We don't just manage our time, we need to manage our energy.
I realized this last year, and then stumbled upon productivity creators talking about this subject.
As we go through our activities in the day, we don't always produce at the same pace. This is specially true for creative work, or any kind of task that requires focus and mental effort, not mere repetition or execution.
There are some tasks that we enjoy to the point that they replenish our energies. And there are some others that depletes us.
Identifying the potential impact that tasks can have in our energy is the difference between feeling burnt out by the end of the day or feeling energized and proud of what we have accomplished.
But beware, just knowing this is not going to have any change. I learned this months ago, but the last couple of days I've felt overwhelmed and tired even if I wasn't doing as much as I usually do. So, what can you do now that you know about managing energies?
The most effective way to put this to practice is by monitoring our day, taking notes on how we felt thorough the day. This includes not only work related tasks, but also activities that are part of our lives.
Having a sort of Journey Map of our individual day is the first, crucial step towards a better management of energy.
And you can even identify which activities replenish your energy that can be done in between rests that you take, so your day feels much more rewarding and you get by the end of it feeling proud, not overwhelmed.
I'll attempt to make a map of my own activities and publish it on another date. Maybe we can compare our journeys and exchange tips to manage our energy tanks!