As humans we know and understand machines. We understand that machines break down if they aren’t maintained and serviced regularly. We also ensure that we put our phones, laptops and other devices to charge, ensuring that they can serve us when we need to use them. We are reminded by our car dealers or regular mechanics that our cars require an oil or filter change; plugs need to be replaced and batteries need to be checked to ensure that all parts are operating optimally. And we treat ourselves – our body – our temple like shit!

Now why is that?

Additionally we don’t run machines all the time. Our devices get a rest, even our cars rest periodically. Yet many of us assume that we can run longer hours, sometimes without the right fuel or worse yet, we choose to run on fumes.

Again – why is that?

We all are energetically different and each group has different needs.

The definition of energy types is the way you “optimize your unique energy in all areas of life, such as relationships, work, sleep, digestion, and creativity,” explains Human Design reader Ilona Barnhart. “This is how you create ease and flow in your life.”

There are five energy types:

1. Manifestor – “Manifestors start things, but they don’t necessarily have to finish them,” Jones says. Their energy comes in powerful bursts, and taking rest in between is important to them.
2. Manifesting-Generator – With a blend of Manifestor and Generator energy, Manifesting Generators can multitask like no other, and they need to honor that every day is going to look different. Those with this energy type should keep in mind that their productivity and motivation can vary on a daily basis but can always be replenished with the help of quality sleep.
3. Projector – Similar to Manifestors, Projectors also have an ebb and flow of energy. The difference is Projectors are designed to work much fewer hours because they “non-energy beings.” Much like the way extroverts are categorized with the Myers-Briggs test, they derive energy from other people and don’t necessarily have much on their own.
4. Reflector – the rarest energy type, Reflectors are also non-energy beings. They actually mirror the energy they see back to the people they’re with. They are fluid in nature, though, so their energy can vary on a daily basis. 
5. Generator – Generators need to follow their excitement. They have a very regular energy cycle that’s meant to be used up in the day and worn out by bedtime. They can go, go, go, and can truly be the hustlers of the world.

**The information on the energy types was taken from this Allure article. If you want to get your own human design chart to determine your energy type, you can click here.

Until I got my Human Design Chart, I honestly thought that I was ill-equipped to live up to the standards set in the world of work. I didn’t understand why I needed to rest after a speaking engagement, sometimes for a couple days. I definitely did not get why I couldn’t just be disciplined and go, go, go….be productive the entire time between eight and four. It never happened. It never will. I am a Manifestor so now I understand myself a little better.

But human design revelation aside, we are not meant to operate, sans rest, recuperation and restoration.

One of the authors of the 12 Week Year, Brian Moran suggests that in order for us to be successful in meeting our goals, we need to be intentional about our time. He recommends using the “Performance Time system”, a time-saving tactic that uses time-blocking techniques to break your daily routine into intentional periods of time. It includes three primary components:

1. Strategic blocks. These are three-hour periods designated for deep work, which includes all of the high-impact activities that are crucial to achieving your desired results. During strategic blocks, the goal is to minimize distractions and get things done.
2. Buffer blocks. These are shorter blocks of 30–60 minutes long that help you deal with unplanned activities that pop up during the day. Rather than taking on new tasks as they appear, cutting into your high-value work time, buffer blocks enable you to deal with them more efficiently at a designated time.
3. Breakout blocks. A breakout block is a three-hour (minimum) period where you avoid work entirely. These are completely unstructured blocks that allow you to rest and recharge, which is integral to creativity and efficiency.

Have you ever scheduled a breakout block in your week?

No matter how much you enjoy what you do, you need down time.

Work is part of life, it’s not life. And you need time away to rest and recharge.

BRIAN MORAN

As Brian says, this allows you to rest and recharge, two things integral to creativity AND efficiency. Even if you find out you are a Generator, you simply cannot go, go, go. You will burnout. And for those of you who say you can’t or won’t stop, then life is going to stop you at some point. Just like machines, you will break down eventually. Don’t wait for that to happen!