Stop managing your time start managing your energy
We’re getting closer to the end of the year, and for many people this is when motivation starts dipping and to-do lists start growing. If you’ve been feeling scattered, tired, or like your day runs you — you’re not alone.
Here’s the thing most productivity advice glosses over:
You can plan your time perfectly… and still burn out if you’re ignoring your energy.
Your energy isn’t the same at 9am as it is at 3pm. Honestly, it’s not even the same at 9am and 11am. When you stop fighting that and start working with your natural rhythms, everything becomes easier. Tasks take less effort, you think more clearly, and you stop pushing uphill all day long.
That’s where energy mapping comes in.
What is Energy Mapping?
Energy mapping is simply paying attention to when you naturally have more focus, creativity, and momentum, and when you don’t. You can then organise your tasks around that. It’s not complicated. It doesn’t require fancy tools. It’s just noticing what your body and brain are already telling you.
It really is quite simple………
Time is fixed.
Energy is not.
When you try to force high-focus work during your lowest-energy moments, even the simplest task can feel like a marathon. But when you pair the right task with the right energy level, you get more done with less stress — and with much more ease.
How to Map Your Energy (It’s Easier Than You Think)
Track your day for a week
Nothing detailed — just notice when you feel alert, calm, tired, focused, restless, creative. Morning? Afternoon? Right after lunch? Late at night?
Write down a few quick notes each day.
Identify your high-energy times
These “peak hours” are gold. This is where you schedule your deep work, problem-solving, strategy, creativity — anything that requires your brain to be at its best.
Notice your low-energy times
These are perfect for admin, emails, repetitive tasks, errands, and anything that doesn’t need your full attention.
Match the task to the energy
This single shift alone can reduce overwhelm and help you get more done without working longer.
Here’s a simple example:
Early morning: High focus → Write, plan, think
Midday dip: Lower energy → Emails, checklists, admin
Afternoon lift: Social energy → Meetings, collaboration
You’ll eventually find your own pattern — everyone’s looks a bit different.
Heres why this is so important….. Why This Reduces Burnout
When you work with your energy instead of pushing through it, you avoid those “I’m completely done” afternoons. Your day feels smoother. Tasks feel lighter. And you stop carrying that constant undercurrent of stress and frustration.
Productivity stops being a grind and becomes something you can actually sustain.
Time won’t change — but how you use your energy absolutely can. And when you get that right, everything else begins to flow.