Strategic Coach Resources

“Energy” — huh?

Energy is one of those words that’s thrown around a lot these days. Whether you believe that energy is something cosmic, or suspect it has more to do with oxygen and blood cells, you know what it looks like when you see it. People who have it are lit up, charismatic, and compelling. People who don’t have it are the ones who always seem to stand between you and something really interesting that’s going on just over their shoulder. Everyone is naturally full of energy. But there are four things that can deplete it: energy-draining activities, relationships, situations, and obligations. Some people are obliged to deal with these energy drains because of their circumstances. But as an entrepreneur, you’re the one who says who and what gets your energy.

Who gets what.

You can recognize energy-draining activities, relationships, situations, and obligations in your life by this one criterion: They take from you and never show a return. If you spent any time over the holidays with a young child, you know what limitless natural energy looks like. As adults, though, we assume responsibility for lots of things. Sometimes we start out with a genuine interest, while other times we’re pulled in by feelings of guilt or obligation. The important thing to recognize is that these things don’t just happen: You participate in every exchange that involves your energy. It’s as much an agreement as handing over your ATM card. By taking control of these energy transactions, you can free up your abilities and operate more effectively in a naturally easy, high-energy way. It takes a positive commitment, though, to increasing your value to yourself and your value to others.

Energetic liquidation.

You can recognize energy-draining activities, relationships, situations, and obligations in your life by this one criterion: They take from you and never show a return. Can you get rid of them? Yes. Is that selfish? No. The best way to serve the world is to make the most of your innate talents and abilities. But you’ll never reach your potential if you’re operating an energy overdraft. Trade in everything in your life that is not energy-boosting, and you’ll have the fuel to see just how far you can go.

Energy exercise.

Over the next 30 days, track the fluctuation of your energy, and see if there’s a relationship between that and specific circumstances — activities, relationships, situations, and obligations. When you can recognize that you have the last say on how your energy is spent, you’re ready to claim The Freedom of Energy: Take each energy-drain and eliminate it from your life — say, one per quarter. You can do this with care and consideration, but remember that you’re doing yourself and everyone else a favor when you free up your best abilities.