Each of us has our own individual energy and focus “pattern” that cycles throughout the day. These cycles actually occur weekly, seasonally and yearly, but for now let’s concentrate on the daily “cycle.” Our energy follows a kind of ebb and flow pattern with a consistency that is startling.

The key here is to:

Understand that each person is different.

Be aware of what your pattern is.

Accept that this is not something that can be easily changed.

Learn to use your energy cycle as a tool to increase your productivity and enjoyment both at work and at home.

It’s a very simple shift actually. Zero cost, minimal time to implement and very effective. The best kind of solution.

First, can you answer the following questions?

• What time of day are you most focused?
• When do you have the highest energy?
• When do you struggle to concentrate on the words in front of you or the person who is talking to you?
• Does your mind wander at certain times of the day?
• Are there certain periods in the day when you feel more social and others when you would prefer to be left alone?

You probably already know the answer to these questions, but if not simply observe your workflow and how you feel for a day or two and it will be very clear.

Next, whenever possible schedule work, tasks, meetings or family activities when they are the best fit. Try to shift current habits or commitments to fit into better time periods as well. Sometimes you have no choice due to employer constraints, family schedules or plain logistics. But wherever you can implement this strategy you will see an immediate increase in productivity and a decrease in stress.

I’ll use myself as an example. I love to be the “guinea pig” to try out new solutions.

When I started working for myself full-time, I was thrilled that I would get to set my own schedule and complete work when I wanted to. I got out a blank weekly calendar and created the “perfect” time map for how I was going to spend my work and family time. I scheduled time to write every day, blocks for calls, email, social media, project days, etc. (Yes, it’s a bit overboard, but I’m a planning addict, I can’t help myself.)

After the first few weeks I started wondering why I didn’t seem to be getting much done and I was stressed much of the time. I had done everything right. I planned my week. I used time blocks. I had my tasks and project lists. I eliminated distractions (if you don’t count the snoring dogs.) I even took breaks!

I was meeting my deadlines and getting work done, but it seemed like a struggle much of the time. I didn’t feel as though I was using my time and effort effectively and I was constantly frustrated.  I’m supposed to be an expert in this productivity game. If I can’t be highly productive and happy, then how can I teach others to live this way?

It’s those darn rules again. They keep getting in the way; hurting when they’re supposed to be helping. I’m going to sound like a broken record here. Forget the rules, especially the self-imposed ones.

Who says you have to write first thing every morning? What if I wake up with too much on my mind and I am more creative after lunch?

Who says you have to read to your kids every night before bed?  What if my son and I are falling asleep at bed time and we prefer to read each morning before school?

I have discovered a few other personal energy and focus preferences:

I have found that in-person meetings are more productive for me late morning.

Phone calls are easier mid-morning.

Projects and writing that require calm and intense focus go more smoothly in the afternoon.

I can more easily absorb information either first thing in the morning or after dinner, so that is a good time for research, learning and reading.

I enjoy physical household chores or exercising at the beginning of my work day or at the end, but not when I first wake up, at lunch or in the evening.

If you were to draw my energy/focus pattern out it would resemble the following graphic:

My Energy and Focus Cycle

Since I learned to use the cycles of my energy and focus to my advantage, my productivity has increased dramatically. I get more work done in a shorter period of time and more importantly, the work is of a higher quality. The same is true of my personal time and activities.

I invite you to use this simple strategy and see how much your productivity increases, your effectiveness improves, your goals seem more attainable and your work becomes more enjoyable.

I think you’ll find that you are happier as well, because you are learning to work with your energy, instead of against it.

*Bonus – You might need less coffee as well, because you won’t need to artificially boost your energy when you don’t have it.

If you need help, you know where to find me…