So many people believe they need to learn how to better manage their time. However, time management means nothing if they are left exhausted every day and lack the energy to accomplish all the things that need to be done. So, what exactly are the differences between managing energy and managing time?

The Concept of Time Management

Time management is all about arranging the daily schedule to effectively and efficiently accomplish a set of goals. These goals may be either personal or professional — or even both. People often utilize calendars, planners, bullet point lists, and so on to manage their time each day.

However, these goals can often be unrealistic, considering so many people are too exhausted and fatigued to follow through with each of the steps needed to accomplish those goals. So what is a person to do when they lack the energy and motivation to follow through with their goals? They will first of all need to focus on managing their energy.

The Concept of Energy Management

What exactly does “managing your energy” mean? “Defined in physics as the capacity to work, energy comes from four main wellsprings in human beings: the body, emotions, mind, and spirit” (Manage Your Energy, Not Your Time by Harvard Business Review). Energy management is simply the renewal of energy via certain rituals and methods. Here are a few examples.

Examples of Energy Management

Sleep is essential in the renewal of energy. With too little sleep, it can be difficult to find the energy to get through the day. Exercise is another great method of managing and renewing energy, as are eating plenty of healthy foods and drinking enough water. It is crucial to incorporate healthy habits into daily life in order to maintain the energy needed to accomplish daily tasks. Finally, limiting distractions, such as smartphones, social media, and email — these things can really suck the energy out of a person if they are not properly managed.

Time management can be a great tool to have, but energy management comes first and foremost. A person needs to learn how to manage their energy before attempting to learn time management techniques. After all, if they have no energy, it will be incredibly difficult to learn how to effectively manage their time.