5 power moves to audit your energy before the new year

When leaders talk about productivity, the conversation almost always circles back to time. Time-blocking. Scheduling. Prioritising. But here’s the truth: time isn’t your most valuable resource - energy is.

You can have a perfectly organised calendar and still feel exhausted, distracted, and reactive. Why? Because leadership isn’t just about managing hours; it’s about managing the energy that fuels your decisions, creativity, and influence.

As the year ends, it’s the perfect moment to step back and audit your energy - not just your schedule. Here’s how.

Why energy matters more than time

Time is finite. Energy is renewable - but only if you manage it intentionally. When your energy is depleted, even simple tasks feel heavy. When it’s high, you can tackle complex challenges with clarity and confidence.

For leaders, energy drives:

• Strategic thinking: You can’t plan the future when you’re mentally drained.
• Decision-making: Fatigue leads to reactive choices instead of proactive ones.
• Influence: Your energy sets the tone for your team and stakeholders.

Step 1: Identify your energy drains

Start by asking: What consistently leaves me feeling depleted?
Common culprits include:

• Endless back-to-back meetings with no recovery time.
• Operational firefighting that pulls you away from strategic priorities.
• Decision fatigue from too many low-value choices.
• Neglecting breaks and personal boundaries.

Write these down. Awareness is the first step toward change.

Step 2: Spot your energy amplifiers

Now flip the lens: What activities energise me?
For many leaders, these include:

• Deep work on strategic projects.
• Conversations that spark ideas and innovation.
• Learning something new or mentoring others.
• Time for reflection and planning.

These aren’t luxuries - they’re leadership essentials. Protect them.

Step 3: Align your calendar with your energy

Here’s where the audit becomes actionable:

• Block energy-rich activities first: Schedule strategic thinking time before your calendar fills with meetings.
• Cluster energy-draining tasks: Group operational reviews or admin work into focused blocks instead of scattering them across the week.
• Build recovery time: Short breaks between meetings aren’t indulgent - they’re necessary for cognitive reset.

Step 4: Delegate and automate

If your audit reveals that low-value tasks dominate your energy, it’s time to delegate or automate. Ask:

• What can only I do?
• What can someone else do better or faster?
• What can technology handle?

Freeing up energy for high-impact work isn’t about doing less - it’s about doing what matters most.

Step 5: Create energy rituals

Energy isn’t just physical - it’s mental and emotional. Build rituals that sustain you:

• Morning clarity: Start the day with 10 minutes of reflection or journaling.
• Movement breaks: A quick walk between calls can reset your focus.
• Digital boundaries: Limit after-hours email to protect recovery time.

Small habits compound into big energy gains.

The leadership advantage

Auditing your energy isn’t a soft skill - it’s a strategic move. Leaders who manage energy effectively:

• Make better decisions.
• Communicate with clarity.
• Inspire confidence in times of change.

As you plan for the new year, don’t just ask, “What’s on my calendar?” Ask, “Where will my energy go - and how will I protect it?”

Ready to start?

Take 30 minutes this week to map your energy highs and lows. Then redesign your calendar to reflect what truly matters. Because leadership isn’t about squeezing more into your day - it’s about showing up with the energy to lead well. 

Further information

For assistance with your workplace matters, Members of Australian Industry Group can contact us or call our Workplace Advice Line on 1300 55 66 77 for further information. Australian Industry Group offers a range of learning and development programs to bring out the best in employees on their leadership journey.