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, Time Management is Outdated
Saieed Sadeghzadeh
October 16, 2024 • Estimated Reading Time: 6 minutes
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Hi !
Welcome to the new edition of the newsletter.
What’s In It For You:
Uncover why traditional time management strategies are failing you.
Identify the real reasons behind your constant overwhelm.
Learn practical steps to manage your energy more effectively.
Discover how to reclaim your leadership edge by shifting your focus.
Join the 3-Day Energy Reboot Challenge to kickstart your transformation.
Let’s Reflect:
Do any of these resonate with you?
Your calendar is jam-packed, but you feel like you're not making real progress.
You keep trying new productivity hacks, but the overwhelm doesn't fade.
You end the day exhausted, with little to show for your efforts.
Insight: The Myth of Time Management
Still blaming time scarcity for your overwhelm?
The real culprit is staring back at you in the mirror.
For years, we've been sold the idea that better time management is the key to success.
Yet, despite colour-coded calendars and endless to-do lists, the overwhelm persists.
Time isn't the issue—it's how you manage your energy.
When you focus solely on time, you treat every hour as equal.
But not all tasks contribute equally to your goals or well-being.
By prioritising energy management, you align your actions with what truly matters.
"The secret to success isn't managing your time; it's managing your energy."
— Tony Schwartz
The First Step: Acknowledge Your Role
Before you can overcome overwhelm, you need to accept that you are in control.
Ask yourself:
Am I filling my schedule to feel productive rather than being effective?
Do I say "yes" out of obligation rather than strategic choice?
Am I ignoring signs of burnout in pursuit of getting more done?
Reflection Time: Pause and consider how your choices contribute to your current state of overwhelm.
"Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less"
This book is a must-read for anyone looking to cut through the noise and focus on what truly matters.
McKeown offers practical advice on eliminating the non-essential to make the highest possible contribution.
Case Study: Dan's Journey from Overwhelm to Clarity
When Dan, a senior executive at a multinational company, contacted me, he was drowning in responsibilities.
Despite his meticulous time management, he felt perpetually behind.
The Problem: Dan was focusing on managing time, not his energy. He filled every available slot in his calendar, leaving no room for recovery or strategic thinking.
The Transformation:
Shifted Focus: We redirected his attention from time to energy management.
Set Boundaries: Dan began blocking out "energy recharge" periods in his day.
Prioritised Tasks: He started saying "no" to low-impact activities.
The Result: Within weeks, Dan noticed a significant stress reduction. He was more present, made better decisions, and had plenty of energy left for his family in the evenings.
Dan at the next meeting :-)
Quick Note: Schedule Your Free 30-Minute Clarity Call
If you're a senior leader ready to overcome overwhelm and achieve work-life harmony, I'm here to help. I've assisted leaders in some of the world's elite organisations.
Practical Steps to Manage Your Energy Today
Identify Energy Boosters and Drainers
Energy Boosters: Activities that invigorate you (e.g., strategic planning, creative sessions).
Energy Drainers: Tasks that exhaust you (e.g., back-to-back meetings, administrative work).
Implement the "Hell Yes or No" Rule
If a commitment isn't a "hell yes," make it a "no." This filters out non-essential tasks that sap your energy.
Schedule Energy Recharge Periods
Block out time in your calendar for activities that recharge you, such as exercise, meditation, or simply taking a walk.
Over To You: The 3-Day Energy Reboot Challenge
For the next three days, commit to the following:
Morning Check-In: Spend 5 minutes identifying your top 3 priorities with the most significant impact.
Midday Recharge: Take a 15-minute break to do something that re-energises you.
Evening Reflection: Note what drained you and what boosted your energy during the day.
By the end of the challenge, you'll gain insights into how managing your energy transforms your productivity and well-being.
Try it out, and let me know how it goes!
Fun Corner: Overwhelm Bingo
Let's add a bit of humour to the struggle. Check off any that apply:
Said "yes" to a meeting with no agenda.
Skipped lunch to squeeze in more work.
Checked emails during a family event.
Thought about work right before falling asleep.
Believed multitasking was helping you get more done.
Bingo! If you checked even one, it's time to rethink your approach.
Share Your Thoughts
Do you have experiences or insights about overcoming overwhelm and focusing on energy management? Hit reply, and let's start a conversation.
How Else I Can Help
I also offer consulting services based on my senior leadership experience and am available for speaking engagements, including events, keynotes, podcasts, and course recordings.
Thanks for reading!
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