Human Energy Is the Most Valuable Commodity

Eight Ways to Become a Productivity Power House

1. Schedule time for mind, body and soul

“Pay yourself first" - schedule time to recharge.

Reduce stress – go to the gym, do yoga, meditate or pray.

Establish a productive and "in charge" mindset and framework for your day.

See “The Miracle Morning” by Hal Elrod for examples.

2. Prioritize

Start the day with your list of tasks to accomplish.

Assign each task a number based how imperative it is to accomplish.

Start with your highest priority and work your way through the list.

3. Create a peak & valley journal

CREATE A JOURNAL: Keep a journal of when you hit peaks and troughs with energy.

LEVERAGE THE PEAKS: Once you recognize your anatomical peak and valley times, complete challenging tasks during your peak state.

MANAGE THE VALLEYS: As you start to wane, do an activity that will recharge your energy (e.g. walk, listen to music, meditation, etc.).

4. Feed the Machine

Eat healthily to manage your energy.

Avoid the afternoon slump by ditching the caffeine and sticking with protein.

Keep a bag of nuts in your desk for when you get hungry or tired to supply you with sustainable energy versus a temporary spike from caffeine or sugar.

5. Break your day into micro tasks

Break the day up into 15, 30, 60 and 90 minute tasks. Gauge when you have hit your limit on a single task.

The rule of diminishing returns may take effect if you spend too much time on the same assignment.

Give a task a time limit to create the urgency to complete it.

Pivot to the next task if you get stuck on a task.

6. Find your motivation on tap

Motivation fuels energy….. but it’s hard to stay motivated 100% of the time.

Find thought leaders to boost your motivation & energy. Look for a source (e.g. Podcast, YouTube, Twitter, blogs)

to ignite your spark.

7. Focus!

7. Focus!

Humans are not capable of multi-tasking, contrary to popular beliefs.

Shut off everything around you when you begin a new task.

Put up your blinders. No social media, phone calls, texting, or other tasks during this time.

Watch how much you can get done.

Remember, the more you pivot, the more fatigue on the brain.

Negative people, redundant

tasks, and mindless work can zap energy.

Schedule energy drainers towards the end of the day when your energy is waning.

Advise negative colleagues that you only have a few minutes to talk to get straight to the point.

Try to automate redundant tasks (e.g. using formulas in excel versus manual entry).

8. Avoid energy drainers!

The Miracle Morning by Hal Elrod The NY Daily News article by

Meredith Engel titled Human attention span is now shorter than a goldfish’s: study

The Rule of diminishing returns “Why We Do What We Do

” by Tony Robbins Multitasking Damages Your Br

ain and Career by Travis Bradberry

Tony Schwartz & Catherine McCarthy’s article from Harvard Business Review titled Manage Your Energy, Not Your Time.

Additional Resources