Planning with the Body in Mind: My Color-Coded Task System
For a long time, traditional productivity methods never quite worked for me.
They expected the same energy, the same output, every single day without taking into account the natural rhythms of the body, creativity, or nervous system needs.
So I created something different.
A simpler, intuitive way to organize my days by matching tasks to the type of energy they require, not just their urgency.
I call it my Color-Coded Task System.
Why I Created This System
As a storyteller, creative strategist, and someone who cares deeply about sustainable work rhythms, I realized I needed a system that honored how I actually feel throughout the day not just what’s on my to-do list.
This system helps me:
Stay connected to my body’s natural energy cycles
Protect my creativity and focus
Approach work with more ease instead of constant pressure
It’s a simple framework, but it’s made a real difference in how I show up for my projects, my clients, and myself.
How It Works: The Four Energies
Each task I need to complete gets a color based on the type of energy it requires.
Here’s a quick overview:
🔥 The Root Flame (big task)
Color: Red
The main focus of the day. This task needs my full attention and most of my energy.
I aim to have only one of these per day.
Tip: Protect space around this task avoid scheduling too many other important things at the same time.
💙 The Grounded Bridge (mental energy)
Color: Blue
Tasks that require focus and organization: emails, calls, invoices, planning sessions.
Tip: I often play soft music in the background and give myself permission to slow down between tasks. I also include a short orienting practice like feeling my feet on the ground or doing a few rounds of VOO breathing to keep my nervous system regulated.
I usually plan a workout or walk afterward to help discharge any lingering sympathetic energy.
💜 The Flow Portal (creativity required)
Color: Purple
Creative tasks like writing, storytelling, designing, or brainstorming. These moments ask for presence, spaciousness, and inspiration not pressure.
Tip: I create a small opening ritual before diving in: I light a candle, place a hand on my sacral chakra, and consciously invite the flow of creativity in. It helps me shift from doing to feeling, and from planning to expression.
🌻 The Gentle Machine (repetitive task)
Color: Yellow
Repetitive tasks like formatting, editing, or scheduling. They don’t require a lot of creativity but can be draining if stacked.
Tip: Before starting, I do a quick energetic boundaries practice especially if the task involves social media or engagement routines so that I don’t absorb too much or scatter my energy. I usually add music, set a timer, and plan a small reward afterward to bring lightness and flow into the process.
✍🏽 How I Use It
Each morning, I check in with my energy first, not my calendar.
I list my tasks for the day and assign a color-coded circle next to each one.
This helps me quickly see:
What kind of energy the day will require
Whether the day is balanced or overloaded
How I can better support myself through rhythms, breaks, and rituals
It’s a small shift, but it’s helped me approach work with a lot more clarity, intention, and care.
I’d love to hear from you
Do you have your own system for organizing your to-do list around your energy?
Or is this something you’d like to try? Feel free to share your experience, I’d love to know how you honor your rhythms in your daily life.