“Our character is basically a composite of our habits. Because they are consistent, often unconscious patterns, they constantly, daily, express our character.” ―Stephen Covey
Habits, are what we form, and it definitely is not a hands-down from anyone. We cannot blame someone else for the bad habits that we develop. Good habits, routine and being consistent is what makes our life easy.
As, I kept reading the book ‘Daily Routine Mastery’, I could relate to quite few points, one being, ‘manage your energy, not time’. I actually was thinking while reading, “okay, I have a schedule, I wake up energised and even take breaks and work, but still, there are days I cannot complete something I have set for myself; I do not have the energy to go forward, what do I do then?”
Mann, compares our energy to the battery of mobile phone. Fully charged at the start of the day and completely drained at the end of the day. He says, our ability to make decisions, willpower to go on and complete the work and productivity fades at the end of the day.
So, how do we manage our energy? Simply by analysing our energy levels.
• When are we least and most productive?
• Which task of ours takes how much energy?
The book further says, to rate your energy level for about 5 to10 days. That is, keep a track of how you feel throughout the day. Rate yourself on the scale of 1-10. Keep in the mind your productivity, alertness, mood, focus and other factors that affect your energy. At the end of the 5th or 10th day we will see a pattern. The times when your energy is in full swing and when its slopping.
Once you know and understand your energy level, schedule your tasks accordingly. The most important tasks should be done when the energy level is at its peak and the simplest tasks when the level of energy is diminishing.
I know, all this seems, too much to do. But what if it helps in the long run? Worth a try, isn’t it? It is not a herculean task. And this will also help you understand yourself better. Do not forget you are the master of your life and you and only you can shape it.