Time Management Won’t Make You Better or Well—Here’s Why

Why the 'Get Sh*t Done' Mentality is Holding You Back

For years, we’ve been told that the key to balance is better time management. Christ! I've bought tons of books on working smarter, focusing on one thing and productiity hacks. The market for this is huge! People buy planners, use productivity apps, and optimise their calendars in pursuit of squeezing the most out of every day. Yet, despite all the time-blocking and efficiency hacks, balance still feels elusive. Why? Because balance isn’t about time—it’s about energy - (unless you're a robot of course!)

The Time Management Myth

The idea that managing time more effectively will automatically lead to a balanced life is flawed. Time is finite—we all have the same 24 hours in a day—but our energy is not. How we feel, focus, and function fluctuates throughout the day. Trying to pack more into every minute ignores the reality that our brains and bodies work in natural cycles, not on a linear schedule.

The Science of Energy Management

Neuroscience tells us that our brains operate in ultradian rhythms—natural cycles of peak energy followed by dips, typically in 90-minute waves. When we ignore these cycles and push through exhaustion, our cognitive function declines, decision fatigue sets in, and stress levels rise.

🔹 Cognitive overload: When we pack our days too tightly, our brains struggle to filter important information, leading to mental fog and fatigue.

🔹 Decision fatigue: The more decisions we make in a day, the harder each one becomes. By the afternoon, our ability to make clear, confident choices is significantly reduced.

🔹 Prefrontal cortex burnout: This is the part of the brain responsible for planning, problem-solving, and emotional regulation. When it’s overworked without rest, it leads to frustration, impulsivity, and exhaustion.

What Balance Really Looks Like

Instead of focusing on managing time, true balance comes from managing energy—knowing when to push forward and when to recharge. Here’s how:

1️⃣ Work with your energy cycles – Pay attention to when you feel most alert and focused. Use those times for deep work, and schedule lighter tasks for when your energy dips.

2️⃣ Prioritise recovery, not just work – Breaks aren’t wasted time; they’re fuel. A short walk, mindful breathing, or even stepping away from your desk for a few minutes helps reset your brain.

3️⃣ Quality over quantity – More hours don’t equal more productivity. Focus on high-impact tasks rather than cramming your schedule with endless to-dos.

4️⃣ Embrace the power of ‘pausing’ – Just because something fits in your schedule doesn’t mean it fits your energy. Learn to say no to things that drain you and yes to things that recharge you.

The Shift: From Productivity Obsession to Energy Intelligence

We live in a culture that glorifies busyness and productivity, but the truth is, being “on” all the time doesn’t lead to better results—it leads to depletion and ill health. Neuroscience shows us that when we align our work with our natural brain rhythms, we don’t just feel better—we perform better.

The real key to balance isn’t about squeezing more into your day. It’s about understanding your energy, honouring your limits, and working in a way that’s sustainable. Because when you manage your energy, balance follows.

💡 What’s one small shift you can make today to work with your energy instead of against it? #WorkWobble #Neuroscience #EnergyManagement #BalanceNotBurnout