9 Things To Put In Your Calendar To Drive Maximum Energy

posted on: August 18, 2013
author: Brian Lomax, Ed.D.

Yesterday, while I was driving to play a practice match with a friend of mine, I was listening to the latest audio CD from Success Magazine (part of my motivational training plan) which had an interview with Jonathan Roche of Breakthrough Health & Wellness.  Jonathan’s path to wellness is inspiring and I recommend you visit his No Excuses Workouts website for more information on his story and the work he does.  The interview reminded me of a concept that I talk to students about often:  Maximum Energy.

Life is all about energy management as we alternate between expending energy and recovering energy.  The goal is to bring the maximum amount of energy possible to everything you do so that you can perform at your peak, and to do this, you need to know how to increase your energy reserves as well as rest and recharge when necessary.  Many people feel that energy management is a function of time management and because of that, there never seems to be enough time to do what’s needed to get in shape, be healthy, eat well, feel rested, etc.  If you reverse the relationship and make time management a function of energy management, then maximum energy is the priority and your calendar becomes a means of supporting that belief.

So how does this work?  If maximum energy is your priority, here are some of the things that should be in your calendar:

• Consistent sleep habits:  going to bed and waking up at the same times, minimum 8 hours per night
• Workouts
• Practice
• Recovery/Relaxation
• Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner (with planned meals)
• Snack time
• Reading
• Connecting with friends and family
• Journaling / Goal Setting / Planning for the day/week

I’m sure you can think of more.  The point is to use your daily/weekly calendar as a tool to maximize your energy rather than letting your calendar drive you into the ground.  Each of the items above needs to be viewed as an appointment that cannot be canceled.  They are non-negotiable blocks of time dedicated to helping you maximize your energy.  Still think you don’t have time?  I challenge you to look at the time you may be spending watching television, playing video games, using social media sites, etc.  Cutting back on just one hour of those activities per week can make a huge difference in improving your energy.

Why do all of this?  The amount of physical energy you have drives the quality of your life.  When you increase your energy, you’ll be more motivated.  You’ll be more focused.  And you’ll be more positive and optimistic.  All of those things are ingredients for being a great competitor in sports and in life.  Even if you think you’re already good at this stuff, you can always be better.  Take your energy to new levels and your performances will follow.

For more on maximizing your energy to develop your competitive skills, email me at brian@performancextra.com, and be sure to follow us at @PerformanceXtra on Twitter.

photo credit: TAKleven via photopin cc