How to use your energy efficiently to get things done (when it’s not unlimited)

 

Felicia asked: “I would love to know:

How to efficiently use my energy to get things done?” 

If you had unlimited energy, time, and capacity, you wouldn’t be asking this 😉—you’d simply do the thing. My work is to help you move toward that state. Until then, the smartest way to “be productive” is to choose actions by Energy ROI (return on energy invested): do first what gives you energy back, so you have more to spend on the rest.

The core idea: Energy ROI > effort

When energy is limited, ask: “What action gives me the biggest net energy return next?”
Not the biggest outcome. The biggest return.

Think of three buckets:

  • Green (returns energy): short walk/light, water + electrolytes, resolving a nagging task, 10-min breath/mobility, sunlight, a boundary you’ve been avoiding.

  • Neutral (no major swing): admin tasks you can batch later.

  • Red (drains energy): context switching, doomscrolling, late caffeine, “just a quick check,” long undecided tasks.

Do one Green first. Then spend that returned energy on the important thing.

A 3-step Energy-ROI method you can start today

1) Deposit before you spend (10–15 minutes)

Pick one of these “energy deposits” before opening your inbox:

  • Light: go outside/bright window for 5–10 minutes

  • Move: slow mobility or a brisk 7-minute walk

  • Clear: close a 2-minute nagging task (mini win)

  • Nervous system: 4–6 slow breaths (longer exhales)

  • Fuel: water + pinch of electrolytes if you wake foggy

Use the Free Energetic Planner (PDF) to mark your deposit and your best energy window. Then schedule your first real task inside that window.

2) Spend on the highest-leverage task (45–90 minutes)

Pick one task that moves life/work forward and protect it:

  • No tabs, no phone

  • Timer on

  • “Done is better than perfect” finish line

3) Protect the return (5 minutes)

End the block with a micro-recovery: stand, stretch, breathe, step into daylight. Then either repeat the cycle or switch to lighter work.

How to choose which task gets your energy

Run these five quick questions:

  1. Will this action return energy today (clarity, relief, momentum)?

  2. Can I finish a meaningful chunk in 45–90 minutes?

  3. Is it aligned with my weekly “one big thing”?

  4. Am I doing this to avoid something harder? (if yes, pick a 10-min starter step)

  5. What would future-me thank me for by tonight?

If two tasks tie, do the one that removes a recurring drain (decision, mess, convo, email).

Your Energy-First Starter Stack (copy/paste)

Use this when you feel “meh” but want a reliable lift:

  • 8 oz water + step outside for 5 minutes

  • 2 minutes of box breathing (or 10 slow exhales)

  • 7-minute mobility or walk

  • Write one sentence to define your most important task

  • Start a 25-minute focus sprint

First thing in the morning, invest time to build up your energy and change your state. Think of that like fueling your car before the trip. If your tank is full - you can go far. If you are running on empty, you  be losing focus, because your subconcious will constantly be looking where to get extra energy, instead of focusing on work.

 

What to track (so this compounds)

  • In the Planner: place your most demanding work in your natural high-energy window - productivity zone (for many, that’s mid-morning).

Patterns > hacks. Keep what returns energy, drop what doesn’t.

Common mistakes that waste energy

  • Chasing hacks instead of removing drains (open loops, cluttered calendar)

  • Starting with low-ROI busywork because it feels safe

  • Context switching every few minutes (batch your comms instead)

  • Skipping recovery and expecting willpower to carry the day

  • Late caffeine + late screens, then wondering why tomorrow starts empty

If you want help going from “limited” to “unlimited-enough”

This is exactly what I do with clients—build capacity, not just willpower.

  • 1:1 Coaching — Monthly ($875): personalized plan + accountability for steady momentum.

  • One Breakthrough Session ($300): solve one stuck spot and leave with a simple plan.

  • Discovery Call (30 min, free): we’ll map your next best step, free or paid.

 

👉 Start here: Work With Me • Download the Free Energetic Planner • Book a Free Call

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