Manager your Energy not time

This is a summary of HBR Article : “Manage Your Energy, Not Your Time” by Tony Schwartz and Catherine McCarthy.

All organizations demand high performance from teams, and we often hear advice about time management — optimizing schedules, accelerating work pace, and extending workdays to maximize productivity. But the real question is, once you’ve found the time, do you have the energy to utilize it effectively?

Understanding the importance of energy management over time management can transform your productivity and well-being.

There are Four Dimensions of Energy: 

1. Physical: The strength and stamina your body uses to perform activities.
2. Emotional: The capacity to manage and express emotions effectively.
3. Mental: The ability to focus and think clearly on cognitive tasks.
4. Spiritual: Purpose and fulfilment from living personal values

Here is a brief comparison of Time and Energy

Time:

• Finite Resource: Limited to 24 hours a day.
• Quantity Focus: Aims to maximize productivity by filling time with tasks.
• Externally Controlled: Influenced by deadlines and schedules, other people.
• Leads to Exhaustion: Extended hours can diminish health and performance.

Energy:

• Renewable: Can be rejuvenated through practices and rituals .
• Quality Focus: Prioritizes well-being and balanced performance.
• Internally Controlled: Managed through personal choices about rest, diet, and activity.
• Sustainable: Regular renewal fosters sustained high performance without burnout.

While time management is about efficiently navigating a fixed amount of time, energy management is about enhancing and renewing one’s capacity to perform tasks with vigor and engagement. This shift suggests that enhancing one’s energy can lead to more effective and sustainable productivity than merely extending work hours.

How to  replenish each dimension of Energy:

Physical:

• Better Sleep: Set an earlier bedtime and reduce alcohol.
• Exercise: Include cardio and strength training for stress relief.
• Frequent, Light Meals: Small meals every three hours for steady energy.
• Regular Breaks: Step away every 90-120 minutes to refresh.

Emotional:

• Stress Management: Use deep breathing to stay calm.
• Positivity: Show appreciation regularly to lift spirits.
• Shift Perspective: View challenges from different angles.

Mental:

• Reduce Interruptions: Schedule specific times for emails and calls.
• Prioritize: Start with your most important task each day.
• Focused Work: Set routines for deep-focus time.

Spiritual:

• Engage in Fulfilling Activities: Focus on work you enjoy.
• Align with Values: Ensure tasks match what matters most to you.
• Set Boundaries: Establish clear work-end times for personal life.

Initiatives in various organizations?

• Salesforce has meditation rooms on every floor. 
• Nike offers yoga classes and meditation rooms. 
• Google’s “Search Inside Yourself” program teaches mindfulness, emotional intelligence, and leadership. 
• Facebook hosts weekly in-house meditation sessions..

Conclusion: Overall, managing energy leads to better personal fulfilment and work performance. By focusing on energy management, both employees and companies can thrive without the cost of personal health and well-being.

Dear Readers,

I would love to hear from you. Please share the best practices followed in your organization regarding energy management. What has been your experience with managing energy? How has it impacted your work and life?