Like most of you, I often feel like there are not enough hours in the day. We all have so many commitments and responsibilities. There seems to be two possible solutions to this problem – commit to less or be more productive (I guess there are three – do a sh*tty job at some of your tasks and responsibilities).
I recognize it is hard for me to commit to less. I have improved at saying no to some requests, but I know I will usually be over committed. So if I am going to continue to over commit that leaves focusing on productivity. There are many different tools and techniques people have for improving productivity – improve your skills, time management, prioritization, setting goals and objectives, making lists, enjoy what you do, positive attitude, multi-tasking/focus on one-task, remove the clutter, first things first, staying organized, effective communication, using technology, balancing lifestyle, delegation, etc.
I believe all of these can contribute to improving your productivity. However, one item that isn’t talked about as frequently, but is starting to, is managing your energy level. Most prioritization techniques will say to work on your most difficult tasks during the time of day when you have the most energy. Instead, how about working on increasing your endurance and energy levels for throughout the day and week?
The first time I heard of this concept was a couple years ago on an audio interview in Success Magazine with Dr. Mehmet Oz. Basically, he discussed how important it is to your health to effectively manage your energy levels. Last week I read that Tony Schwartz just released (5/18/2010) a book, The Way We are Working Isn’t Working, which is based on his The Energy Project. Honestly, I haven’t had a chance to review this material closely, yet. Have you?
What I have found is that when I manage my energy levels effectively, my productivity increases dramatically. I think more clearly and I am much more pleasant to be around (not so crabby!). With all the commitments and responsibilities most of us have, not operating at full capacity is very common. But just think how much you get done when you feel energized. How often do you feel this way? Most days? Once in awhile?
There are three areas I am continually monitoring in regard to my energy level:
- Sleep – Right or wrong, I consistently need about 7 ½ hours of sleep each night. Wish I needed less, but no such luck.
- Nutrition – Garbage in, garbage out.
- Exercise – I don’t hate it, but I don’t love it either. Just have to do it.
Do you focus on managing your energy level? How do you do it? Love to hear your thoughts.
I like your comments regarding pesonal energy level and agree that sleep, nutrition and exercise are important elements to maintaining physical energy. However, I would say that emotional energy is as influential to one’s successful navigation of work as any, and perhaps all of the areas mentioned above.
Emotional energy is deeply connected to core values. Working in an environment that aligns with one’s core values taps into an endless geiser of energy. If a person has as part of their core values family, civic involvement and environmental care, working with a company that offers flexible work hours, time off for volunteering and a comprehensive recycling program engages the employee at a deeper level… a core level. It becomes an additional form of compensation. Energy derived from alinging with one’s core values is energy that sustains where physical energy fades. Physical energy is obviously necessary. However, without emotional energy I would find it difficult to maintain a positive energy level for long.
Thanks for the important conversations this group encourages.