Time or Energy which one makes the difference?

There are really only two gifts that you get in life, time on the planet (thanks to your biological parents) and the second one is choice - a gift that no one can take away from you! (more on that later) 

The first of the two gifts, spending time on this amazing planet of ours, is determined by one other key factor, your energy. The fact is that time is only useful in its intersection with available energy.

If you are anything like me, you will have participated in a number of time management courses! (I must have been a slow learner). Developing the skills to use time effectively are essential to master, however, having had a few more years on the road, I have realised that there is no way of slowing the day down to make more time available! How often have you heard yourself say, “I just don't have enough time in the day!”

In order for us to be more productive, and have the capacity to live fulfilled and balanced lives, we have a choice over how we manage and renew our energy. The trap, however, is that when we talk energy we tend to think of it as purely a physical attribute. 

While our physical being is our place of our foundational energy, it is one of four energy potentials. As human beings, we have three other key aspects that determine our available energy. Our emotions, our mental state and the energy that comes from the spiritual nature of who we are or where we find purpose in life.

If we are prepared to be honest with ourselves, and choose to make the changes necessary, we can significantly improve our energy potential that in turn impacts the effectiveness of our use of time.

Relationships that drain us of emotional energy, removing the worry that dulls our thinking, living with a disconnect between our passion and our vocation that makes it hard to get out of bed in the morning - these are all areas where personal energy gains can be made.

Renewable energy is a current topic of conversation in our culture today with a concern for the wellbeing of our planet. However, this is also a concept that applies to human beings, all energy is cyclical. When it's depleted it must be replaced. Rest and recovery are an essential requirement if we are to stay powered up and living a balanced life. Sadly, time spent on this is often the area that is sacrificed in an effort to stay on top of the game.

Taking time to deal with loss and leakage by plugging the holes in the energy bucket of our lives, is the first step in learning to manage energy reserves. You may be amazed at just how much time you seem to recover when you understand the value of managing your energy both personally and professionally.

Whether it's a sports team or a business team, you can feel the energy positive or negative, a key factor in the culture which drives performance. Leaders, therefore, must be guardians of corporate energy if the potential in the teams they lead are to be maximised.

Just a thought for you to consider.