From To-Do Lists to Energy Lists: Planning for Peak Performance

How to kick off the new year with focus and momentum? Whether it is preparing for a sales kickoff, rallying your team for January, or setting the stage for personal goals, one truth stands out: business is often more predictable than we give it credit for.

The Power of Predictability

No matter your industry there are recurring cycles and milestones that shape your work. Month-end reports, quarterly deadlines, project launches, and seasonal peaks are all predictable moments that require focused energy and resources.

Yet, how often do we allow these moments to catch us off guard, even though they’re clearly marked on the calendar? By acknowledging this predictability, you can take control and approach these periods with confidence and preparation.

Plan Your Energy, Not Just Your Tasks

How often do you take the time to plan your energy? As high-performing professionals, I’m sure you meticulously map out your time and tasks to maximise efficiency and ensure nothing’s overlooked. But heres the question: how often do you plan your energy to successfully achieve those tasks?

Planning your energy, not just your to-dos is the key to thriving during high-demand moments this year. Let’s dive into how you can align your energy with your goals for sustainable success.

Map Your Energy for the Weeks Ahead

Here is a simple yet powerful strategy: map out your energy needs for the next 4, 6, or even 12 weeks based on the predictable demands of your role or business. Consider:

  • When will your workload peak? Identify specific times when your energy and focus will be most needed, such as product launches, campaigns, or key presentations.
  • What are the recurring deadlines? Think about regular touchpoints like month-end reporting or team check-ins.
  • What can you anticipate? While some challenges are unexpected, many demands can be foreseen and planned for.

Why This Matters

Preparing for predictable moments isn’t just about avoiding surprises; it’s also key to:

  • Building resilience: Knowing when high-energy periods are coming allows you to conserve and recharge beforehand.
  • Optimising resources: Align your time, energy, and team efforts with the most critical milestones.
  • Enhancing performance: When you’re prepared, you’re more likely to tackle challenges effectively and with less stress.

Recovery is just as important as preparation and performance—it’s the phase where you recharge, rebuild, and regain balance. Don’t overlook the time after a big event to intentionally pause and recover before diving into your next challenge. This is the moment to step back, rest, and allow your mind and body to restore their reserves.

Predict, Prepare, Perform, Recover

This principle forms part of my simple four-step Cadence Approach:

  • PREDICT when the big events are in your life
  • PREPARE by ‘building your bulletproof’ -small changes, big impact
  • PERFORM when you need to
  • RECOVER because ‘backing off beats burnout’

Start the Year Strong

Take time to sit down with your calendar and map out these predictable events. Once you’ve identified them, think about how you can prepare.