Put simply, we are a lot like a battery. To be at peak performance (fully charged) we must take time to build our energy source. The concept of energy and the study of what gives us energy and motivation in the workplace are fairly well known. We know that sleep gives us energy as does eating properly along with routine exercise. Throw in a regiment of vitamins and leisure time and we have a recipe sure to charge the soul.
Yet, we give little thought and attention to stretching our capacity by conserving energy. Energy drains plague our ability to optimally perform. If those drains are identified and diminished our energy capacity is extended without the traditional modes of recharging.
So, the question becomes: What drains your energy? To be thorough about the quest for energy drain, we should include a “who” in that question: Who drains your energy?
Energy is wasted in many ways. If we perform tasks that we are not good at and have no reason to learn, we can put that on the list of energy drains. If we have made commitments that others can perform more eagerly and proficiently, let them. Such commitments are a drain on our energy. People who waste our time, are unwilling to be accountable for their own actions, consume more attention than is necessary – all account for an energy drain.
Rather than focusing entirely on recharging your source of energy, look for ways of stopping the consumption of your precious energy on things and people who do not fill an important role in your overall life strategy. You must be diligent and persistent about removing these drains. Shutting down these energy drains mean that your capacity to manage the important is increased.
Action Items:
Look for times during the day that you feel tired or irritated. Note the circumstance of the situation. Have you just finished interacting with someone? Has your food intake been appropriate? What is the topic or task at hand? You are looking for clues as to why your energy is on the decline.
Log these situations so you can look for trends over the course of a one-month period of examination. At the end of the month, look for correlations among factors that were present during those times of diminished energy.
Once you have identified sources of energy drain, think about how you can eliminate the source. Develop a strategy for either avoiding those circumstances/people or at least diminishing the time spent on the issue or with the person.
Pay attention to your energy level as you diminish contact with the energy drain to establish a connection between avoidance and increased energy.