For whatever reason, most of us think that the key to productivity is to manage your time, keep focused, and have self-discipline.

Sounds right.  But the good news is that it’s not.

And I’m glad it’s not because, honestly, I’m pooped.  I’ve got a lot on my plate these days and I find myself running out of steam by the end of each day.

I could keep pressing on each evening. There’s always more to do.  But this is when I remind myself of what Jim Loehr and Tony Schwartz discuss in their book The Power of Full Engagement.  Down-time is not a waste. Down-time is, in fact, very productive.  When we structure our day (or week) as a series of sprints followed by periods of relaxation, we won’t find ourselves ragged as if we had just run a marathon.  When we manage our energy, rather than our time, we accomplish more in the long run.

So I’m going to take a little of my own advice and turn off the laptop in order to put my feet up with a book.  It sounds luxurious, doesn’t it?  But it’s necessary.  I know it’s going to help me be more productive tomorrow.

Image:  graur razvan ionut / FreeDigitalPhotos.net