The Importance of Energy Management Over Time Management

I recently had a chance to reflect on something that has been on my mind for a while—energy management. The more I think about it, the more I realize that managing our energy is far more crucial than simply managing our time. We often hear about time management, but for me, it’s about making sure I’m spending my energy wisely throughout the day.

Work-Life Balance: A Concept Worth Defending

There's been a lot of debate lately about work-life balance and whether it's even possible. Some people say it doesn’t exist, and instead call it "work-life integration" or "work-life circle." I’ve seen big names like Jeff Bezos refer to it as a "circle" because our professional and personal lives influence each other. But honestly, I still believe in good old-fashioned work-life balance.

When people hear “work-life balance,” they immediately know you’re talking about trying to balance work demands with personal life, all while still having fun and fulfillment. Sure, it might look different for each person—some thrive on their work and derive their identity from it, but for many of us, it's a blend of work and personal fulfillment.

Energy is the Key: It’s Not About Time

The big realization for me was that it’s not about time management; it’s about energy management. I could spend two hours binge-watching Netflix and feel like those hours just disappear. But if I spend those same two hours doing something like going for a hike, I come back feeling energized and renewed. It’s all about how we use our energy in those hours we have.

This idea ties back to something I read in Laura Vanderkam’s book. She talks about how the hours from Friday at 5 PM to Monday at 8 AM are just as many waking hours as those during a typical workweek. It’s a paradigm shift in how we think about time—we have plenty of it, but how we use it is what really matters.

Focus on What You Have, Not What You Don’t

I know some people are dealing with really tough situations, like caregiving or other responsibilities, but I believe focusing on the time you don’t have won’t help you. Instead, I think it’s important to focus on how to make the most of the time and energy you do have. There’s a tendency in the world today to focus on lack and sell quick fixes, but I believe you can make the most of your available time, both in work and in life.

Intentional Endings: How I Wrap Up My Day

One strategy I’ve found helpful is ending the workday with something that brings me joy. For example, instead of getting bogged down in email, I might spend the last 30 minutes working on a fulfilling project. It doesn’t have to be big—it could be something as simple as planning for the next day or working on a passion project that recharges my batteries. Ending the day on a positive note gives me energy for the next day.

Moving Forward: Small Steps for Big Gains

In my life, I’ve found that small, intentional actions can make a big difference. Whether it’s taking a walk or improving a process at work, the key is doing something that fuels me rather than drains me. For me, that means constantly finding ways to improve things—whether it’s a project at work or something in my personal life. Taking 30 minutes a day to move a passion project forward can make all the difference in how energized I feel.

Ultimately, it’s all about making the most of your energy, not just your time. By focusing on what fuels you and being intentional about how you spend your time, you can find fulfillment both at work and in life.