Why Managing Time Isn’t Enough: You Need to Master Focus & Energy
Forget the to-do list obsession. Let’s talk real productivity (and less burnout).
Imagine this: It’s Monday morning. You sit at your desk, coffee in one hand, to-do list in the other, heart already racing. The list says:
- ✔ Email Susan.
- ✔ Fix that “quick” spreadsheet.
- ✔ Change your life before lunch. —By 10 a.m.
You blink. It’s already 2 p.m., and the only thing you’ve accomplished is creating a very complex folder titled “To Sort Soon.” (Let’s be honest, that folder will never see the light of day.)
The Truth? Time Management Alone Isn’t Enough.
You can plan every minute of your day, but if your energy’s off or your focus is scattered—you’re just rearranging the chaos. Here’s what actually helped me take back my time and my sanity:
1. Stop Treating Everything Like a Fire Drill
I used to react to every task like the building was on fire. Spoiler: it wasn’t. Now I sort tasks into categories — deep focus, admin stuff, and easy wins — and spread them across the week. Mondays are for thinking. Fridays are for emails and pretending I didn’t miss any deadlines.
2. Track Your People, Not Just Your Projects
Half of my stress came from forgetting who I needed to call back or follow up with. So I started using a CRM (I use Folk) to organize relationships — contacts, convos, collaborations. It's like outsourcing your memory to a smarter version of yourself.
3. Schedule Your Breaks or You’ll Break Down
If it’s not on my calendar, it’s not real. So now, rest goes in the planner — walks, gym, naps that I “accidentally” turn into Netflix sessions. Trust me, your productivity will thank you later.
4. Let Systems Do the Heavy Lifting
Willpower is cool — but systems are cooler. I set up repeatable flows for emails, client updates, and content planning. Folk helps me keep everything organized while I do more of the creative stuff (aka stare out the window thinking about life).
5. Weekly Reviews: Your New Best Friend
Every Monday, I look back at what worked, what flopped, and what mysteriously disappeared (RIP, half-written blog post). Then I check my CRM and line up the week’s priorities. Feels like a mini reset button.
- Group tasks by energy type and importance
- Track contacts and collaborations with a CRM
- Schedule rest just like work meetings
- Use systems to reduce decision fatigue
- Review your progress every week
Final Word
Productivity isn’t about doing more — it’s about doing what matters, with clarity and intention. Once I learned to manage my energy and not just my hours, everything changed.
So tell me — what’s one habit or tool that’s changed the way you work? Drop it in the comments or share this with someone who needs a friendly productivity wake-up call.
#TimeWisely #EnergyMatters #FocusFirst #NourishAndGrow #ProductivityHumor #LifeDesign
Want more tips like this?
Join the Nourish & Grow community and receive weekly insights straight to your inbox.
Subscribe Now.jpg)
.jpg)
0 Comments