Regardless of their goals, most leaders struggle to figure out “how to get it all done.”

They usually don’t believe that it is possible to get a handle on their workload. Especially if that answer includes anything other than “work harder.” But it is true.

Every year, I hear the stories. When leaders learn to focus better, not just workplaces change, but lives and even families do as well.

It comes down to this basic principle: Time management equals priority management.

If you are managing your priorities, you will discover that you are managing your time.

But I’ve Learned More

Recently, I discovered another aspect of this. I had kind of known about it before. But didn’t fully appreciate how important this dynamic was.

That is energy management.

Managing our energy, as well as our priorities, creates a one-two punch that generates surprising results.

(To give credit where credit is due: My understanding of this topic was helped tremendously by  the book The Power of Full Engagement by Jim Loehr and Tony Schwartz.)

First Let Me Define Energy

I’m not getting into woo-woo space here. By energy, I just mean the ability that we have to put effort into things.

It’s the gas in our tank.

And most of us don’t give it enough thought.

For many of us, if we have a decent night’s rest, we wake up full of energy. Over the course of the day, we use our energy. At some point, near the end of the day, we start to run out and grow tired.

There are many reasons for this. How we sleep and eat matters. Our circadian rhythm impacts us. Our relationships, the things we dwell on in our thoughts, the emotions we carry, and the choices we make (even the very act of making a choice) all have impacts on our energy.

Most of Us Are Natural at Burning Energy

Last summer, I took a firearms course. The instructor was an ex-counterterrorism operator. At a certain point in the course, he just stopped it early.

At first, I felt frustrated. A little ripped off.

But then he made this comment: “I’ve never seen a negligent discharge before noon.” Once people get tired, they stop learning and start getting sloppy.

He recognized that the class had been running hard and we were out of energy. Although we still had interest, we were no longer sharp.

We had learned what we could with the energy we had. He knew to stop things before there was an accident.

Most leaders are hard chargers. Most of us aren’t good at focusing on the direction we charge in.

We are only as productive as we have the energy to be. Our energy drops off a cliff. Mistakes start to happen.

And not only our productivity drops. Our ability to focus, to be creative, to make decisions, to exert willpower. These require energy.

All of our thoughts, feelings, decisions, and actions have energy consequences.

And if we don’t have the energy we need when we need it…we just don’t have it.

So, if you’ve only got so much energy in one day, there are really only two choices to make:

• What should I spend my energy on?
• How do I get better at recovering or growing my energy?

What Should I Spend My Energy On?

Your number one priority.

Then whatever priorities are after that.

Other things that are not priorities should get your leftover energy.

I already know that some of you are shaking your head. Insisting I just don’t understand…

Before arguing, put your feelings into words: “No! I want, no, I need to spend my best energy on things that won’t make a difference!”

There. You got it out. You should feel better now.

I hope you can also see how what I’m saying makes sense.

Get good at recovering energy.

Almost no one is good at this.

You need to figure out what rejuvenates you. Everyone is different. If you are coming up blank with where to start, here are some evidence-based ideas:

– Sleep

– Walks outside. In nature is best

– Silence

– Get the morning sun early

– Practice gratitude

– Exercise

– Honor the Sabbath (Take a day off)

– Drink a lot of water

– Eat healthy food

Most of what reenergizes most people is tangible and practical.

Experiment. Add to the list.

If you are a leader, you are responsible for people and resources. You need to keep your edge sharp. It might feel strange, but you owe it to your team to make sure that you have the energy when it is needed.

To do that, you need to recharge.

Energy and Priorities

You’ve only got so much time. But you have even less good energy. Make sure you put it where it counts.

Take good care,

Christian

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Did you miss it?  Catch my interview on the rebroadcast of the Shrimp Tank podcast, the #1 Entrepreneur podcast in America, here: https://fb.watch/iGjOKwU5g-/

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