Do you ever reach the end of the day and wonder, “Where did all my time go?” or “What happened to the day?” You started with great intentions, but somehow ended up buried under messages, meetings, and mental fatigue.
You’re not alone. For leaders, entrepreneurs, and business owners, time and energy are your most valuable (and limited) resources. Yet every day, we unknowingly waste both on habits that feel productive but aren’t.
Let’s look at the top three hidden drains I see all the time that are stealing your time and energy… and how to stop them.
1. The Relentless Need to Check Messages
You know that twitch you get when you hear a notification ping? Yep, that one. Whether it’s email, Teams, Slack, or the bottomless pit known as text messages, our constant urge to check in keeps us stuck in “reactive mode.” It is the idea of FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out), but trust me, most times there is nothing to fear.
Did you know each time you check your messages, your focus breaks. And shows it can take 10-25 minutes to fully get back on task. That’s not productivity. You are self-sabotaging your time and energy.
💡 Time management tip: Turn off non-essential notifications and schedule three “communication blocks” a day. Check your messages in the morning, around mid-day and before you leave. Everything is not urgent and important. This helps you respond intentionally instead of reactively. This also allows your brain space to focus again.
2. Multitasking Mayhem
We’ve been sold the myth that multitasking is a superpower. In reality, it’s an energy vampire. Jumping between tasks drains mental energy, reduces accuracy, and can cut productivity too, just like our constant need to check messages.
Leaders often tell me, “But I have to multitask as things come at me from all different angles!” I get it, but what you really need is better focus, not more juggling.
💡 Energy management strategy: Try time blocking. Make sure you block important and urgent items when you have the most energy. Dedicate chunks of your day to one task or theme such as strategy, team communication, admin, etc. and protect those blocks like gold. You’ll not only get more done, but you’ll also feel less mentally fried at the end of the day.
3. The Invisible Energy Drainers
Not all drains are obvious. Some quietly nibble away at your energy until you’re running on fumes: cluttered workspaces, vague priorities, endless small decisions, or even that one meeting that should’ve been an email (you know the one).
These micro-stressors add up and before you know it, your brain is full but your output is low.
💡 Energy booster: Take 10 minutes each morning to identify one “high-energy” task and one “low-energy” task. Do the high-energy one when your brain is sharpest and save the low-energy one for later in the day or when that low energy slump hits. Small shifts like this can make a huge difference in how you feel and perform.
The Bottom Line: Time and Energy Management Is a Leadership Skill
Strong leadership isn’t just about leading others – it starts by leading yourself. Managing your time and energy with intention is how you stay effective, calm, and present in a world that’s constantly demanding more.
You don’t need to overhaul your entire routine to feel more in control. Sometimes, it’s just about finding the small shifts that help you take back your day…one focused hour at a time.
If these challenges sound familiar, I’ve created something that can help: the Energy-First Toolkit
It includes:
✅ A 17-minute video that helps you identify where your time and energy really go
✅ 6 simple, practical tools to help you prioritize, stay focused, and reduce burnout
✅ Reflection prompts to help you stay consistent over time
Think of it as your shortcut to working smarter – not harder.
For information and to purchase, visit: Shop | Amplifying Leadership
Written by: Tara Lehman
