MANAGE YOUR ENERGY LIKE A BOSS
I’ve observed a lot of high-achievers over the years (myself included, as Specimen A), and there’s a clear pattern: always on the go. Be more active than passive. Take on more than is possible. Humble brag about being busy. Wear exhaustion as a badge of honour.
But here’s the paradox: many in this group aren’t truly taking action — just piling more onto their plates. More than is possible.
I emphasise the word possible both times, because we’re all given the same 24 hours, and to a degree, the same baseline of physical and mental energy. Think of a car’s fuel tank: when it’s empty, the car doesn’t move.
Yet so many of us push ourselves, without making the pit stops that keep us running. Even in F1, cars refuel before the tank hits zero. Why? Because that strategic reset can make or break performance — even the podium finish.
The good news is that our tanks can expand. Our brains can rewire, our bodies can heal, and resilience can be built. But too often we sabotage ourselves with poor habits, overwork, or ignoring the signals.
NOTICING THE SIGNS OF BURNOUT
Recently, I felt my own tank dipping low: admin mistakes, sleeping longer than usual, brain fog, sluggish afternoons, and less interest in things I normally enjoy.
As a solopreneur, I was struggling to adapt. The tasks on my list were manageable — but my tank was empty.
In a coaching session of my own, one insight shifted everything:
“Don’t take on more, find the energy to do more”
That’s the crux. The key is to focus on quality over quantity. And quality only happens when your tank is full, your engine is lubricated, and all wheels are in motion.
So I did the most strategic thing possible: I prioritised rest. I changed my environment. And I gave myself permission to do nothing.
why energy management matters
Energy management isn’t optional. Recovery from burnout takes far more out of you than maintaining balance. In fact, research shows that in a flow state, productivity can be several times higher — some studies say up to 5x. (A 10-year McKinsey study is widely quoted on this subject, with top executives reported to being 5x more productive in a state of flow.)
I’d argue that ROI is more sustainable when you operate within what’s possible — and then layer in bursts of high performance strategically. Blindly pushing past limits is the fastest route to burnout.
Rest, recover, and recalibrate for flow.
QUESTIONS TO REFLECT ON
If you’re finding yourself on the cusp or burnout, or unsure about your energy use or management, pause and consider these questions…
Why does doing more matter so much to you?
What would happen if you did less?
How can you optimise your energy for productivity and results?
When have you felt most in flow?
What was different about your routine then?
Often, the real value of “doing more” isn’t what we think. Sustainable performance is about pacing ourselves, protecting wellbeing, and delivering higher quality work — not chasing the impossible.
Don’t take on more. Find the energy to do more.
Curious how coaching can help you avoid burnout and perform at your best? Let’s speak.