Member-only story
Why I Focus on Energy Instead of Time
Improving my ability to learn, build better habits, and live a fulfilling life
“We all have ability. The difference is how we use it.”
— Stevie Wonder
Sitting down to write this piece, I had only a single measurement of success: Write until I was able to get out what I was trying to say. I didn’t write for a specified time. Instead, I focused on my energy. Intent was what guided me, and inspiration is what fuelled me. If I finished writing what I had to say in five minutes, then that would’ve been a success. This wasn’t the case today but I was able to write 95% of this piece in one sitting — the point at which I felt my intent had been accomplished.
So what’s the point of sharing this with you? Well, I’ve come to believe that measuring my energy will naturally extend to maximizing my time. The other does not work. Let me explain.
Both time and energy are depleting resources. Yet the latter has two distinct benefits over the former:
- Energy transfers, and can regenerate.
- I can directly control my energy.
We can’t control our clock. Time passes, and then it’s gone.
