Do you feel like you’re constantly rushing and never have enough time?
Well, you are not alone. In fact, this is a common experience in our busy, fast-paced world. Does the concept of a rushed and stressful morning, juggling tasks such as checking emails, having breakfast, and getting the kids ready, ring a bell?
Certainly, mornings can be particularly hectic with the tasks we need to complete, as well as the ones we continuously add to our to-do list for the rest of the day.
Now, what is interesting is that the feeling of time pressure often arises from having a seemingly endless to-do list and not knowing how to tackle all the tasks within the available time. The more we contemplate the tasks, the greater the pressure we feel, which can result in feelings of anxiety.
As much as it may seem that the problem with time pressure is solely a matter of having too little time, this is not always the case.
I know it may seem contradictory, but our own thoughts and attitudes can play a big role in how we experience time pressure. By becoming more mindful of these internal factors, we can work towards reducing feelings of being overwhelmed and taking control of our busy lives.
So, if you’re feeling like time is slipping through your fingers, it may be time to take a step back and reflect on your own thoughts and behaviors. You might be surprised at the difference it can make!
Furthermore, it’s interesting to note that even some studies suggest that time pressure can be especially intense for individuals who don’t have a strong connection with or enthusiasm for the tasks that consume their schedule.
I must say, at first, I was a bit doubtful about this notion, but as I read through the book “Managing Yourself” by Clayton Christensen, I stumbled upon a chapter that shed some light on this concept.
After reading “Managing Yourself” by Clayton Christensen, I discovered the chapter “Manage Your Energy, Not Your Time”. This chapter was an eye-opener for me and made complete sense.
I realized that many times when I felt overwhelmed by a lack of time, it was due to low energy levels caused by a lack of passion, internal conflicts, and feeling of being out of control. I used to try to manage my time, but it only added more stress to my life.
So, after delving deeper into the concept of “Managing Your Energy, Not Your Time”, I began to shift my perspective on time pressure. I started to pay closer attention to my thoughts, emotions, and how they contribute to my overall well-being. This newfound understanding allowed me to break free from the stress and anxiety that often came with feeling like there was never enough time.
By focusing on managing my energy and pursuing my passions, I’ve noticed a significant improvement in my productivity and a greater sense of control over my schedule.
And that’s why I wanted to share my insights with you all, hoping that it could be of assistance in your own journey towards a more fulfilling and less stressful life.
So, let’s pause for a moment and reflect on what it means to manage energy instead of time.
If you think for a moment about those days where you felt unstoppable. You were brimming with energy and positivity, and nothing could bring you down. On days like that, your to-do list didn’t matter because you were driven and had a clear sense of purpose. The time pressure just didn’t seem to exist.
But, on the other hand, when you’re feeling low on energy and just can’t seem to get out of bed, even the simplest tasks can seem daunting and overwhelming. That’s because it’s not just about time management, it’s about energy management.
In “The Power of Full Engagement,” Schwartz and Loehr emphasize the significance of aligning our energy levels with the tasks at hand to achieve success. They assert that managing our energy is more crucial than managing time.
The authors state, “Every one of our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors has an energy consequence. The ultimate measure of our lives is not how much time we spend on the planet, but rather how much energy we invest in the time that we have.”
This concept resonated with me as I realized that I could improve my work-life balance simply by improving my energy levels. And so, I started to reflect on what saps my energy.
Multitasking
Do you struggle with this too? I know I do, especially when I switch from one task to another throughout the day. For example, I’ll start reading emails, get interrupted by something urgent, get pulled into a meeting, and before I know it, I’ve gone from one task to another without a break. This can really wear me down.
Lack of prioritization
Another thing that can harm our energy levels is starting the day without proper prioritization. When we treat every task as equally important, our productivity and energy can suffer. That’s why it’s crucial to prioritize our tasks and allocate our energy accordingly. I find it helpful to categorize my tasks into “Must-do” tasks, “Nice-to-do-if-there’s-time” tasks, and so on. This helps me focus on the most important tasks and preserve my energy for what matters most.
Lack of physical activity
Do you constantly find yourself making excuses to skip exercise due to a lack of time? It’s important to know that this sedentary lifestyle can significantly impact your energy levels. Regular physical activity is crucial for boosting and sustaining energy.
Lack of sleep
Are you one of those people who sacrifice sleep for other tasks or don’t prioritize it? Not getting enough sleep can leave you feeling tired and drained during the day. Ensuring that you get enough sleep is critical for maintaining energy, so it’s important to make it a priority. If you have trouble falling asleep, try incorporating relaxing sleep meditation into your routine before bedtime. Additionally, avoid work at least 4 hours prior to your bedtime.
By focusing on these factors that drain energy and taking steps to optimize them, I am taking care of my well-being. Starting my day with at least 30 minutes of self-care through meditation and setting priorities for the day sets a positive tone.
Additionally, prioritizing my physical health by exercising at least three times a week and getting 7-8 hours of sleep each night is greatly benefit my energy levels and overall health.
I have observed an improvement in my productivity. Whenever I feel overwhelmed and like I don’t have enough time, I take a step back to assess my energy levels and identify any factors that may be impacting it. This helps me determine what actions I need to take to get back on track.
