Productivity Basics – Energy Management

Let’s talk about Energy Management.

And no, I’m not talking about turning off the lights in your office at the end of the day or powering down your computer.

I’m talking about managing your own personal energy.

The energy that keeps you going throughout the day.

The energy that keeps you making good decisions.

The energy that maximizes your efficiency.

The energy that gets you to Friday without feeling exhausted or overwhelmed.

If you read that and thought, “Whoa! I need a little bit of help with my energy management…” – I want you to know that’s not uncommon. Many people associate tiredness and exhaustion with progress – and that’s not necessarily the case, is it?

The big question is, how do you go about managing your energy so you are moving forward and not just living for the weekend in hopes of a small respite? I want you to ask yourself a few essential questions.

Do you know what zaps your energy?

When you think about what you do throughout the day, there are probably things that just drain you – whether it be mentally, emotionally, or even physically. It’s crucial to pay attention to what those things are in order to find ways to deal with them effectively. It may mean finding someone to assist you with those things or improving your systems and processes, so they’re not so taxing on you.

Do you have a daily routine?

The best leaders in the world will tell you that having a routine is beneficial to them for maintaining consistent energy. For most people at the top of their field, this routine starts from the moment they rise until they go to bed. Things such as a consistent bedtime, exercise, diet, etc., – along with how they structure their day – all contribute to their daily routine. If you don’t have a daily routine, now’s the time to start establishing one.

Do you work in some fun?

You know the expression, “All work and no play…” – Well, please don’t ever forget the importance of having fun! Sharing a laugh with someone, texting a funny meme, watching a hilarious YouTube video (of which there is no shortage), or taking your crazy dog for a walk can all be fun!

Do you take breaks?

Studies have shown that breaks reduce stress, help you maintain peak performance, reset your mood, and improve your well-being – and those are all the reasons you need to remember to take some breaks during your day. Five to ten minutes between tasks can mean all the difference in the quality of your work.

Do you pace yourself and prioritize?

I know that you have great ideas, and you want to implement them NOW! I get it! Sometimes it’s hard to hold yourself back, and you just want to go, go, go! But if that means burning the candle at both ends and making sacrifices in other parts of your life (for example, with family, friends, or your health) – then you need to learn to pace yourself and prioritize your tasks. Check out “How Do You Balance Both the Urgent and the Important?” to learn what Cat Stancik shares about your “Minimum Viable Day.”

Do you know what replenishes your energy?

We all have those things that seem to replenish our energy. It may be exercise. Gardening. Meditation. Time spent talking with a friend. Reading a good book. Preparing a healthy meal. Whatever it is for you – identify it and work it into your schedule.

I know that you have big goals for your business, but you need to manage your energy to make them happen. Without it, you’ll find yourself experiencing extreme fatigue – which could eventually lead to burnout – and nobody wants that!

However, by implementing a few simple things, you can do yourself a great big favor to keep you productive and moving forward to achieving your goals.