Take a Nap: Why Energy Managemetn Trumps Time Management

If you're like most entrepreneurs I've coached, you've mastered time management. You've read the books, tried the systems, and squeezed productivity from every minute of your day.

But here's the problem: Time management isn't enough.

After working with thousands of executives and entrepreneurs across 65 countries, I've noticed a clear pattern: Those who excel in today's demanding business environment don't just manage their time—they strategically manage their energy.

The Energy Management Revolution

Think about it: Have you ever stared at your computer for an hour, accomplishing almost nothing, only to return after a break and solve the problem in minutes?

This isn't coincidence—it's biology.

Our brains consume more energy than any other organ in our body, using up to 20% of our calories while weighing just 2% of our total body weight. When this energy is depleted, our performance suffers dramatically—regardless of how many hours we put in.

The Science of Strategic Rest

Research from Harvard Business Review shows that our mental energy operates in 90-minute cycles called ultradian rhythms. Push beyond these natural cycles, and performance declines precipitously.

This explains why:

• Edison took multiple naps throughout his workday
• Einstein insisted on daily naps, even while working on relativity
• NASA pilots increased performance by 34% after a 26-minute nap
• Companies like Google and Nike have installed nap pods in their offices

Beyond the Nap: A Complete Energy Framework

While power naps represent one powerful tool, comprehensive energy management includes four domains:

1. Physical Energy: Sleep, nutrition, hydration, and movement
2. Mental Energy: Focus, attention management, and cognitive load
3. Emotional Energy: Stress management and emotional regulation
4. Spiritual Energy: Purpose alignment and value-congruent work

The most successful entrepreneurs I've worked with deliberately manage all four.

Practical Steps to Implement Today

Start with these simple practices:

• Schedule a 20-minute power nap after lunch when your energy naturally dips
• Take a five-minute movement break for every 60 minutes of focused work
• Plan your most cognitively demanding tasks during your peak energy periods
• Create clear boundaries between work and recovery time

Remember: In today's knowledge economy, your energy—not just your time—is your most valuable resource. Manage it accordingly.

Would you like to discuss how strategic energy management could transform your performance? Reach out at [email protected].

Interested in the complete framework for self-leadership? My book "Finding Your V.O.I.C.E." is now available on Amazon and covers this topic along with the other essential components of peak performance.