Quick note: This is a brand new recipe to complement my Prompt Hackers Cookbook - a collection of 220+ copy-paste ready AI prompts organized by what you’re trying to accomplish.
Note that the ‘Combine with’ suggestions reference recipes in The Prompt Hackers Cookbook
The Problem
You schedule tasks randomly throughout the day instead of matching high-focus work to your peak energy periods.
The Outcome
A personalized schedule that maps your task types to your natural energy patterns, increasing productivity without working more hours.
Time Required: 30 minutes
Difficulty Level: Intermediate
Best Platform: Claude (better at analyzing patterns and nuance)
What You’ll Get
A schedule that respects your biology instead of fighting it. About 60-70% will feel immediately better than your current approach. The remaining 30-40% needs real-world testing since everyone's energy patterns are unique. You'll likely discover your true peak hours aren't when you assumed.
Variations
Quick Version: Just list tasks and ask "When should I do each based on typical energy patterns?"
Deep Version: Add "Include a 2-week testing protocol with daily tracking questions to refine my energy map"
Combine With
Recipe #20.2 (The Checklist Creator) to systemize your new schedule
Recipe #14.7 (The Milestone Definer) to protect your power hours for important work
Recipe #15.3 (The Goal Setter) to ensure high-energy time goes to high-impact goals
Chef’s Tips
Most people are wrong about their energy patterns - track for a week before trusting your guess
Your “power hours” are sacred - protect them ruthlessly from meetings and interruptions
If you hit afternoon slumps, that’s your admin/email/calls window, not your creative work time
Energy patterns change with seasons, sleep quality, and life circumstances - remap quarterly
The biggest mistake is putting deep work after lunch when most people’s focus is lowest
Success Metric:If you complete one major task before noon without feeling drained, and handle afternoon admin without resentment, your energy map is working.
The Recipe
I need to create a personalized energy-based schedule that matches my tasks to my natural energy levels throughout the day.
My typical workday: [START TIME] to [END TIME]
My current energy pattern (best guess):
Morning (first 3 hours): [high/medium/low energy]
Late morning: [high/medium/low energy]
After lunch: [high/medium/low energy]
Mid-afternoon: [high/medium/low energy]
Late afternoon/evening: [high/medium/low energy]
My typical tasks (list 8-15):
[Task 1]
[Task 2]
[Task 3]
[etc.]
For each task, categorize it by energy requirement:
Deep Focus: Requires sustained concentration, creativity, strategic thinking
Moderate Focus: Requires attention but is familiar/routine
Low Focus: Administrative, repetitive, or social tasks
Then create a daily schedule template that:
Maps each task type to my optimal energy windows
Includes specific time blocks (not just “morning”)
Accounts for realistic transition time between tasks
Identifies my “power hours” for most important work
Suggests buffer zones for unexpected items
Format as a daily schedule I can actually follow. Be specific about timing, not generic.
Ingredients Needed
Your typical work start and end times
Honest assessment of when you feel most/least energized
Complete list of your regular tasks and responsibilities
Understanding of which tasks drain you vs. energize you
One week to test and adjust the schedule
Cooking Instructions
List all your regular tasks without categorizing them yet
Note your current energy patterns (even rough guesses work)
Paste into prompt and generate your first energy map
Test the schedule for 3 days, noting what works and what doesn’t
Adjust and regenerate based on real experience, not theory