Musings | Manage Energy, Not Time
“Manage your energy, not your time”
“. . . Time is a finite resource. Energy is a different story. Defined in physics as the capacity to work, energy comes from our four main wellsprings in human beings: the body, emotions, mind, and spirit. In each, energy can be systematically expanded and regularly renewed by establishing specific rituals - behaviors that are intentionally practiced and scheduled. . .” (Harvard Business Review (HBR), Manage Your Energy, Not Your Time)
In other words, if we don’t recharge our batteries or refuel our tanks, we cannot make use of the time we have. But how do we know if we are managing our energy well or not? And how do we make adjustments if we are suffering from an energy deficit?
Start by taking the questionnaire below from the HBR article noted above (the scoring information follows under the Resources & Sources section). Simply review the statements in each column and note the ones that are true for you. You will need to track how many you agree with in total and how many are true in each column. When you are done, review your scores. Remember, this is just an awareness exercise just for you - there is no right or wrong, just an opportunity to get some insight into your use and management of energy so you can adjust if needed.
The articles below further explain the Manage Your Energy, Not Your Time concept and provide examples and tips on managing your energy. The documents were too dense to capture in a one-page summary; please take a moment to review the information through the provided links. Remember, this exercise is all about awareness. Until we know how we use our energy, we cannot take steps to do anything differently. There is no right way or wrong way; the key is to discover your way.
Resources & Sources
Manage your energy, not your time (longer read)
Why you need to manage your energy not your time (shorter read)
Manage Your Energy, Not Your Time Scoring Table
