Managing Energy: Your Key Ingredient for Peak Performance

I’m a mom, sister, daughter, friend, entrepreneur, manager, writer, coach, wanna-be yogi, world traveler, tennis and pickleball player-in-training, and avid reader. Oh yeah, and I love a solid 8 hours of sleep and a nap whenever possible. Time is my most important asset. Yet time management often feels like the ultimate puzzle. I find myself constantly asking, “How can I accomplish everything with the limited time I have?” Surprisingly, the answer isn’t just about managing time—it's about managing our energy. Time management alone isn’t going to bring my A-game to a writing assignment at 2 o’clock in the afternoon after a long morning of Zoom meetings. 

Understanding Performance Cycles

Our energy levels fluctuate throughout the day, following a pattern known as the performance cycle. This cycle can be divided into three phases: peak, trough, and recovery.

1. Peak: This is when we’re at our most alert and focused. Early birds typically experience this in the morning, while night owls hit their stride later in the day.
2. Trough: Midday is often when energy dips, leading to lower productivity and focus.
3. Recovery: Energy levels rise again but in a more relaxed state, making this an ideal time for creative or reflective tasks.

Identifying Your Chronotype

Knowing whether you’re an early bird, a night owl, or somewhere in between can greatly enhance your productivity. Our bodies follow a “hidden pattern of daily life” influenced by our chronotype, which affects our mood and performance at work.

Daniel Pink’s research in his book "When: The Scientific Secrets of Perfect Timing" delves into how timing impacts our behavior. He highlights how aligning tasks with our natural rhythms can lead to better performance and greater success.

Optimizing Your Day

To make the most out of your day, match your tasks to your energy levels:

• Morning (Peak): Tackle analytical and demanding tasks. This is when your brain is sharpest.
• Afternoon (Trough): Focus on routine tasks that require less cognitive effort.
• Evening (Recovery): Engage in creative activities or planning for the next day.

Managing energy, not just time is key to productivity. By understanding and leveraging your natural performance cycles, you can optimize your day and achieve more with less effort. Embrace the science of timing to work smarter, not harder.

By understanding your chronotype and aligning your activities with your natural energy levels, you can transform how you work and live, making each day not just productive but also balanced and fulfilling.

With love, 

DeEtta