This is a very good thread. (HQ posts!)
One thing I've noticed is that I have higher energy during times when I'm busier, have more responsibilities, more deadlines to deal with, and all that sort of stuff.
Two semesters ago I had about 2 months with an extremely high workload. 40-page papers, math exams, piano recitals. It was insane. But I had high energy nearly every day. I had no other option. In fact, "energy management" wasn't even an issue. Because I was so busy, energy just came for free; it had to.
I lasted two months like this, but I could have lasted longer -- the only reason I didn't is because the semester came to an end.
Remember Steve's college experience? He mentioned that for him, time seemed to slow down because he had so much to work on. This is what happens to me when I have lots of work to do. I become highly alert and aware of the passage of time. For some reason, this effect is enough to replace any need of "energy management."
On the contrary, I notice that the more freedom I have, the more likely I am to struggle with energy management. Times of complete free time are great for relaxation, but I find them impossible to deal with energy/motivation-wise.
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