Eight Tips for Becoming a Productivity Power House

The science of harnessing, and channeling human energy is
Energy Management.

1. Schedule time for mind, body and soul. Listen to the old adage of, “pay yourself first" being cognizant that time is a resource and that it's critical to schedule time to recharge.  Whether it’s going to the gym, yoga, meditation, or prayer, these activities are all proven to increase energy by reducing stress. The morning is a great time to “pay yourself first” as most of life's distractions are still sleeping. To establish a productive and "in charge" mindset and framework for your day, The Miracle Morning by Hal Elrod gives real examples of how taking time for yourself in the morning can set you up for success.
    
2. Prioritize. When you start your day, first review or make a note of all the tasks you would like or need to accomplish for the day. But don't stop there. Assign each task a number based how imperative it is to accomplish. Start with your highest priority and work your way down the list.
    
3. Create a peak & valley journal. For a straight week, keep a journal of when you hit peaks and troughs with energy. Once you recognize your anatomical peak and valley times, structure your day by completing challenging tasks during your peak state. As you start to wane, do an activity that will recharge your energy (e.g. walk, listen to music, meditation, etc.).
    
4. Feed the machine. It is imperative to eat healthily when you are training for a marathon. The same goes with managing your energy. If you want to avoid the afternoon slump, ditch the caffeine and stick with protein. Keep a bag of nuts in your desk for when you get hungry or tired. This will supply you with sustainable energy versus a temporary spike from caffeine or sugar.
    
5. Break your day into 15, 30, 60 and 90 minute micro tasks. The NY Daily News recent article by Meredith Engel titled "Human attention span is now shorter than a goldfish’s: study" reveals that humans can concentrate for a max of 8 seconds. Although our capacity is much greater than a goldfish, it is important to gauge when you have hit your limit on a single task. The law of diminishing returns may take effect if you spend too much time on the same assignment. When you give a task a time limit, it allows for some urgency to complete it. If you get stuck on a task, pivot to the next one.
    
6. Find your motivation on tap. Motivation is the driving force behind energy. It is difficult to stay motivated 100% of the time. However, it is easier than any time in history to get your personal motivation at your fingertips! In this age of on demand content, there are thought leaders in all capacities and professions. Simply find a platform (e.g. Podcast, YouTube, Twitter, blogs) and use this driving force to ignite your spark. Here is one of our favorites by Tony Robbins.
    
7. Focus! Multitasking kills energy management. In an article titled "Multitasking Damages Your Brain and Career" by Travis Bradberry, a study at the University of London found that participants who multitasked during cognitive tasks experienced IQ score declines that were similar to what they’d expect if they had smoked marijuana or stayed up all night. Humans are not capable of multitasking - contrary to popular beliefs. Building on the theme of micro tasks mentioned earlier, shut off everything else around you when you begin a new task. Put up your blinders. No social media, phone calls, texting, or other tasks during this time. Watch how much you can get done during this block of time. Remember, the more you pivot, the more fatigue on the brain.
    
8. Avoid energy drainers. Negative people, redundant tasks, and mindless work are some examples of situations that can zap energy. If you need to address energy drainers, think smart, not hard. Schedule them towards the end of the day when your energy is waning. If you have to work with a negative colleague, let them know that you only have a few minutes to talk before the conversation begins, getting straight to the point. Lastly, try to automate redundant tasks (e.g. using formulas in excel versus manual entry).