Let your energy be your compass
Posted on April 17, 2019 by Ilse Noppen, One of Thousands of Career Coaches on Noomii.
Energy management is key to a balanced life, at work and outside of it. Here are some suggestions on how to increase your energy levels.
It you take energy as an indicator of whether you should pursue something, you are likely to build up a great life. Come to think of it, everything revolves around energy.
Energy from work
A participant at my workshop last week, realised she was good at her job, but not working with her talents. She generated good results, yet felt drained. Which had left her confused.
She now realised, why she didn’t feel fulfilled: she was not working with her talents, her energy givers.
This is where the importance of knowing your talents comes in. You don’t want to just be good at your job. You want to be excellent and enjoying it. Be attentive to the energy you get from your professional activities and draw the necessary conclusions from it.
Energy from your tribe
“I define connection as the energy that exists between people when they feel seen, heard, and valued; when they can give and receive without judgment; and when they derive sustenance and strength from the relationship.” Brené Brown
As a human being you need social interactions, and the kind which is meaningful to you. It is about being social and connected. It is about your tribe.
Some people give you energy. Some don’t. No rocket science. No judgement. (We cannot all be the same, thankfully).
What is important is to learn to recognise and feel the energy you get, or not, from the people you spend time with, whether personally or professionally.
For instance, if you are having your dream job, but don’t feel connected with the people you are working with, you are likely to feel drained by the end of the day. Because the context is not right.
If you feel you are spending too much time with people who don’t inspire or energize you, rethink who you want to spend your time with. You don’t want to spend an evening with people and realise you would have preferred to stay home!
Energy from decisions and choices
‘It doesn’t feel right’. ‘I don’t know why, but I need to do this’.
These are statements made by your intuition. When something doesn’t feel right it is likely because it is draining your energy. And on the other hand, when you feel you want to do something, though rationally it might not make ‘full sense’, you feel that energy rush.
Your body is giving you a message and it is important to listen to that wise part of you! Explore the message you are getting.
Energy from activities
Running, biking, seeing friends, going for a walk, singing, gardening, photography, attending a workshop, a dance class. Any activity you enjoy brings you energy. If you don’t, don’t do it. Make sure whatever you do, resonates.
A great tip is also to experiment – try out new activities, something you have always wanted to try but didn’t. Or change your routine. It triggers happiness chemicals!
Last summer I went surf paddling. It looked nice to me. I was very excited and took our son with me. We had fun. But I won’t do it again.
On the other hand, there is one spot in the mountains nearby where I just love taking our dog for a walk. I love the silence, the nature, the views and seeing our dog happily running up and down. I make sure we go at least two-three times a week and come back energised.
Craft your free time with activities that give you energy.
Determine what energy you want to flow in and out of your life. You can decide – isn’t that powerful?
