Time management based on your energy type. A guide for busy founders.
You’ve tried all the tips.
The 5am, maybe even 4am, wake-up routines. The colour-coded calendar blocks. The productivity apps that promise to revolutionise your workflow. But what if none of them work for you… because you’re not meant to work that way?
In a recent podcast episode of Own Your Time, I sat down with the magical Renee from Sagittarian Tarot + Coaching to talk about something that’s not often mentioned in productivity circles: how your energy type, Human Design and even your astrology chart can influence how you manage your time.
Why time management isn’t one-size-fits-all
If you’ve ever felt like a productivity system that works wonders for someone else just leaves you feeling frustrated or behind, you’re definitely not alone.
So many of the strategies we’re taught, especially as ambitious founders, are based on the assumption that we all have the same energy patterns. But we don’t. Your Human Design and birth chart can offer powerful clues about how you’re naturally wired to work.
This isn’t about being “woo” for the sake of it. It’s about giving yourself permission to do things your way and trusting that alignment can be an effective productivity strategy, too.
A quick intro to human design (if you’re new)
Human Design is a self-discovery system that blends elements of astrology, the I Ching, the chakra system and quantum physics. It’s based on your exact birth time, date and location and it gives you a personal “energy blueprint” to help you understand how you operate best.
At the core of Human Design is your Energy Type. There are five:
Generator
Manifesting Generator
Projector
Manifestor
Reflector
Each type has its own natural rhythm, decision-making style and way of using energy throughout the day.
Find out your Human Design type (it’s free!)
If you’ve never looked yours up, you can generate your chart for free at My Human Design. You’ll need your birth time, date and place.
Once you know your energy type, you can start experimenting with ways of working that actually support you, rather than fighting against your natural flow.
Let’s break down what each type needs when it comes to time management:
Your Human Design type & time management style
✨ Generators
You’re here to do work that lights you up. When you’re excited about what you’re doing, you’ve got an abundance of energy to follow through. But if something drains you? That’s a sign to pivot.
Time Tip: Pay attention to what energises you and say no to the “shoulds” that leave you flat.
✨ Manifesting Generators
You’re fast-moving, multi-passionate and thrive when you’re juggling different things. Sticking to one path or rigid system? Not your thing.
Time Tip: Build variety into your week. Let go of the guilt around pivoting or changing direction quickly.
✨ Projectors
You’re efficient but you need lots of rest. You might get more done in two focused hours than others do in a full day.
Time Tip: Honour your energy cycles. Schedule downtime and trust that working less doesn’t mean achieving less.
✨ Manifestors
You’re designed to initiate. Your energy comes in powerful bursts, followed by periods of rest.
Time Tip: Protect your alone time. When inspiration hits, go for it, then allow recovery time after big creative pushes.
✨ Reflectors
You’re incredibly sensitive to your environment and the people around you. Your energy is fluid and ever-changing.
Time Tip: Give yourself time to process before making decisions. Curate your space and relationships carefully.
So... what’s the point?
When you understand your energy type, you stop fighting yourself. You stop trying to force a square peg into a round hole.
You stop thinking, “Why can’t I just stick to this schedule?”
And start realising: “Maybe this schedule was never made for someone like me.”
In my own chart, I’m a classic Virgo Rising which totally checks out with my love for systems and colour-coded calendars. But learning more about my Human Design (I’m a Generator) has helped me embrace a more intuitive flow, too.
Ready to try this for yourself?
Here’s a simple experiment to try this week:
Look up your Human Design type.
Find your time tip from the list above.
Build your schedule around that insight for the next 7 days (there are some examples below, or DM me HUMAN DESIGN on Instagram to get the full list).
Notice how you feel. Do you have more energy? Less resistance? Are you enjoying your work more?
This kind of alignment might just be the missing piece between where you are now and the spacious, intentional business you’re craving.
Want More Like This?
Whether you're curious, witchy or just ready to try something different, this episode is worth a listen.
🎧 Click here to listen to the podcast episode with Renee Randall →
Key Takeaways
Traditional productivity advice may not work for everyone, and that’s OK.
Human Design offers a personalised approach to how you manage your energy and time.
Your energy type (Generator, Manifesting Generator, Projector, Manifestor, Reflector) can offer insights into how you work best.
One small change, like honouring your rest cycles or following your excitement, can have a big impact.
Before You Go…
💡 Want to plan your time in a way that actually works for your energy?
Grab my free Time Audit Workbook to get started.
🎙️ Binge the podcast
Check out more episodes of Own Your Time on Spotify or Apple Podcasts.