Comments on: Managing the Natural Ups and Downs of Your Workweek http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/09/23/managing-the-natural-ups-and-downs-of-your-workweek/ Simple, applicable personal finance advice for the modern world Fri, 19 Mar 2010 23:55:19 -0700 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.4 hourly 1 By: Success Professor http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/09/23/managing-the-natural-ups-and-downs-of-your-workweek/comment-page-1/#comment-382026 Success Professor Sat, 27 Sep 2008 15:12:06 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/09/23/managing-the-natural-ups-and-downs-of-your-workweek/#comment-382026 Trent, You have some great ideas here. Understanding your energy flow and planning your tasks appropriately is a great success tip. Like many others, I find the mornings to be my best time. That is why I start my day with a Power Hour. I wrote an article about what I do. The why is exactly because of what you say - that's when I, and many others have the most energy. Here's the article: http://successprofessor.ca/2008/08/29/start-your-day-with-a-power-hour/ Trent,
You have some great ideas here. Understanding your energy flow and planning your tasks appropriately is a great success tip. Like many others, I find the mornings to be my best time. That is why I start my day with a Power Hour. I wrote an article about what I do. The why is exactly because of what you say – that’s when I, and many others have the most energy. Here’s the article:
http://successprofessor.ca/2008/08/29/start-your-day-with-a-power-hour/

]]> By: Shevy http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/09/23/managing-the-natural-ups-and-downs-of-your-workweek/comment-page-1/#comment-380227 Shevy Wed, 24 Sep 2008 06:46:13 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/09/23/managing-the-natural-ups-and-downs-of-your-workweek/#comment-380227 I like the idea, but I don't feel that I have the option of doing things that require focus or creativity at the times that might be best. Rather, I end up writing my posts late at night or on Sundays. I sometimes actually fall asleep while working on my laptop but that's when I can do things for me. At other times, when my energy level etc. is better, I'm either at work or looking after my granddaughters. Maybe at some point in the future I'll be able to try out your suggestions. I like the idea, but I don’t feel that I have the option of doing things that require focus or creativity at the times that might be best.

Rather, I end up writing my posts late at night or on Sundays. I sometimes actually fall asleep while working on my laptop but that’s when I can do things for me. At other times, when my energy level etc. is better, I’m either at work or looking after my granddaughters.

Maybe at some point in the future I’ll be able to try out your suggestions.

]]> By: Ali http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/09/23/managing-the-natural-ups-and-downs-of-your-workweek/comment-page-1/#comment-380006 Ali Tue, 23 Sep 2008 19:50:57 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/09/23/managing-the-natural-ups-and-downs-of-your-workweek/#comment-380006 Like others, I'm a morning person -- I made the mistake of scheduling a couple of appointments (dentist/haircut) in the mornings this week, and I've definitely noticed a productivity hit! Your advice about not working through an energy slump is definitely something I'm going to try to take on board. Often, I force myself to carry on working when I'm feeling low and unproductive -- and I know it's neither efficient nor any fun! Like others, I’m a morning person — I made the mistake of scheduling a couple of appointments (dentist/haircut) in the mornings this week, and I’ve definitely noticed a productivity hit!

Your advice about not working through an energy slump is definitely something I’m going to try to take on board. Often, I force myself to carry on working when I’m feeling low and unproductive — and I know it’s neither efficient nor any fun!

]]> By: Kevin http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/09/23/managing-the-natural-ups-and-downs-of-your-workweek/comment-page-1/#comment-379954 Kevin Tue, 23 Sep 2008 17:26:53 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/09/23/managing-the-natural-ups-and-downs-of-your-workweek/#comment-379954 I'm with Tyler, I'm a morning person and tend to get the most done before lunch. I usually try to plan things out right before lunch to make sure I have a few "easy" things to keep me busy the rest of the day. Fridays I sometimes find it hard to stay focused, but I'm getting better. I’m with Tyler, I’m a morning person and tend to get the most done before lunch. I usually try to plan things out right before lunch to make sure I have a few “easy” things to keep me busy the rest of the day. Fridays I sometimes find it hard to stay focused, but I’m getting better.

