“The only reason for time is so that everything doesn’t happen at once.”  – Einstein

Since the beginning of time (or at least since the creation of the 40-hour work week), humans have stayed in conflict with the clock.

From color-coded schedules to productivity apps that promise elite organization of everyday tasks, society plans life around time. So much so, that the concept of time management is programmed into our default settings when it comes to organizing one’s busy schedule.

The issue at hand: if burnout, overwhelmingness, and the dread of falling behind are the end goal, then time management has got us covered.

Switching the mindset from when tasks will be completed to how they will be approached is a schedule shaker in both office and home life. Referred to as energy management, this refresh of the overused “time management” model allows for better regulation of peak productivity time and best efficiency practices.

Time may be money, but energy is compound interest. The more attention you give to your energy levels, the faster it is able to grow on itself.

3 Reasons Why “Time-Management” Is Hurting You

While the initial thought of time management tactics, such as schedule blocking, holds valid benefits at first glance, overtime it becomes unmaintainable. The concept assumes that your productivity is simply a matter of distributing tasks evenly across the hours of your day. Sounds logical, right? But it overlooks one crucial factor: your energy fluctuates.

Not All Hours Are Created Equal: Tackling a complex task when you are at your lowest energy point can take twice as long than completing it at your peak. If you have ever felt the slow, all-encompassing force of the “3 PM Slump,” you are not alone. Our bodies and minds aren’t built to sustain the same energy levels all day, but the practice of schedule blocking banks on the fact that they are.

Motivation Killer: An over-packed schedule, even if perfectly managed, is one of the leading causes of burnout. The focus on squeezing productivity out of every minute can lead to exhaustion, which ultimately hampers performance.

Quantity vs. Quality: No time management hack can compensate for a lack of focus. Prioritizing how many tasks can be completed in a given hour often sacrifices the quality of work, leading to a declining graph of quality vs. quantity.

Energy Tracking: The Sustainable Alternative

Time management might be out of style, that doesn’t mean your day has to be a constant guessing game of what comes next. Energy management acknowledges six key influencers that make up our key to higher performance (SMEPSE: Social, Mental, Emotional, Psychological, Spiritual, Environmental). Planning your day around your physical, mental, and emotional peaks creates a more balanced outcome.

Let’s say you wake up with about 20% of your energy battery, but need to get through the 24-hour day ahead. Stressful, right? You might have all the time in the world, but without enough energy, you’ll struggle to function, make good decisions, or be present for the people who matter.

Now, imagine waking up fully charged. Suddenly, the same 24 hours feel different. You’re sharp, engaged, and able to make the most of every moment.

The lesson? It’s not just about managing time—it’s about managing your energy so you can create more opportunities, rather than feeling constricted.

Let’s keep this math kick going and use the following equation to explain this relationship of time and energy:

Using this idea, if we were to calculate an hour where the energy levels sat an exact zero, the productivity outcome would also remain at zero regardless of the amount of time given. Time cannot be built off of- those 24 hours are a set limit- but energy is ever changing. Learning how to stay in tune with your natural rhythms instead of forcing productivity against the tide can help you cash in on optimal creativity.

Align Tasks with Peaks: Discover your peak Deion Sanders Shuffle as you identify your high-energy hours (often referred to as your “biological prime time”), and tackle the most demanding tasks when you’re at your best. Programs like Cloverleaf, available when you sign up for Core Energy Coaching, use personalized questionnaires to give you an accurate panel of your best working times.

Emphasize Recovery: Energy management makes rest and rejuvenation priorities, not luxuries. Whether it’s a quick walk, power nap, or deep breathing exercises, small recovery periods throughout the day serve as recharge for your mental and creative batteries.

4 Simple Steps to Plan Your Energy

The beauty of energy levels is that they are unique to each person. While some may pride themselves on their early riser tendencies, others may function as self-proclaimed nocturnal workers. Get to know your personal pattern to better plan for your day:

Track Your Energy Levels: Spend a week noticing when you feel most alert and when you hit a slump. Note this insight to plan your tasks.

Prioritize Rest: Schedule breaks just as you would meetings or deadlines. Something as small as an in-office walk serves a massive purpose. A refreshed mind is a productive one.

Optimize Your Environment: Adjust lighting, noise, and workspace setup to keep your energy up throughout the day.

Practice Mindfulness: Stress drains energy quickly. Techniques like meditation or breathing practices help keep the mind calm and focused.

Wrapping Up

Time is finite, but Energy is Renewable. While time management teaches you to make the most of every minute, energy management empowers you to bring your most productive mind to those minutes. The clock may keep ticking, but your energy is the real driving force behind success. So give it the attention it needs to grow.

Want to learn more about energy management? Check out this video to see how you can start your journey!