In coaching sessions, I often hear things like:
“If only I had more time…” or “I need you to help me perform better so I can create more time in my day.”
It’s a familiar narrative – that time is the limiting factor. That with the right planning, prioritisation and structure, we can somehow squeeze more into our 24 hours.
It becomes a quest for greater efficiency… so we can do more.
But what if time isn’t the only issue?
What if how you feel – your energy – is actually the thing that matters most?
The time management trap
Time management has long been seen as the solution to our productivity problems. Diaries, digital calendars, time-blocking tools – we use them to pack as much as possible into the day. And they can be helpful, to a point.
But if you’ve ever had a perfectly scheduled day and still ended it feeling drained, distracted, or unsatisfied, then you already know: time alone isn’t the answer.
A 2024 article suggested that over-relying on time management can actually fuel hustle culture and contribute to burnout.
Yes, there are brilliant time management techniques out there – the Pareto Principle (80/20 rule) and the Eisenhower Matrix, to name a couple.
They can absolutely help you prioritise and streamline within your available hours. But they won’t give you more time.
And no matter how efficiently you work, you can’t create more hours in the day.
What you can do is manage your energy –the fuel that powers your focus, presence, and performance.
So what is energy management?
Energy management is about aligning your habits, mindset, and schedule with your natural energy rhythms. It helps you show up consistently – without running on empty.
In their well-known Harvard Business Review article, Tony Schwartz and Catherine McCarthy offer this simple but powerful idea: “Manage your energy, not your time.”
They explain that energy can be systematically expanded and regularly renewed by establishing small, intentional rituals. This includes managing four key areas:
Physical – Sleep, movement, and nutrition
Emotional – Cultivating optimism, gratitude, and empathy
Mental – Focusing deeply and limiting distractions
Spiritual – Connecting with purpose and values
It’s a more holistic way to work. And it’s sustainable.
We’re not designed to be "on" all the time – and not all hours are created equal. Our energy naturally fluctuates throughout the day.
Working with, not against, your rhythms
Another approach to energy management comes from Daniel Pink, in his book When. He introduces the idea of chronotypes – biological patterns that influence when we feel most alert or fatigued.
Pink identifies three common chronotypes (morning larks, night owls, and third birds), and encourages us to match our tasks to our energy highs and lows. For example, if your sharpest thinking happens in the morning, protect that time for deep work – not emails.
This is energy intelligence in action.
Time problem or energy problem?
Here are a few signs you might be facing an energy management challenge, not a time issue:
You have time to complete your work – but no motivation
You tick everything off – but still feel unfulfilled
You feel productive in short bursts – then crash
You avoid certain tasks – not because of time, but because they drain you
Your focus slips – even with a good night’s sleep
You’re easily overwhelmed or emotionally reactive
You multitask constantly – but rarely feel accomplished
You say yes when you mean no – and regret it
You rely on caffeine, sugar, or adrenaline to get through the day
Sound familiar? You’re not alone. Energy management could be the missing piece.
Practical ways to manage your energy
1. Do an energy audit
Keep a log for 2–3 days. When do you feel focused? Drained? Energised? What patterns do you notice? Use those insights to re-shape your routines. You can download my free Energy Tracker.
2. Know your chronotype
Work with Daniel Pink’s chronotypes. Are you a morning person or a night owl? Plan high-focus tasks during your energy peaks, and keep admin for lower-energy windows.
3. Take micro-renewal breaks
A five-minute walk, breathing exercise, or even a stretch can reset your nervous system more effectively than a scroll through your phone. Make a conscious effort to incorporate these energising activities into your day.
4. Reconnect with purpose
Tasks aligned with your values often feel energising – even when they’re challenging. Remind yourself why your work matters to you.
Why this matters for leaders
As a leader, your energy is contagious. It sets the tone – whether you’re calm and focused, or overwhelmed and reactive.
When you lead from a place of grounded, intentional energy, it creates ripple effects:
Better decisions
Healthier boundaries
Clearer communication
More engaged, resilient teams
Being energy-aware isn’t just about self-care – it’s about modelling a more human, sustainable way of working.
A sustainable way to lead and live
Managing your energy doesn’t mean you’ll never feel tired or off track. It means you’re tuning in to what you need, and designing your life and work with that in mind.
Instead of asking: “How can I get more done today?”
Try asking: “What would nourish my energy so I can do what matters well?”
That shift in mindset might just open the door to more focus, fulfilment, and flow.
Try this
Consider: What’s one small change you could make this week to protect or boost your energy?
Download my free Energy Tracker here to get curious about your patterns.
If you’d like support exploring how to manage your energy more intentionally – for yourself or your team – I’d love to help. Feel free to get in touch via the website, or connect with me on LinkedIn.
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