We think we’ve mastered time management. Block off our schedules. Color code our calendars. Wake up at 5am to take advantage of morning hours. We should have “enough” time to do it all.
It’s probably not the time that’s the concern though. It’s probably more about the energy it takes to get everything done.
Time is limited, but it’s the energy that is renewable. Or so we thought.
Instead of asking how much time is left, you’re stuck asking how much of me is left?
We need to consider how much the activities and tasks we do each day are draining our energy. Think about them in terms of a stoplight:
Red (Draining). These are the activities that suck all of our time and joy. Compliance emails. Circular meetings (the ones that go in circles with no solutions). Recording assessments required by the district. These activities leave us completely drained by the end of the day.
Yellow (Neutral). Some things are just part of the job. Organizing your digital files. Making copies. Tidying up. All things that you could take or leave. They don’t fill you up but they also don’t deplete your energy.
Green (Energizing). These are the tasks that you most enjoy and that actually energize you. Working with a student when the light bulb goes on. Collaborating with a peer. Designing an exciting new lesson hook. This is the stuff that not only fills your day but fills you up.
Now that we have an idea for how to judge all tasks in terms of their required energy levels, take a look at your daily schedule. Categorize your day into red, yellow, and green tasks.
Your goal for this week is to reach a level of radical sustainability. You need to get rid of more of the red tasks on your To-Do list and replace them with green items. If you can’t get rid of certain red tasks, sandwich them between two green activities. Delete when you can. Automate if you are able. Start managing your energy as much as you manage your time.
Sometimes, burning out doesn’t mean doing too much. Sometimes, it means not doing enough of the stuff that fills you up.
Try to find the stuff (and the people) that are going to energize you today.
Radical sustainability. Manage your energy, not just your clock.
Rich
For more productivity, time management, and energy management strategies, pick up a copy of Autopilot: Practical Productivity for School Leaders.
