During a recent Advisor meeting with Marcy Stoudt, Executive Coach and founder of Executive Mom Nest, she talked about the great equalizer, which is the 24 hours we each have every day. We often think of those hours in terms of time management or how to best manage our time. Marcy proposed something I never heard before. Instead of thinking about time management, what if we reframed the concept to energy management? Considering this alternate perspective, you have an opportunity for less strain, better balance, and improved motivation.
Instead of focusing on the things that zap your energy, what makes you feel more energized? What are the motivating, energy-boosting activities you are already doing? What else can you incorporate into the day that feeds rather than depletes you? Most of us have at least a few activities that are demotivating and exhausting. What can you do to balance them and replenish your reserves?
Our days include:
Having scheduled appointments
Managing self-care basics
Working on long or short-term projects
Running errands
Connecting with people and so much more.
Each requires a block of time. Instead of organizing your day by how much time things take, also consider their energy quotient. Match your higher brainpower activities with your more energetic times of the day. For the morning people like me, work on the more demanding things first. Don’t save them for the evening when your energy is low. Pay attention to what depletes you. To balance that drain, create white space in your day, incorporate rejuvenating moments, and match your natural energy rhythms to appropriate activities.
“Instead of thinking about time management, what if we reframed the concept to ‘energy’ management?”
Thinking about my own energy management, these are some of the things I do that energize and nourish me:
I prioritize self-care through meditation, journaling, walking, doing yoga, connecting with loved ones, eating healthfully, hydrating, and getting enough sleep.
I am intentional with my time, avoid overscheduling, and include white space. That space enables me to make smoother, less stressful transitions between appointments and activities.
I spend time with people whose company I enjoy.
I work with virtual organizing clients that are motivated and committed to growth and change.
I check in with myself throughout the day, listen to what I need, and adjust accordingly.
I stop to smell the flowers, watch the grass blow in the breeze, feel the warm summer sun on my face, and hug my husband.
I can go fast but choose not to rush.
I stop doing, so I can just be.
I am mindful and present.
Have you considered energy management? How can it transform your relation to time, pacing, and motivation? What resonates with you? I’d love to hear your thoughts. I invite you to join the conversation.
