Energy vs. Time: Which Matters More for Your Productivity?

Photo by cottonbro studio

I recently came across a simple yet profound statement: “Manage your energy, not your time.” This idea resonated with me in a way that went beyond the superficial, and it got me thinking. Most of us intuitively understand that our mental and physical state significantly impacts our productivity. However, the message to prioritize energy management over time management struck a chord and led me to reevaluate my daily routines and scheduling methods.

For the longest time, I adhered to the conventional wisdom of creating rigid schedules with time blocks assigned to various tasks. An hour for my morning routine, 40 minutes for exercise, 8 hours for work, another hour for writing, 30 minutes for dinner — it all looked great on paper. But, when it came to implementing these plans, I was frequently met with disappointment. I blamed my lack of discipline, but the real issue was my time management approach. It’s challenging to stick to a schedule when you’re unable to focus or when you’re physically drained or unwell.

Some might argue, “Just push through it,” and while that has its place, it shouldn’t be the daily norm. If you constantly need to exert extra effort to adhere to your schedule, something isn’t working.

So, what’s the solution? The answer isn’t always to do more of what energizes you, as…