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Time vs Energy: What Are You Really Managing?

Why rethinking productivity could be the shift you didn’t know you needed.


We often think productivity is all about how we manage our time. The right calendar. Better boundaries. Tighter scheduling.


But if you’ve ever blocked out time for something important—only to spend it scrolling, zoning out, or simply too drained to focus—you already know: it’s not always about time.

It’s about energy. And how we manage that makes all the difference.


Some leaders show up calm, clear and composed—even through a day of back-to-back meetings. Others, just as talented and committed, feel depleted by midday.

So what’s going on?


And why does it matter more than ever—for your performance, your wellbeing, and your ability to lead in today’s high-pressure world?




🧠 Time is the Container. Energy is the Fuel.


In my work as an executive coach, I support high-achieving leaders navigating transitions—stepping into new roles, leading change, scaling teams, or simply figuring out what’s next.

And a pattern I see again and again?

People aren’t necessarily short on time. They’re short on energy.

You can have a beautifully blocked diary and still feel stuck, unfocused or reactive. On the flip side, even 20 focused minutes with the right energy can move the needle on something important.

Managing your calendar is helpful. Managing your energy is essential.


💡 Let’s Talk Neuroscience: Your Body Has a Budget


Neuroscientist Dr Lisa Feldman Barrett offers a powerful metaphor: the body budget. Think of it as your brain’s internal accounting system—tracking every energy deposit and withdrawal.

Each meeting, task, conversation or even emotion either adds to or depletes your reserves.

And when your body budget is in the red? You shift into survival mode. The result is that you are more reactivity, less focus, and difficulty accessing your higher-level thinking.

This concept alone can be a game-changer.

Because once you realise your brain is constantly budgeting behind the scenes, you start to make different choices.


🚫 The Hidden Drains on Your Energy

What depletes us isn't always dramatic. Often, it’s the daily habits and patterns we barely notice:

  • Constant task-switching or screen-hopping

  • Skipping breaks to “just get one more thing done”

  • Saying yes when you really mean no

  • Working in ways that don’t align with your values

These small leaks add up.


✅ What Recharges You?

Fortunately, energy boosts don’t have to be big either. Some of the most effective resets are surprisingly simple:

  • Starting your day with what matters most

  • Taking micro-breaks between meetings

  • Having a meaningful, values-aligned conversation

  • Laughing. Moving. Getting outside.

  • Or in my case? An early morning swim. I don’t always feel like it—but I never regret it.


⏱ Time + Energy: A Smarter Duo

Energy and time management go hand-in-hand. Here are a few things that genuinely work—for me and for my clients:

Protect your focus: Block time for deep work when your energy is naturally high, and avoid back-to-back meetings where you can.

Leave buffers: Even 5–10 minutes between meetings can give your brain a chance to reset.

Check emails on your terms: Set clear times for checking messages instead of letting them interrupt your flow all day.

Start with the 'one thing' : Each morning, ask yourself: What’s the one thing I could do today that would make the day feel purposeful or impactful?

Recover on purpose: Short walks, a few deep breaths, or stepping away from your desk—even briefly—can help you come back clearer and calmer.


✨ A Personal Note

I’m not always perfect at this either. As a coach, business owner and mum, I have days where everything feels urgent. And others where I nail it.

But I’ve learned not to judge my productivity by how much I do, but by how well I show up for what matters. And that’s always linked to how I manage my energy.

It’s not about pushing through. It’s about staying aligned—and knowing when to reset.


🔍 Try This Reflection


What’s one small shift you could make this week to protect your energy—and invest it more intentionally?

It might be five minutes of quiet in the morning. A walk between meetings. A clear no. Or a commitment to put your phone down at lunch.

Whatever it is, start small—but start.


📚 Want to go deeper?


Here are a couple of resources I recommend often:

📘 How Emotions Are Made by Dr Lisa Feldman Barrett. A fascinating read on how your brain constructs emotions—and why your body budget matters more than you think.

🎧 The Focus Course Podcast by Shawn Blanc, Thoughtful, practical insights into focus, energy and meaningful productivity.


Let’s Talk


I help leaders navigate transitions—and how you manage your time and energy is often right at the centre of that journey.

If you're curious how coaching could support you in replenishing your energy, improving your focus, and leading with clarity, drop me a message or book a complimentary discovery call. I'd love to hear where you're at.



 
 
 

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