Every day like clockwork, each of us gets the same daily allotment of 24 hours to use as we choose.  Some are able to accomplish a lot each day, others however are  unable to complete the tasks that bring meaning, joy, and fulfillment to their lives.  In my Time Management and  Superwoman Doesn’t Live Here Anymore workshops,  I discuss the G+E+T formula for goal achievement.  The G stands for Goals and the T stands for Time.  The E stands for energy and is just as critical as having goals and time.   We may get the same amount of time, but it is the difference in energy levels that largely affects our results.  And, managing our energy is something that we have control over.

When We Run Out of Energy, We Stop!

We are not the energizer bunny, who keeps going and going.  When we run out of energy, we stop doing the things on our lists.  So before you fill in all the available time slots on your calendar, consider your energy level.  Unless you take really good care of yourself by eating nutritious foods, getting the appropriate amount of sleep and exercise, and by getting enough fresh air, water, and sunshine, you’ll probably run out of energy long before you run out of time.

Rethink How You View Requests for Your Time

When I said to “throw away your To-Do list,” in Time Tip#1,  many of you probably cringed.  Actually I’m only talking semantics.  I’m asking you you to re-think how you view requests for your time.  Instead of an automatic debit of your time, think of each To-Do item as a request for your energy.   You must guard your energy.  You are not a machine and your body has its limitations.  It  can’t just keep “going and going” like the Energizer Bunny.  It can get run-down and then there are serious health consequences.   Don’t commit all of your time to tasks, save some for yourself.  Your body needs time to rest and rejuvenate.

Each Request Is Requesting Your Energy

If you only consider your calendar’s open slots when you receive a request, you’ll find that there is usually ample space to write in yet another task.   But, lines on a planner do not necessarily map equally with the energy you have to perform the task.  When you are being asked to do something,  you need to be clear about what is being asked of you.  Most people think that people are asking for their time, and since we get more time each day, we commit without much thought.  But let’s be very clear, they not only requesting your time, but also your energy.

More Energy Means More Accomplishments

Most of us will run out of energy long before we run out of time.  That’s why it’s critically important to take care of your health.  Instead of trying to find more time (which you won’t), instead commit to finding more energy.   More energy means more accomplishments.  So before you say yes to that next request, think about how much energy you have left in your energy reserves.  If you are chronically fatigued, sick, or feel run-down, accepting more tasks will only increase your stress.  Instead, take care of yourself, get your energy back, and then tackle that list of tasks.    Continue to Time Tip #3: Write Yourself into Your Calendar In Ink

Barbara Talley teaches time management, goal setting, leadership, effective communications, and diversity.  Check out her website at http://www.thepoetspeaks.com. To book Barbara for an event, phone 301.428.4831, email her at barbara@thepoetspeaks.com or visit her website at www.thepoetspeaks.com.