Forget Time Management and Discover Your "Prime Time"
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Hi Friends,
Today, let’s put time management aside and focus on energy management—specifically, what I call “prime time.”
Prime time is when you feel most focused, energized, and motivated. When you harness your prime time, a lot can change:
You get more exercise
You hit the deadlines of projects at work
You start your laundry when you say you will
Most of all, you feel proud of how you use your time.
But most people aren’t aware of their prime time. Instead, they rush from task to task and end the day exhausted. While time management has its place, it’s ineffective without energy management.
Let’s dive into making prime time work for you.
What is Prime Time?
Prime time is when your executive functions are at their best. This period might range from 15 minutes to a few hours, during which you feel energized, motivated, and focused.
Prime time isn’t always predictable. It can shift depending on factors like sleep, diet, and stress, and might vary on workdays vs. weekends.
If you’re struggling to find even a few minutes like this, consider speaking to a mental health professional, as consistent low energy can be a sign of deeper issues.
What Happens to People Who Don't Have Prime Time?
When we don’t intentionally use our prime time—those peak hours when our executive function skills are sharpest—we can find ourselves in a rut.
Days start to blur together and a sense of dread sets in. Instead of making progress, we feel exhausted. It's like we’re spinning our wheels, moving but going nowhere.
Without prime time, it’s common to feel that every productivity tool or strategy falls flat, no matter how many we try.
This constant struggle leaves little room for moments of joy or purpose. When we’re not maximizing our energy, our days lack the structure needed for growth.
How Do I Find My Prime Time?
Since everyone’s brain is unique, your prime time will be personal to you. Here are two ways to discover it:
Option 1: Reflect
Ask yourself three questions:
a) When do I feel most focused and motivated?
b) When is it easier to start challenging tasks?
c) When do I feel most creative?
Options 2: Journal
For 3–5 days, note the times you felt the most energized and motivated. Patterns will emerge, showing your prime time.
Or...
Set a reminder each evening to jot down your thoughts, making this exercise easier to remember.
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What Tasks Should I Reserve for Prime Time?
Guard your prime time! Use it for tasks that demand focus and high energy, such as:
Revising your resume or applying to jobs
Schedule tough conversations with colleagues
Finalize a report or presentation for tomorrow
Tasks you tend to procrastinate like budgeting or scheduling appointments
For example, my clients often use prime time for budgeting, exercise, and projects with immediate due dates.
Choose activities that benefit from your full attention.
How Do I Protect My Prime Time from Distractions?
While life’s interruptions are inevitable, here are a few ways to preserve prime time:
Communicate:
Let key people (family, roommates, colleagues) know you’re using these hours for deep work, and ask for minimal interruptions.
Limit Notifications:
Turn on “Do Not Disturb” for your devices and close your email.
Optimize Your Environment:
Choose a location that helps you focus. To learn more about creating your ideal environment, check out my article, Understanding the Relationship Between Environment and Executive Functions.
Block Off Your Calendar:
Set aside this time so others can’t book meetings during your prime time.
What if My Prime Time Doesn’t Align with My Schedule?
Sometimes, your prime time may conflict with existing commitments. If possible, try:
Shifting meeting times (if possible)
Organize a carpool for your child's extracurriculars a few days per week
Scheduling emails or messages to go out during working hours if you’re productive at night
A little flexibility can go a long way toward maximizing your prime time, even with a busy schedule.
Summary
Prime time is the part of your day when you’re most energized, motivated, and productive.
Use this time to tackle challenging tasks, and protect it by communicating with others, setting boundaries, and working from the right environment.
These are the steps to uncover and maximize your prime time:
For 3–5 days, note the times you felt the most energized and motivated. Patterns will emerge, showing your prime time.
Determine the tasks to start during prime time. Consider tasks that feel difficult or boring, or you typically procrastinate.
Commit! Spend one day intentionally using your prime time for an important, yet difficult task.
Hope this helps. 🤙
P.S.
If you want to work on your adult executive function skills, consider joining dozens of others who graduated from our Adult Executive Function Skills 101 course. This course teaches you skills to strengthen your time management, personal finances, and more. Learn more.
About the Author
Eric Kaufmann, M.Ed is a Professional Educational Therapist and Certified Executive Function Coach. He is the Co-founder of UpSkill Specialists, an online adult executive function coaching company designed to guide adults in overcoming disorganization, procrastination, and productivity roadblocks so they can unlock their potential. Eric is also the founder of Elevate Learning Solutions, an Educational Therapy practice located in San Clemente, CA, that guides students with neurological differences toward becoming independent and confident students and self-leaders.