When you think about increasing your productivity, you probably think about trying a new tool or implementing a new system.
You watch a YouTube video from your favorite productivity guru who introduces a new “Get Shit Done” system, and you are convinced that this system will finally help you. That you’ll finally be able to tick everything off your list and feel accomplished at the end of the day.
Oh, and this new app will help as well.
You set it up, you give it a try, and it works.
But after a few days, you find yourself in the same slump you’ve been in before.
That’s because you miss the most crucial part … having the energy to show up and do the work.
A new tool, system, or strategy won’t make you more productive when you’re constantly exhausted, when you are not able to focus, or when you spend hours searching for things.
When you want to increase your productivity and live an enjoyable life, Energy Management is the first thing to look at.
Energy Management is the foundation that makes everything else so much easier.
When you have your Energy Management in place (or at least started to work on it), you can think about Time- and Task Management.
Energy Management includes:
Physical Energy
Taking care of your body (movement, nutrition, hydration, rest) so that you can show up full of energy and clarity.
Mental Energy
Knowing why you’re doing what you’re doing.
Know Yourself
How do you work best?
When do you work best?
What do you need to get in the flow?
Your Environment
Organize your physical and digital workspace to support you and make it easy for you to find things.
Planning & Goal Setting
Get clear about how you want the 7 areas of your life to look like (business/career, physical health, mental health, personal development, leisure, relationships, home/environment).
Make a plan to get from where you are now to where you want to be.
Also, check out this blog post about how to set goals.
Once you have these things in place, you can start to work on your time- and project/task management.