and reset your energy levels.
Planning breaks between tasks is essential for staying energized and productive. Taking a few minutes to step away from your current project to rest, reset, and refresh is key for maintaining your focus and energy levels throughout the day. Breaks also give you an opportunity to regroup, clear your mind, and break through any mental blocks that may have been preventing progress. By scheduling short breaks regularly (sometimes just 3–5 minutes is all you need), you can make sure that you’re taking care of yourself mentally and physically so you can stay productive all day long. - Make sure the amount of time allocated to tasks corresponds to the energy required from you.
When planning your day, it’s essential to factor in the energy each task will require from you. Be sure to allocate enough time for tasks that may be more challenging or energy-consuming so that you don’t rush through them or expend all of your energy. On the other hand, simpler tasks should be given a smaller amount of time so you can move on to the next thing quickly and easily. Planning out your day according to these parameters will help you make sure that you are working efficiently and productively throughout the day. - Make sure to set aside some time each day for self-care activities, which will help keep your energy levels up throughout the week.
It’s important to remember to set aside time each day for activities that nurture your mental and physical well-being. Engaging in self-care activities such as meditating, taking a break from technology, reading a book, journaling, or exercising (I’m a morning runner, and it’s part of my morning routine) are all great ways to keep your energy levels up throughout the week. Taking this time for yourself builds resilience and allows you to recharge and reset so that you’re ready for the next task, the next day, and the next successful week.
What are some of your best practices or “must-dos” that help you match your energy with your schedule? Share in the comments so we can all build from each other.
Are you an introvert with big things in mind? Interested in bringing those big things into your external world? I help introverts be better at things that are important to them. Join me at www.activeintrovert.com.
