We all have the same 24 hours in the day, as I'm sure you've heard before in numerous discussions on how to better manage your time. But finding the time to write or do whatever else is important to you is not really about finding time or making time. Rather, it is about Energy Management.
Our bodies have a natural energy cycle. Some people are 'morning people' and feel energetic as soon as they bounce out of the bed in the morning. Whereas, other people don't begin to feel a surge of energy until lunchtime or later in the day. Of course, we can force ourselves into a false sense of energy by using stimulants like caffeine.
Throughout the day our energy ebbs and flows. Certain things in our life, besides caffeine, can give us more energy, like laughing with our girlfriends or feeling the sun and wind on our faces. And other things can drain our energy, like naughty children who make us yell and scream at them. (Not that my angels would EVER make me yell at them.) The biggest energy drain for women is doing things for other people. How many people or commitments in your life do you take care of? Husband, children, parents, friends, school, work, laundry, cleaning, cooking, shopping...
So what does this have to do with Time Management?
If we are constantly giving away our energy reserves to others, we won't have energy to do the things for ourselves that matter to us, like writing. We may find ourselves with an hour in the afternoon alone, but with no energy to concentrate on writing. And a nap will sound so much more productive, or TV, or reading a relaxing book, or browsing the internet, or eating...
So, really what we need to focus on is managing our energy. Don't give away more than you can spare. Learn to say no. And find something that recharges your energy reserves when they get low, preferably caffeine free. (Don't get me started on the dangers of caffeine.)
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