Time Vs. Energy Management: Which One Is Better For Productivity?

You've heard it a million times: When it comes to maximising productivity, proper time management is the key. And in the age of branded planners and Google calendars, we know this to be true. When you map out your day and exercise conscious control over the time you spend on specific tasks, you end up accomplishing more and slacking less—because hey, you only have two minutes left till you're supposed to do that next thing!

The caveat to this productivity, however, is costly. While a meticulously time-blocked workday can keep you organised and focused, it can also leave you seriously drained and burned out—especially if you pack your eight-hour shift with back-to-back meetings. (Read more about Singapore's so-called "burnout culture" here.) Sure, you get to manage work by the minute, but this method often fails to consider a vital qualification: your energy.

Managing Time vs. Energy

Here's the thing: Time is a finite resource—meaning, it's limited. Moreover, you do not control it; it just passes continuously. On the other hand, our energy, though finite, is renewable.

In Jim Loehr and Tony Schwartz' book titledThe Power of Full Engagement: Managing Energy, Not Time, Is the Key to High Performance and Personal Renewal, they argue that people need to match their energy to a task to excel, and not just their time. For them, time management isn't nearly as necessary as energy management.

"Every one of our thoughts, emotions, and behaviours has an energy consequence," they claim, adding that "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."

So does this mean we should chuck our planners out the window? Well, not quite. Scheduling your day to increase productivity is still good practice, but only if you're mindful of how you spend—and replenish—your energy, too. After all, the lack of energy can negatively affect your productivity even if you have more than enough time to finish tasks. That said, you must determine which activities demand not just the most time, but also the most energy.

Tips on How To Manage Your Energy

Ready to work smarterandbetter? You can start by taking these steps that help you prioritise one of your most powerful resources.

Tip #1: Identify and enforce boundaries.

Anyone can start strong—whether you're entering the workforce, taking on a new role, or making a career shift. But the real measure of success isstayingstrong. It, however, is only possible if you play it smart by setting your limits and not pushing yourself to extreme exhaustion.

A simple strategy is to set lower and upper boundaries, a.k.a. minimum and maximum limits as far as activities you must complete for a period. Let's say, you're a writer who can finish a short article in a couple of hours. Depending on your deadline or quota, you can set one article as your lower limit—which means you have to write at least one every day—and maybe three as your upper limit, provided that they are reasonable.

Setting such boundaries can help you stay accountable when it comes to your deliverables while making sure you don't overexert yourself.

Tip #2: Limit digital distractions.

Have you ever grabbed your phone to check your notifs then ended up wasting an entire hour just scrolling, replying, and commenting? Don't worry; it's a common occurrence. A U.S. study found that up to 75% of people admit to being swallowed by digital distractions daily, with individuals spending up to eight hours on notifications per week! These "quick" peeks at Instagram can be energy-consuming, too.

A simple solution? Take advantage of your gadget's "Do Not Disturb" function or keep it out of sight—maybe inside your desk drawer—while you work. And oh, newsflash: Youdon'thave to respond to notifications right away. Instead, you can just set aside five minutes per hour solely for phone time. (Read here for more tips on how to beat work-from-home disruptions.)

Tip #3: Carve out time for "deep work."

A relatively new workplace buzzword, "deep work" refers to activities performed in a state of distraction-free concentration. It usually requires serious brainpower and energy. Examples include preparing an in-depth report, creating a presentation deck, and reviewing financial statements. Simply put, it's the opposite of shallow work, a.k.a. menial tasks, like replying to emails or printing documents.

When you allow time for deep work, you can significantly boost your productivity. It encourages better focus and better output. Make sure to schedule deep work during the time of day when your energy level is at its peak and to put a cap on the length of time spent doing it. (Longer hours, after all, don't always mean better work!) This way, you can both maximise and protect your energy.

Tip #4: Pencil in time to recharge.

By nature, you are designed for cycles of activity and rest. Naturally, when it comes to managing your energy, you should consider the time spent on rest and recovery as non-negotiables. (Plus, it's crucial for work-life balance!) You should consciously schedule downtime as part of your day. Do not rest only when you have extra time.

For starters, you can start by treating your breaks as real breaks and by ditching the "working lunch" habit. Even a five-minute walk around your office or outdoors can do wonders in helping replenish your energy. At night, try to get six to eight hours of sleep—said to be the sweet spot for adults—so you can wake up feeling refreshed and ready for another day.

Take your cue from some of the world's most successful folks who consider downtime as an invaluable part of their routine. Billionaire Jeff Bezos, for example, likes to have relaxed mornings just to putter around and be with family as this recharges him for the day ahead. Meanwhile, businessman Bill Gates says he used to have a packed schedule until his mentor Warren Buffet taught him the value of having free days—with absolutely nothing to do!

Tip #5: Delegate whenever you can.

Some people don't like delegating because they don't trust that others will do a good job or they're afraid of being perceived as lazy. However, it is an efficient way to develop your leadership skills.

Take stock of your to-dos and identify which tasks you can assign, particularly ones not requiring your specific expertise but tend to be time- and energy-draining. Of course, if you're in an entry-level position, you may not have someone to delegate to. But if you do, then take advantage of the help that you can get. Doing so also gives your juniors a chance to step up and do more.

The Bottom Line

While you definitely can't increase the number of hours in a day, you can enhance your capacity to get things done. Learning to manage your energy and not just your time. After all, when you are not feeling overworked or drained, you are in a better position to slay your goals (and maybe even have the stamina for after-work drinks!).

All things considered, the mastery of time management is still a useful skill to have under your belt. Just remember: You can be the best planner and time manager ever, but productivity can still prove to be elusive until you learn how to take care of your precious energy, too.

For more tips on how to perform better at work as well as expert insights and advice, check out our Career Resources page.