Calendar Energy Audit

A framework for auditing your calendar to identify activities that energize vs drain you, helping optimize how you spend your time.

Core Concept

• Audit your calendar by marking activities in two colors:
  • Green: Activities that give you energy
  • Red: Activities that "suck your soul"/drain energy
• Goal: Do more of the "green" activities to have a better life

Key Principles

• Energy gain/drain is personal and unique
  • What drains others might energize you (e.g. public speaking)
  • What seems easy might be draining (e.g. filing taxes)
  • Energy gain doesn't always equal happiness - can be challenging but energizing

Examples of Energy Dynamics

• Energy-Giving Activities (varies by person):

  • Public speaking - can energize some despite being draining for most
  • Physical activities - like working out, where expending energy creates more energy
  • Moving/organizing - for some, physical organization creates excitement
  • Learning new things - can create energy through curiosity and growth

• Energy-Draining Activities:

  • Administrative tasks (like taxes)
  • Activities that don't align with natural interests
  • Tasks that feel forced or obligatory

Application

• Identify personal energy patterns
• Restructure calendar to maximize energy-giving activities
• Accept that challenging activities can still be energizing
• Focus on finding work aligned with what naturally energizes you
• Use this framework when choosing new projects or opportunities