A tool for managing personal energy allocation and preventing overcommitment
Core Idea: A method to clearly visualize where your energy is going by creating two distinct lists: dreams/aspirations and active investments, helping you make intentional decisions about your commitments.
Key Elements
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Two-List System:
- List A: Dreams, hopes, and ambitions (things you'd like to do someday)
- List B: Active investments (projects you're actively working on right now)
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Purpose:
- Creates awareness of current energy allocation
- Prevents overcommitment by making limitations visible
- Helps prioritize what truly matters
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Implementation:
- Dreams list can be unlimited
- Active investments list must be deliberately constrained
- Moving items between lists requires conscious decision-making
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Benefits:
- Reduces cognitive load from having too many active projects
- Prevents the stress of competing priorities
- Acknowledges the reality of limited time and energy
Connections
- Related Concepts: Overexertion Burnout (helps prevent this), Decision Fatigue (reduces this)
- Broader Context: Sustainable Productivity (supports this approach), Energy Management (practical application)
- Applications: Personal Project Planning, Work-Life Balance
References
- Abdaal, Ali. "Feel Good Productivity"
#productivity #energy-management #decision-making #burnout-prevention
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