This document discusses managing energy rather than time. It argues that energy is renewable while time is finite, so focusing on energy leads to better performance. It identifies four types of energy - physical, mental, spiritual, and emotional - and provides tips to boost each type. For physical energy, it recommends healthy eating, exercise, breaks, sleep. For mental energy, it suggests limiting interruptions and multitasking. For emotional energy, it discusses controlling emotions and expressing appreciation. For spiritual energy, it talks about finding meaning and values. Companies can help with energy renewal programs and wellness benefits.
1. Manage Your Energy ,
Not Your Time
Arsal Ahmad
arsal_ahmad@msn.com
by Tony Schwartz and Catherine McCarthy
2. Introduction
• Time is a finite resource
• Energy is renewable
• Putting in longer hours leads to
declining performance
• When you are fully energized,
your accomplish more in less
time
• Energy can be systematically
expanded
• Humans experience four basic
types of energy:
• Physical
• Mental
• Spiritual
• Emotional
4. Physical Energy
• Eat healthy food and take
balanced nutrition
• Reduce stress by engaging in
cardiovascular activity and
similar exercises.
• Take a break, every 90-120
minutes
• Disengage from work in breaks
• Sleep 7-8 hours daily
• Set an early bed-time
• Eat small meals and light snacks
every three hours
• Recognize your early signs of
tiredness or fatigue.
6. Emotional Energy
• Take control of your emotions
• Recognize your emotions
• Practice deep breathing to
diffuse negative emotions
• Expressing appreciation to others
fuels positive emotions
• Look at upsetting situations via new
lenses:
• Reverse Lens
• Long Lens
• Wide Lens
8. Spiritual Energy
• Allocate time and energy to
work, family and health
• What makes your life and work
meaningful ?
• Identify your sweet spot
• Activities that you enjoy
• Activities that increases you
effectiveness
• What fascinates you ?
• Learn to live you core values
• What qualities do you consider
important ?
10. Mental Energy
• Reduce interruptions by
performing high-concentration
tasks.
• Stop multitasking,it results in
atleast a 25% productivity loss.
• Instead of getting disturbed on
every beep, be sure to schedule
email and phone return calls for
better attention towards your
ongoing task.
• Stay away from time-wasters
• Start your day with the most
important and challenging task.
• Enhance your brain capacity by
reading , puzzles and brain
exercises
• Stay focused on the task which
your are currently performing
11. What can companies do ?
• Introduce Energy Renewal Programs within their organizations
• Build renewal programs where people can go to relax.
• Offer gym memberships to their employees at discounted rates
• Encourage employees to take part in productive activities and discussion
