“Time is just a container. It’s ENERGY that changes everything.”

– Michele Sayers

Something I’ve been sitting with lately is this obsession we have with time management. Everyone wants to manage their time better - and I get it. I’ve lived it.

And don’t get me wrong - time is important.
It’s the container that holds the pieces of our lives together. And like any limited resource, how we use it absolutely matters.

But here’s what I’m noticing more and more in my work - whether I’m speaking at events, running retreats, or working privately with clients:

The number one reason people say they’re not following through on their health goals?
Time.

“I don’t have enough of it.”
“I’m just too busy.”
“There’s too much on my plate.”

Working long hours seems like the only way to keep up. But if we’re sacrificing our mental and physical health in the process, then we’re not creating a sustainable solution — we’re heading straight for burnout.

And here’s the truth I’ve come to know for sure:
Time is just the container. What matters far more… is your energy.

So I’m going to say something that might go against the grain:

It’s not a time problem.
It’s an energy problem.

A Personal Story — When This Hit Me Hard

I remember this one day vividly…

I had a keynote coming up and I’d blocked out the entire day to work on it. Six full hours, colour-coded day planner, workspace clear… ready to go.

Except nothing came.

No spark. No clarity. No words. Just resistance.
And frustration.

I sat there for nearly four hours, doom-scrolling through Facebook, half-looking at surf trips to the Maldives, trying to force creativity into a brain that felt completely flat.

Eventually, I slammed my laptop shut and went for a surf.

The water was offshore. The sun was warm.
I stayed out there for hours — no guilt, just presence.

And when I got home?
The ideas landed.

Fast.
Clear.
Inspired.

I wrote the entire keynote framework in under two hours — with ease. That’s when it really hit me:

This isn’t about doing more.
It’s about working from energy, not empty.

Why Time Management Keeps Letting Us Down

We’ve been sold this story:
Plan better. Time-block harder. Optimise your calendar.

And while structure matters, there’s a core ingredient missing:
Your energy.

You can have all the time and systems in the world —
But if your nervous system is fried, your body is depleted, your physically and mentally exhausted and your soul is out of alignment?

Nothing flows.
Nothing sticks.
You’re just spinning your wheels.

So, what’s the answer?

I’ve tested every productivity tool under the sun.
And what I know, without a doubt, is this:

🌿 When I’m emotionally regulated...🌿 When I’ve slept enough... 🌿 When I’ve moved my body…🌿 When I’ve nourished myself well… 🌿 When I’ve had even a few moments of stillness…

That’s when I step into flow...

That’s when:

• Focused time becomes sacred

• Output skyrockets

• Creativity flows

• Clarity sharpens

• I feel efficient, calm, and tapped in

This isn’t about doing more.
It’s about being more energised, more present, and more regulated.

The Shift That Changes Everything

So instead of trying to squeeze more in...
I’m asking better questions:

• When am I most energised?

• What do I need to be in flow?

• How can I protect my energy like it actually matters?

• What am I forcing right now — and what wants to move naturally?

And honestly — it’s changing how I work.
It’s changing how I live.

I’m starting to build my day around the things that energise me — not just what’s urgent.

Surfing, Yoga and Pilates.
Emotional regulation and Meditation.
Movement.
Space.
Clean food.
Boundaries.
Mindset work and Gratitude.

Pretty much everything inside the 8 Wonders of Wellbeing.
All the stuff we tend to put last…
And then wonder why we feel off.

The 8 Principles That Changed Everything for Me

These are not just productivity tips.
They’re energy codes — tools that help you protect, direct, and elevate your energy so you can get more done… in less time.

🔥 Step 1 – Know your purpose and your priorities

Getting clear on your values and daily non-negotiables is vital.
When you know what matters, you stop wasting energy on what doesn’t.

Start by asking: If I only achieved 2 or 3 things today — what would truly matter?

🔥 Step 2 – Become a master at saying NO

If you’re saying yes to everyone else, you’re probably saying no to yourself.
Pause. Check your schedule.

Ask: Does this move me towards the life I’m creating?

🔥 Step 3 – Eliminate distractions

Allocate focused time to each task and protect it like your peace.
Phone on airplane mode. Tabs closed.

Go all in — and watch what happens.

🔥 Step 4 – Reward yourself when you’re done

This part’s so underrated. Finish your task, then celebrate it.
Stretch in the sun. Dance in the kitchen. Go do something that matters.

Your nervous system will thank you.

🔥 Step 5 – Schedule EVERYTHING in alignment with your ENERGY

When my days are planned — from meals to meditation to work blocks — I get more done and feel more spacious.

Structure brings freedom.
Planning brings peace.

🔥 Step 6 – Ask for help

If your days are too busy and you are not finding time for what’s important then you may need to ask for help. You may need to delegate some tasks or take a step back from work.

Get help with setting up the right process and ensure you have the right tools for the job. Streamline everything and if you don’t know how then get support and help.

🔥 Step 7 – Stay present

This goes hand in hand with staying focused on your priorities. Stay completely present to each task at hand. If you are feeling overwhelmed and distracted you might need to go for a walk or do a meditation to help bring you back into focus.

Avoid multitasking and focus intently on that one task.

🔥 Step 8 – Honour your energy windows

Know when your brain is sharp and your body is aligned.
For me, 6am focus is worth 3 hours in the afternoon.
Design your day around your natural rhythm.

This all comes back to the premise that we need to work smarter and NOT harder. The days of hustle and strive are over. The days of alignment and focussed intent are everything.

The new paradigm?
ENERGY.

Regulate your nervous system.
Honour your body.
Live from alignment.

Protect your energy like it’s sacred — because it is.

And remember, working less is only radical because we’ve normalised the opposite.

It’s your time…
But more than that — it’s your energy.

What will you create with it?

💫 Ready to Work Smarter (and Softer)?

If this landed — if something inside you exhaled — then now’s the time to stop hustling from depletion…

…and start creating from your MEGA SELF.

⚡ Book a free Unleash Your Potential Call
⚡ Head HERE to find out more about supporting your team or workplace
⚡ Find out the dates for the next Changing Habits 6 night Retreat.

This isn’t about doing more.
It’s about becoming the version of you who no longer needs to hustle to thrive.