Managing Energy, Not Just Time

Traditional productivity advice often centres around time—scheduling every minute, maximising efficiency, and fitting more into each day.

But if you’re a creative entrepreneur, you’ve probably noticed that this approach doesn’t always work.

Some days, you can power through projects with ease. Other days, even small tasks feel impossible. 😩 That’s not a time management problem—it’s an energy management one.

Why Energy Matters More Than Time

Time is predictable. We all get the same 24 hours in a day. But energy? That fluctuates. ⚡🔋 Your focus, creativity, and motivation ebb and flow based on a mix of factors—sleep, emotions, environment, the tasks at hand, and even the weather.

Instead of trying to force yourself into rigid time-based systems, shifting to an energy-based approach can help you work with your natural rhythms, not against them. The goal isn’t to squeeze more into your day but to create a way of working that feels more sustainable and aligned with how your brain works.

Understanding Your Energy Patterns

Start by paying attention to your energy levels throughout the day and week.

When do you feel most alert, creative, or focused? When do you tend to hit a slump? You might notice patterns—perhaps you’re most creative in the mornings but find deep-focus work easier in the afternoon. Maybe you have a couple of high-energy days followed by a day when you need more rest.

✅ Match tasks to energy levels. Do your deep, creative work when you naturally feel energised. Save admin tasks for lower-energy times.

🔄 Build in flexibility. Rigid schedules can feel impossible to follow when your energy dips. Allow for movement in your day and week.

🛌 Plan for recovery. Just like athletes schedule rest days, you need time to recharge. That might mean quiet time after intense creative work or a full day off after a big project.

Shifting Your Mindset Around Productivity

Many of us have internalised the idea that productivity means working a set number of hours each day. But true productivity isn’t about how long you work—it’s about making meaningful progress in a way that’s sustainable for you. 💡

This shift requires unlearning some common beliefs:

💡 More hours don’t always mean more results. Pushing through exhaustion often leads to lower-quality work and burnout.

💡 Breaks are not wasted time. Rest supports creativity and problem-solving, even if it doesn’t feel “productive” in the traditional sense.

💡 Your way of working is valid. If you work best in short, intense bursts or need more downtime than others, that’s okay.

Creating an Energy-Based Workflow

🗓️ Experiment with structuring your day around energy rather than time. Some approaches that might help:

🎯 Themed days. Set aside specific days for deep work, admin, meetings, or creative exploration.

📦 Task batching. Group similar tasks together to reduce cognitive switching.

🤔 Check in with yourself. Before starting a task, ask: “What kind of energy do I have right now?” and choose work that matches.

By focusing on energy rather than rigid time constraints, you give yourself the freedom to work in a way that feels natural, effective, and, most importantly, sustainable. ✨

The goal isn’t just to get more done—it’s to create a work rhythm that supports both your creativity and well-being.