The base premise of the book is teaching you how to properly manage your Time vs. your Energy. Most of us have a tendency to look at Time, and wish that we could have more hours in the day for what we need to accomplish for the job we have been given. We fill time in the day with meetings and appointments, not looking at how our energy factors into this concept. Many people that are struggling to gain success, think that they need to work more hours which will help them have more success. When in fact we should look at how our energy plays a role into our success with our team/organization rather than our time.
Since reading this book the authors have helped me uncover how to do this. I have tried to become more aware of my energy level rather than the time aspect. For example, If you know that your energy level is the best in the morning before lunch, spend time on the tasks and the meetings that take the most thought, and place those in the morning when you are at your best energy. This will allow you function at a high level.
Once you have your energy level figured out in the morning. Do something at lunch that refreshes and re-energizes you. Maybe that could be playing basketball, going for a walk, hitting golf balls, whatever helps you refresh so that you can get to a good positive energy level. This concept will help you accomplish more throughout your day.
At one point I charted my energy level throughout 2 days from the axis that is given in the book. I noticed that in my day, I have a tendency to have my energy level go down at 3pm thus looking productivity. For me this is one of the most important times where I serve, because the majority of the kids on our campus come home from school. So I try to make sure that I refresh before this point, so I can interact with the kids and the parents in a positive manner. Since doing this I have seen better growth to give more to those I serve.
I challenge you to try this idea. Spend the next few days looking at your energy level during the day. If you can manage your important task, meeting and appointments of what you do when your energy level is at its peak. You will see a spike in your productivity. Thus allowing you to have a greater impact on your team/organization as well as those you serve.