The reality is that each of us gets the same 24 hours in a day and 168 hours in a week. Many are trying to figure out how to squeeze more out of those limited hours especially this time of year with new resolutions and goals. Discouragement sets in quickly when you come face to face with the fact that you can’t add time. This often leads to simply giving up on the resolutions and goals you so enthusiastically entered the New Year with.

Is there hope? Yes! Don’t just go back on cruise control hoping that somehow something will change and then you can begin working on those new goals. The secret is found in a different approach. Focus more on managing your energy than your time. No matter how close you are to God, you’re not going to get eight days in a week or more hours in a day. In other words, time is not renewable. However, energy is a different subject. When you begin to focus on managing your energy you will get more out of your time.

Let me give you an example from my own life. As an artist, every painting that I paint gets to a point where I know I am close to the finish line. Often, after having spent hours in the studio, standing in front of the easel working on a piece I want to finish, I’ll push through, investing more time and yet not getting the end result I want. From sheer exhaustion, I close up the studio and go to bed. After a good nights rest, I go back to the studio the next morning facing the same painting with the same problems that need to be fixed. I am able to finish the painting in moments compared to the hours trying to fix it the previous night. Not only does it go faster but the results are much better.

What happened? Energy happened. Our energy always trumps time. When your energy level is up, you will save time and be better at what you are doing. Thankfully I rarely waste time trying to push through on any painting, project, or work. I’ve learned when I need to stop, get some rest. Nearly 100% of the time I’m able to finish much quicker and with a better outcome after doing so.

What gives you energy? What drains your energy? Take some time as you begin the year and recognize this and then focus on managing your energy. You will be amazed at what will happen to your time as you do!

“To this end I labor, struggling with all his energy, which so powerfully works in me.” (Colossians 1:29 NIV)