]]> By: Simple Sapien http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/09/23/managing-the-natural-ups-and-downs-of-your-workweek/comment-page-1/#comment-379941 Simple Sapien Tue, 23 Sep 2008 16:30:40 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/09/23/managing-the-natural-ups-and-downs-of-your-workweek/#comment-379941 My life is a giant valley of no energy! Ha, just kidding, but it is all over the place. There are some night where I just toss and turn the whole time and get no real sleep. That puts a damper on my entire week. Then I will sleep in on my day off and recover. Very unique way of planning your day though, I will have to see if I can find any patterns in my energy levels. - Jack Rugile Simple Sapien My life is a giant valley of no energy! Ha, just kidding, but it is all over the place. There are some night where I just toss and turn the whole time and get no real sleep. That puts a damper on my entire week. Then I will sleep in on my day off and recover.

Very unique way of planning your day though, I will have to see if I can find any patterns in my energy levels.

- Jack Rugile
Simple Sapien

]]> By: Frugal Dad http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/09/23/managing-the-natural-ups-and-downs-of-your-workweek/comment-page-1/#comment-379937 Frugal Dad Tue, 23 Sep 2008 16:09:24 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/09/23/managing-the-natural-ups-and-downs-of-your-workweek/#comment-379937 My days don't seem to follow much of a pattern, probably because my habits don't. One morning I get up very early and work on blogs, email, etc. A couple days later I reverse the process and stay up late doing working on the same. These PT work hours usually vary based on family obligations, or work requirements at my FT job. I wish I could get into more of routine to help smooth things out. I like the idea of an energy map, and I may try that with both schedules to see which one is more effective long term. My days don’t seem to follow much of a pattern, probably because my habits don’t. One morning I get up very early and work on blogs, email, etc. A couple days later I reverse the process and stay up late doing working on the same. These PT work hours usually vary based on family obligations, or work requirements at my FT job. I wish I could get into more of routine to help smooth things out. I like the idea of an energy map, and I may try that with both schedules to see which one is more effective long term.

]]> By: Matt R. http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/09/23/managing-the-natural-ups-and-downs-of-your-workweek/comment-page-1/#comment-379924 Matt R. Tue, 23 Sep 2008 15:39:49 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/09/23/managing-the-natural-ups-and-downs-of-your-workweek/#comment-379924 My days seem to be more of a giant wedge. I am slow and groggy in the mornings, but as the day progresses I get more and more energy, mentally and physically, from going about my day. After work my energy might be down a little but quickly picks up when I start doing things for myself. I peak in physical energy around 5 or 6, right before dinner and I peak in creative and mental energy right before bed, around 11. That's why, if it's not a work day, I'm usually not up and about doing things until well into the afternoon. My days seem to be more of a giant wedge. I am slow and groggy in the mornings, but as the day progresses I get more and more energy, mentally and physically, from going about my day. After work my energy might be down a little but quickly picks up when I start doing things for myself. I peak in physical energy around 5 or 6, right before dinner and I peak in creative and mental energy right before bed, around 11. That’s why, if it’s not a work day, I’m usually not up and about doing things until well into the afternoon.

]]> By: Maria | Never the Same River Twice http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/09/23/managing-the-natural-ups-and-downs-of-your-workweek/comment-page-1/#comment-379920 Maria | Never the Same River Twice Tue, 23 Sep 2008 15:16:50 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/09/23/managing-the-natural-ups-and-downs-of-your-workweek/#comment-379920 I just recently learned about ultradian rhythms, which could have a big impact on the way you work. Basically, our bodies can only remain alert for 60-90 minutes, then we need to take a break of 15-20 minutes. <a href="http://www.43folders.com/2006/09/07/ultradians" rel="nofollow">43Folders</a> has a good post about this. The takeaway for me is to enforce those quick breaks after an hour or so of concentrated work. As you say, forcing yourself to work through low energy times will ultimately lead to lower productivity - and lots of frustration! I just recently learned about ultradian rhythms, which could have a big impact on the way you work. Basically, our bodies can only remain alert for 60-90 minutes, then we need to take a break of 15-20 minutes. 43Folders has a good post about this.

