The more you play the easier things will get. As you level up mining, combat, farming, etc you'll become more proficient and use less energy which will allow you do more in one day. Same with fishing. It's hard at first, but the more you fish the easier it'll get.

Basically, the game builds on itself really well and opens up nicely as you play. It's possible to min max the game at the start, but if you just play things will come along. And they'll probably come quicker than you think or even realize. Personally I experience exactly what you do each new run and eventually hit my stride and start getting things really rolling around mid fall year 1. Plus, the more you learn the game the more you'll know about it's ins and outs. It's a dense game that takes some getting used to.