Energy and time do not always match (Tuesday Tip #30)
It is easy to assume that time is your most important resource. But it is not the only one. Energy matters just as much, if not more.
You might have a wide-open afternoon and still feel drained. Or you might find yourself buzzing with motivation at a time when your calendar is already packed. That tension between energy and time can create frustration, guilt, or even burnout, especially if you feel like you are constantly pushing against your natural rhythm.
Time Is Not the Full Picture
Just because something fits into your schedule does not mean it fits with your values. And just because you have a free hour does not mean it is the right time to do something meaningful.
If you try to force important work into low-energy moments, it often leads to frustration. You can end up going through the motions, checking things off without the clarity or focus that your values deserve.
Your to-do list may be full of good intentions, but if your energy is not aligned, progress will feel harder than it needs to be.
Alignment Is an Energy Signal
Instead of trying to manage time alone, start noticing when you feel most aligned. Maybe your values feel most alive in the early morning, when everything is quiet. Maybe they show up in the afternoon, when your creativity flows.
Pay attention to when your energy feels honest. That is your body and mind telling you something is aligned. Those are the windows when deep work is possible. When your energy and your values line up, you are not just more productive. You are more present. You are more clear. You are more yourself.
Plan With Purpose
Once you know when alignment tends to happen for you, start planning around it. Protect those pockets of energy. Do the work that matters most when your system is ready to support it.
It might not always be perfect. Life gets in the way. But even small adjustments can help you feel more grounded and less reactive. When you align your calendar with your values and your energy, your days feel more intentional.
Something to Reflect On
When during your week do you feel most energized, and how often are you protecting that time for what matters most?
Every Tuesday, we offer Tuesday Tips on the Values Identifier Facebook page and here in blog form. These tips offer thoughts and ideas to help you live a life more aligned with your values.
