I No Longer Plan by Time Blocks, Energy Is My New Clock

A bar prep journey through the lens of nervous system leadership

Once upon a time, my calendar looked like a color-coded battlefield, hourly blocks for productivity, rest, movement, review, repeat.

As a former project manager and high-performance coach, I was fluent in time-blocking.

But then I started prepping for the Bar Exam at 50+. And my nervous system had other plans.

The Myth of the Perfect Schedule

If you’ve ever tried to follow a perfectly laid-out study schedule and found yourself spiraling by midday, you’re not alone. I built mine meticulously, every minute optimized.

And then came the crash:

I sat down for a 90-minute essay block, heart racing.

I couldn’t focus.

My shoulders were tense, my breath shallow.

The clock was ticking, but I wasn’t moving.

That’s when I realized:

I was following the schedule but my nervous system was nowhere on board.

Energy > Time

So I stopped asking, What should I do at 2 PM?

And started asking, How does my body feel at 2 PM?

Because here’s what I’ve learned from both bar prep and coaching stressed-out professionals:

Time isn’t your real limiter. Energy is.

And your energy is regulated by your nervous system state not your to-do list.

What That Looks Like in Real Life

Here’s what changed when I switched to nervous-system-based planning:

1. I Begin With a Check-In, Not a Checklist

Before starting any study block, I scan:

Am I alert or foggy?

Jittery or flat?

Am I pushing through or showing up?

This tells me what kind of task I’m truly available for.

2. I Match Tasks to States

Regulated & focused? Time for essays or MPTs.

Anxious or wired? Walk, movement, breathwork, then maybe light review.

Tired or disconnected? Rest. And I mean actual rest not scrolling LinkedIn.

3. I Use Breaks to Regulate, Not Just Refuel

Breaks aren’t just downtime.

They’re opportunities to reset my nervous system because no amount of coffee can substitute for a 5-minute somatic pause.

Why This Matters (and Not Just for Me)

This isn’t just about studying for a law exam.

It’s about how high performers often ignore their biology in favor of their calendar and end up burning out.

Whether you’re prepping for a career pivot, leading a team, or navigating a demanding role over 40, here’s the truth:

👉 You don’t need a tighter schedule. You need a deeper relationship with your energy.

👉 You don’t need to work harder. You need to regulate better.

👉 And you’re not failing because you can’t follow a plan. The plan just didn’t include you.

My New Motto: Energy Is the Clock

Some days, I study for five hours with ease.

Other days, I pause mid-sentence to stretch, breathe, or cry (true story).

But every day, I lead with my nervous system and trust that regulated consistency will get me further than rigid hustle.

So if your calendar is full but your body is fried, start there.

Because your nervous system isn’t a barrier to success.

It’s the gateway to sustainable performance.

With you in this messy, meaningful journey,

Ruth