Growth – Page 2 – Productivity Success Cake

In the last blog, we looked at ways to control our energy levels and how to discover what in our life affects them on a day to day basis.

But, what about those times when our levels are at a high? How can we keep from wasting those precious feelings?

3 ways to keep your energy at the max:

Be selective. Good intentions are one thing, but if you spread that energy too thin, there will only be one loser. We all know someone, who, when we come away from a conversation or encounter, makes us feel drained. Who, when we ask a simple, “How are you?” will give us chapter and verse on every little thing going wrong in their lives. You know, the “glass half-empty” kinda gal?

These people simply suck us dry of any good vibes and leave us not only carrying our own concerns, but theirs too. Don’t let them! Steer a wide berth from these “Emotional Vampires”, these people who are just going to bring you down and say, “Not today, thanks!”

Look at your goals. Funnel your positive, light-shining energy in to what YOU want to achieve. Your goals. Not anyone else’s, – yours. Create a list of what you want to achieve and think big here – don’t limit your dreams and then focus that energy into a plan of action. Remember, little steps achieve big things and don’t let your energy be depleted by set backs along the way. You’re in this for the long-haul, remember?

Do what you love. Why are you spending time and emotional energy on those tasks that you HATE? That’s a sure-fire way of depleting your energy tanks. Instead, identify and recognise those tasks you dislike, or that you spend too long on and either find someone else who loves that kind of thing (and make their day), or eliminate them in some other way. Can they be broken down into smaller, less onerous tasks, for instance?

Lastly, remember, you’re in control. These are your energy levels, your resources, the things that make you tick that we’re talking about. You wouldn’t run a car without fuel, so why would you run your body without investing some care and long-term maintenance on it?

Pay yourself some attention and, I promise, you’ll be reaping the benefits forever after.

There’s no getting away from it, modern life is busy. Fact. We run around, barely registering the days of the week, the weeks of the month, endlessly trying to check off everything on our to-do list.

Our smartphone constantly reminds us of those dates we must keep; the kids’ end of term play, that medical appointment, updates from family and friends, and our inbox? Chock-full of information, invitations, expectations…

Busy, busy, busy, right?

But, what happens to our energy levels? How do we keep those at 100%, allowing us to be all things to all people, all the time?

The truth is, we don’t have to, and that’s okay, really.

Be true to yourself. It’s okay to feel depleted occasionally. It’s fine to admit that you’re firing on less than four cylinders. Hey, we’re all human, so give yourself a break and don’t beat yourself up because you’re just not feeling it!

Be self-aware. Notice how you’re feeling at varying times of the day, after various activities. Make a journal, if that works for you. Pretty soon, you’ll see patterns forming of energy highs and lows.

Which are the activities that are real energy-downers? When do you feel energised with that, “Today, I’ll conquer the world” kind of vibe?

Capitalize on those highs, but don’t whatever you do, I repeat, DO NOT schedule meetings during these “high“times. That’s a sure-fire way to zap those energy highs. Instead, schedule activity that requires you to be present and “of the moment”. Schedule in small tasks that you can tick off your list – you’ll feel on top of the world as your productivity goes sky-high!

What you put in, you get out. Once you’ve established the “when” of your energy peaks, it’s time to focus on the “why”.

Why are you feeling so great? What’s causing this…and how can you get more of it? Is it down to the food you’re eating? We all know the link between a healthy, balanced diet and our inner zen. Is it down to exercise? Maybe it’s the opposite – maybe it’s giving yourself permission to do nothing for a while and giving those batteries a recharge. Self-care should be a part of everyday for each and every one of us.

Perhaps you switched your cell phone off for an hour or revised your personal boundaries of when you’re “at work” or “at play”. Have you caught up on that neglected social life? Met up with friends or spent a little time doing something you enjoy?

Recognize what has resulted in your energy highs and, you know what? Do more of it! Factor in regular time doing whatever makes you happy, whatever gives you that “zing” and you’ll thank yourself for it.

As your energy levels soar, thanks to a little bit of “energy-awareness”, so you’ll find the strength to tackle those problematic meetings…

If you feel your energy is being sent in the wrong direction, or just being drained, you’ll want to check out my next blog to discover ways to ensure your precious energy is not wasted.