Pay Attention to How Tasks Affect Your Energy Levels

We all have things we need to do. Some tasks cause you to get excited and give you energy, while some tasks are draining. Paying attention to your tasks and how they affect your energy and mood will help you set a routine and schedule that maximizes your energy and gets those things checked off your to-do list.  

Have you ever thought about how different tasks affect your energy? Are light bulbs going off in your head and you’re finding yourself nodding in agreement?  

When we love to do something, it can give us energy and motivate us. When we don’t love it, we can become resistant and start to feel tired and avoidant. Despite how we feel, our necessary tasks must be completed - so it’s best to find ways to set ourselves up for success! 

Spend some time observing how your tasks affect your energy levels and consider one of these helpful philosophies when tackling your to-do list. There are three main ways to approach tasks, depending on your natural energy flow: Incremental, descending, and ascending.  

Incremental- 

“When eating an elephant, take one bite at a time”- Creighton Abrams 

Abrams encourages us to finish large tasks by chipping away at them. By not taking on too much at once, the task will be completed without overwhelm. Doing small things consistently, regardless of their appeal, will make small work of a large project.  

Descending order- 

Some people prefer to get their most difficult tasks out of the way first. This is usually a great option for Morning People who hit the ground with tons of energy after their eyes first pop open. Setting a schedule with the most difficult items first - when your energy is highest - allows for lighter work as the day goes on. The effect of combining your most severe tasks with your peak morning energy makes it possible to get things done without feeling drained by the end of the day.  

Ascending order- 

Night Owls are best suited to accomplishing their hardest tasks later in the day. Trying to do difficult tasks before noon can set a Night Owl up for disaster. Being aware of the best time of day to carry out your task is vital to balancing your energy reserves while completing the things you need to get done. 

Discover your energy pattern and plug the method that compliments your natural energy flow into your daily schedule. Also, be aware of your family members’ natural rhythms, as they may be different than yours. Capitalize on the differences between yourself and the people in your life. If your spouse has an opposite energy pattern than yours, share the daily load and ask them to help you out when they have the most energy, so that you can support them when your energy levels are highest.  

Your energy flow is directly tied to your ability to accomplish your tasks. Use this rhythm to your advantage, and you’ll complete your to-do list with ease.