A partner in a leading law firm was working 70-hour weeks and barely keeping afloat.

Then he discovered a hidden strategy that transformed his energy levels and his career.

Here’s the exact plan he used to rise to the top while still maintaining balance.

It’s a common belief that: Success in high-stress careers like law and finance is all about how you manage your time. We’re taught that the more hours you put in, the more you’ll achieve. You might even believe that burning the midnight oil is a badge of honour—a sign of your dedication and drive. But what if I told you that this approach is actually holding you back?

However, the truth is: The key to sustainable success isn’t about managing time - it’s about managing energy. Time is a finite resource, and once it’s gone, it’s gone. Energy, on the other hand, can be replenished, expanded, and optimised.

This shift in focus from time to energy is what ultimately transformed that overworked law partner’s career. It’s a strategy that not only saved his professional life but also allowed him to thrive in a way he never thought possible.

The Myth of Time Management: Why More Hours Don’t Equal More Success

Let’s start by debunking: one of the most pervasive myths in high-achieving circles - the idea that time management is the ultimate key to success. You’ve likely heard the saying, “Time is money.” This phrase has been drilled into our minds for so long that we accept it as absolute truth. But here’s where the myth begins to unravel.

Imagine you’re a high-performance car, finely tuned and built for speed. You’ve planned the perfect route, avoiding all obstacles, and are driving with precision. But no matter how well you manage the road ahead, if you don’t have enough fuel, you’re not going anywhere. That’s what happens when you focus solely on time management without considering your energy levels. You can plan your day down to the minute, but if you’re running on empty, your performance will suffer.

Here’s the catch: Time management assumes that time is the only variable that matters. But in reality, how you feel - your energy levels - has a far greater impact on your productivity and success than the number of hours you work.

This is why some days you might feel like you’re spinning your wheels, getting nothing done despite working long hours. It’s not about how much time you spend working; it’s about how effectively you can use the energy you have.

The Hidden Strategy That Transformed a Career

So, what happened: when the overworked law partner discovered the truth about energy management?

Let’s dive into his story. This partner was a rising star in his firm, known for his dedication and relentless work ethic. He routinely put in 70-hour weeks, believing that sheer effort would catapult him to the top. But as the demands of his job grew, so did the toll on his health and well-being. He was constantly fatigued, his productivity began to slip, and he felt like he was barely keeping afloat.

Then, something shifted. He came to me with his struggles. We talked. We tried a few time-management strategies and decision making frameworks to try and solve the issue. This had a small, fleeing impact before he found himself back to the feeling of overwhelm. Then we pivoted and made a breakthrough.

I introduced him to the concept of energy management, a strategy originally developed for elite athletes but later adapted for corporate professionals through the Corporate Athlete Model by Dr. Jim Loehr and Dr. Jack Groppel. This model emphasises the importance of managing energy across four key dimensions: physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual. Intrigued, the partner decided to give it a try.

The Four Dimensions of Energy Management: A Game-Changer

To solve this, try: thinking about your energy in the same way an elite athlete does. Athletes don’t just focus on their physical strength; they optimise their emotional resilience, mental focus, and sense of purpose - all of which contribute to peak performance. Let’s break down these four dimensions and see how they can apply to your own career.

1. Physical Energy: The Foundation of Performance

The first step is: prioritising your physical energy. This dimension is the cornerstone of all other forms of energy. If you’re not physically energised, it’s nearly impossible to perform well in any other area. For the law partner, this meant making sleep, nutrition, and exercise non-negotiables in his daily routine. He started by getting a consistent 7-8 hours of sleep each night, fueling his body with nutritious meals, and incorporating regular exercise into his schedule.

The result? His physical stamina improved (his 5km time dropped from 33 minutes down to 26), and he found himself able to focus better and work more efficiently, even during long hours at the office. Think of this like refuelling that high-performance car - without gas in the tank, you’re not going anywhere, no matter how well you manage the road ahead.

2. Emotional Energy: The Power of Positivity

Next up: Emotional energy is about maintaining a positive outlook and managing stress effectively. The partner realised that his constant stress was depleting his energy reserves faster than he could replenish them. To combat this, he began practicing mindfulness and gratitude. Each morning, he took a few minutes to focus on what he was grateful for and used mindfulness techniques to stay present and manage the inevitable stresses of his job.

This shift: in emotional energy not only made him feel better but also improved his relationships with colleagues and clients. He became more resilient, better able to handle setbacks, and more motivated to pursue his goals. Emotional energy is like the engine of your car - if it’s well-tuned, you’ll run smoothly, even on rough roads.

3. Mental Energy: The Focus Factor

Here’s why this matters: Mental energy is your ability to concentrate, think critically, and solve problems. Modern life means distractions are everywhere, and mental fatigue can quickly set in. In the world of law and finance these distractions can be all consuming and the mental fatigue overwhelming.

The law partner recognised that his mental energy was being drained by constant multitasking and lack of focus. To sharpen his mental energy, he set clear, achievable goals each day and focused on one task at a time, rather than trying to juggle multiple projects simultaneously.

By doing this: he was able to enhance his productivity and make better decisions, even under pressure. Mental energy is like the navigation system of your car - it keeps you on track, ensuring you reach your destination without unnecessary detours.

4. Spiritual Energy: The Drive for Purpose

Finally: Spiritual energy is about having a sense of purpose in your work. For the law partner, this meant reconnecting with why he became a lawyer in the first place. He began to focus on the aspects of his job that aligned with his core values, such as mentoring younger associates and taking on pro bono cases that made a real difference in people’s lives.

This reconnection: with his purpose not only gave him a renewed sense of motivation but also made his work more meaningful. Spiritual energy is the fuel that keeps you going when times get tough. It’s what drives you to keep pushing forward, even when the road gets rough.

Breaking Free from the Time Trap: How to Apply the Energy Equation

Now, you might be wondering: how you can apply these principles to your own life. The answer lies in integrating these four dimensions into your daily routine. It’s not about making drastic changes overnight; it’s about making small, consistent adjustments that build over time.

Start by assessing your energy levels in each of these dimensions. Where are you running low? Are you neglecting your physical health in favor of more hours at the office? Is stress taking a toll on your emotional well-being? Are you mentally exhausted from constant distractions? Do you feel disconnected from your purpose?

Here’s a handy trick: Begin with the dimension that feels most depleted and make it your priority. If physical energy is your weak spot, focus on improving your sleep and exercise routine. If mental energy is lacking, work on eliminating distractions and setting clear goals. By making incremental changes, you’ll start to notice a significant improvement in your overall energy levels.

The Results Speak for Themselves

As a result: The law partner who once struggled to keep his head above water is now thriving. His performance has soared, his relationships have improved, and most importantly, he feels more balanced and fulfilled. He no longer sees time as his most valuable resource—he understands that energy is what truly drives success.

Energy Is Money: Your Turn to Make the Shift

So, what happens next? You have a choice. You can continue to follow the traditional path, focusing solely on time management and risking burnout. Or, you can make the shift to energy management and unlock a new level of performance and satisfaction in your career.

The bottom line is: Energy is money. By managing your energy effectively, you’re not just preserving your health—you’re investing in your future success. It’s time to break free from the time trap and start focusing on what truly matters: your energy.

Ready to take the next step? Apply the Energy Equation in your life today, and watch as your career goals become more achievable without sacrificing your well-being. Your journey to sustainable success starts now.