Micro-Step #15: Try Working With Your Energy, Not Against It
If you have ever tried to push through work when your energy was low, you know how much harder everything feels.
Suddenly, simple tasks take twice as long, and even your best ideas seem foggy and out of reach.
It’s not always about working harder; it is about working smarter. And that starts with understanding your own energy patterns.
Your Energy Has Peaks and Valleys
Just like there are natural rhythms in the seasons, there are natural rhythms in your energy throughout the day.
You might feel sharp and focused first thing in the morning, hit a slump around mid-afternoon, and find new energy in the evening.
Everyone’s rhythm is different. The key is to learn yours and work with it instead of against it.
- Morning Energizer: You feel your best early in the day. This is the time to tackle your hardest tasks—strategy, planning, deep work.
- Afternoon Achiever: Your focus kicks in around lunchtime and stretches into the afternoon. This is when you handle meetings, networking, and collaboration.
- Evening Creator: You get your best ideas and clearest thinking after the sun sets. This is your time for creative work and idea generation.
Micro-Step #15: Align Your Tasks with Your Energy
Take one week to observe your energy levels throughout the day.
Ask yourself these questions:
- When do I feel most focused?
- When do I feel most creative?
- When is my energy the lowest?
Now, start matching your tasks to your energy.
- High-energy periods: Focus on deep work, decision-making, and problem-solving.
- Mid-energy periods: Handle emails, follow-ups, and admin work.
- Low-energy periods: Take breaks, do light planning, or engage in learning.
Why This Works
- You stop fighting your natural rhythm.
- You get more done in less time because you are not forcing productivity.
- You feel less drained because you are working with your energy, not against it.
What Next?
This week, start small:
- Choose just one high-energy task for when you are most focused.
- Reserve one low-energy period for rest, reflection, or light planning.
- Notice the difference it makes in your productivity and mindset.
When you match your work with your energy, things get easier. You are not forcing yourself to show up; you are setting yourself up for success.