The takeaway for me is to enforce those quick breaks after an hour or so of concentrated work. As you say, forcing yourself to work through low energy times will ultimately lead to lower productivity – and lots of frustration!

]]> By: Ryan McLean http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/09/23/managing-the-natural-ups-and-downs-of-your-workweek/comment-page-1/#comment-379906 Ryan McLean Tue, 23 Sep 2008 14:37:10 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/09/23/managing-the-natural-ups-and-downs-of-your-workweek/#comment-379906 I like how you said not to force yourself to work through an energy valley. Mondays for me are hopeless. I struggle to write posts on mondays. So I do some commenting and forum posting and other promotion for my blog and then (now that I am working on my blog almost full time) I have the rest of the day off. I go swimming and I do things that stir up the creative side of me. Then I write down some ideas on a sketch pad and nut them out later in the week. my entrepreneur blog is exploding at the moment....from 30 to 200 subscribers in about 1 month....woo I like how you said not to force yourself to work through an energy valley. Mondays for me are hopeless. I struggle to write posts on mondays. So I do some commenting and forum posting and other promotion for my blog and then (now that I am working on my blog almost full time) I have the rest of the day off. I go swimming and I do things that stir up the creative side of me. Then I write down some ideas on a sketch pad and nut them out later in the week.
my entrepreneur blog is exploding at the moment….from 30 to 200 subscribers in about 1 month….woo

]]> By: Tyler @ Dividend Money http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/09/23/managing-the-natural-ups-and-downs-of-your-workweek/comment-page-1/#comment-379902 Tyler @ Dividend Money Tue, 23 Sep 2008 14:16:43 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/09/23/managing-the-natural-ups-and-downs-of-your-workweek/#comment-379902 I know that I certainly hav emore energy in the mornings. Many people can't understand how I can go to the gym and workout at 5:30 am. The meat of my day is from 5:30 - 9:00 am - It's amazing how much I can get done before the "average" person gets up and at 'em. On the flip side, I like my sleep and tend to go to bed shortly after my daughter does at about 9:30- 10:00 pm. Everyone is wired differently and Trent makes a great point about learning to understand your daily energy levels and tuning in to when you are most productive. - Tyler I know that I certainly hav emore energy in the mornings. Many people can’t understand how I can go to the gym and workout at 5:30 am. The meat of my day is from 5:30 – 9:00 am – It’s amazing how much I can get done before the “average” person gets up and at ‘em.
On the flip side, I like my sleep and tend to go to bed shortly after my daughter does at about 9:30- 10:00 pm.
Everyone is wired differently and Trent makes a great point about learning to understand your daily energy levels and tuning in to when you are most productive.
- Tyler

]]> By: Dave http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/09/23/managing-the-natural-ups-and-downs-of-your-workweek/comment-page-1/#comment-379897 Dave Tue, 23 Sep 2008 14:10:06 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/09/23/managing-the-natural-ups-and-downs-of-your-workweek/#comment-379897 Good suggestions and the like - I definitely get more done in the mornings after I do my email checks and such. On a side note, do you write all of your posts well beforehand and then set up WordPress to post them at 8am and 2pm every day? It seems every update is exactly at that time - which would make it really easy to just knock out a week or more worth of posts and let the site auto-run for a bit. Good suggestions and the like – I definitely get more done in the mornings after I do my email checks and such.

On a side note, do you write all of your posts well beforehand and then set up WordPress to post them at 8am and 2pm every day? It seems every update is exactly at that time – which would make it really easy to just knock out a week or more worth of posts and let the site auto-run for a bit.

]]>