You don’t have time problems. You have energy problems.
Here’s something I wish I’d learned years ago:
Energy, not time, is the real driver of what you accomplish.
When your energy is high, work flows, ideas come and everything feels easier.
When your energy is low, even the smallest task feels too hard.
It’s not about working more hours. It’s about what’s fueling you.
What boosts your energy?
Good sleep – Even one decent night changes everything.
Nutrition – Eat well and you’ll feel it.
Movement – Just a quick walk resets your whole mood.
Looking forward to something – A catch-up with friends or a quick surf.
Recovery – Pausing, unplugging, letting your brain breathe.
It’s not just the work itself. Everything around you matters.
So, introducing my highly scientific, totally unpatented formula for a better week:
the energy equation:
energy = (sleep + nutrition + movement + meaning + connection) – energy drainers
(Not exactly science, but works. At least for me)
So here’s what I’m doing:
For the next week, I’m keeping a Good Time Journal (inspired from the book Designing Your Life by Bill Burnett).
Every day:
I write down what I did.
I score my engagement for each on a scale from low to high.
I score my energy boosts (the fires🔥) and my energy drainers (the leaks🕳️).
At the end of the week, I’ll look for patterns.
What’s lighting me up?
What keeps pulling me down?
Feel free to join in!
Sometimes you need to see it for yourself:
Do more of what brings you energy.
Cut back on what drains it.
Everything else gets easier.
I’m off to top up my energy. Maybe I’ll catch some waves, get lost in a good book or just grab a coffee and laugh with friends. Whatever works, right?
Do whatever lifts you up and see how much better the week can get.
Happy weekend.
-Felix