Discovering your energy is like finding your inner compass. It guides you, fuels you, and leads you to your true north.
Energy is a powerful force that shapes our lives both negatively and positively. It is driving force behind our actions, our thoughts, and our interactions with others. It’s the difference between a productive day and a day spent in a fog of fatigue. Energy also has a ripple effect drawing in and impacting (positively or negatively) the people around you. In essence, energy is the cornerstone of a fulfilling, successful life. In order to start becoming who you were truly meant to be, it is important to start by understanding what brings you energy and what takes your energy away and then harnessing and directing it wisely.
Harnessing your energy is about focusing your efforts on what truly matters to you. It’s about channeling your time, effort, and resources towards your passions and goals. As Tony Robbins once said, “Where focus goes, energy flows.” This means that when you concentrate your attention on a specific goal or task, your energy naturally follows. By harnessing your energy in this way, you can achieve greater productivity, satisfaction, and success in your endeavors. Remember, your energy is a precious resource – use it wisely.
Introduction
When I was coaching select soccer, one of my rules was a player could never say “I’m tired”. When they did, I would make them stand tall, with their feet wide, arms high and outstretched in the air or on their hips (a superhero pose) and yell “I am alive and full of energy”. The pose and the act of affirmation quickly changed the player’s energy level. Now keep in mind the player never gave it their all the first time. Usually there was some mumbling, eye rolls, and perhaps some defiance. But I have a second rule. We play as a team, win as a team, and lose as a team, because we are family. So, it was often that other players or all players would join in if the first player couldn’t quite get there on their own. This always resulted in smiles, laughter, and high fives on who could be the loudest. Now when you have a whole team acting as one the energy level skyrockets!
I follow my same rule when I become aware my thoughts have led to being tired. You can find me in my bedroom, my office, my races, and on the mountain standing tall, smiling and being alive and full of energy.
“Energy is the essence of life. Every day you decide how you’re going to use it.” – Oprah Winfrey
In just this one example (which I encourage you to try) from my time coaching multiple sports, coaching high performing sales teams and being a supporter for family and friends, I have learned the following about energy.
- Change your body posture to change your energy. Look like a superhero and become more confident! Your energy is your superpower.
- Change your attitude to change your energy. Smiling and laughter are the simplest and most powerful way of releasing positive energy.
- Change your mindset to change your energy. Energy flows where attention goes. Focus on what you want, not what you don’t want.
- Change your impact and start an energy ripple effect. Be the light that brightens up the room, for your radiance has the power to inspire and uplift those around you.
Posture of Energy
Body posture plays a significant role in our energy levels and overall well-being. It’s not just about looking confident and poised. The way we carry ourselves can directly affect our physical health, mood, and even our mental clarity. By simply standing tall, pulling your shoulders back, and opening your chest, you can instantly boost your energy levels. This posture allows for better oxygen flow to your brain, enhancing your alertness and mental clarity. It also signals confidence and positivity, influencing not only how others perceive you, but also how you perceive yourself.
Your energy is your superpower. Use it wisely.
So, when my soccer players were walking around with their heads down, arms folded, and looking defeated or unmotivated this was always a great time for using the superhero pose. Do you carry yourself in a way that increases or decreases your energy?
Attitude of Energy
Energy is not just a physical concept; it’s also a mental, emotional, and spiritual one. It’s the enthusiasm you feel when you embark on a new project. It’s the joy that bubbles up when you’re with loved ones. It’s the calm that descends during a moment of meditation. It’s the resilience that pushes you through challenges and setbacks. Energy, in all its forms, shapes our experiences and our perceptions of the world.
Smiling and laughter are the simplest and most powerful way of releasing positive energy.
My favorite and super easy way to increase positive energy is to smile. When I start to feel stressed, when I know I am going to have a challenging conversation, or when I am sad about something I stop, close my eyes, take a deep breath and smile. I know it is working when I start to feel the vibrations in my body and my tensions start to release.
Mindset of Energy
Your mindset significantly influences your outcomes. Consider this: when you dream about owning a particular car, you start noticing it everywhere. Similarly, when a song is mentioned, you may find yourself humming it repeatedly, unable to shake it off. (Shake it off, Shake it off… whoops sorry about that – I bet you are now singing it). However, this principle also applies to negative thoughts. If your energy is consumed by a flaw or a problem – such as blaming others or doubting your abilities – your mindset will shape your reality accordingly. You’ll notice others’ faults more prominently and obstacles will seem insurmountable.
I’m alive and full of energy.
So, when you feel tired and say you are tired your body complies, and you become more tired. In my coaching example, my goal was to change the players focus to being alive and full energy away from being tired. Choose to focus on what you want more of and it will start to appear. Where are you focusing your energy?
Impact of Energy
When you give the world good energy, the energy will return to you. Our energy, whether positive or negative, has a ripple effect on ourselves directly and those around us. The energy we carry impacts not only us but also the people around us. Have you ever noticed how a person’s mood can affect the entire room? That’s energy at work. Positive energy can uplift and inspire, while negative energy can drain and discourage. By being mindful of the energy we project, we can create a more positive, supportive environment for ourselves and others.
Be the light that brightens up the room, for your radiance has the power to inspire and uplift those around you.
In my coaching example, I gave others the choice to be leaders and start the ripple effect that could help be the change to infuse energy into the team. The last thing you want as a coach is a player that drains the energy from the whole team. I look for leaders that can do the opposite and give them the skills to drive change.
Harnessing the Power of Energy
So, how can we harness the power of energy? It starts with self-awareness. By tuning into our energy levels throughout the day, we can identify what drains us and what fuels us. This awareness allows us to make conscious choices that enhance our energy.
Energy is a powerful force that shapes our lives. So, let’s strive to be alive and full of energy! Let’s harness the power of positive energy to uplift ourselves and those around us. Let’s be the light that brightens up the room and inspires others. Because when we radiate positivity, we have the power to make a real difference in our lives and in the world.
The journey to discovering your energy is a journey to discovering yourself. Harness it, for it is the key to your limitless potential.
Your Turn
Here are some journaling prompts to help you explore what gives you energy (fills your cup) and what takes your energy away (empties your cup).
- How does your energy level affect your day-to-day life? Are you aware when your energy level changes and why?
- Who is someone you know that you think projects negative energy? Why, what attributes do they have? How do you feel when you are around them?
- Reflect on a time when your energy was really low. What are some activities or practices that drain your energy?
- What are some ways you can protect my energy from being drained including by others?
- Who is someone you know that exudes positive energy? Why, what attributes do they have? How do you feel when you are around them?
- Reflect on a time when your energy was really high. What were you doing? How did you feel?
- What are some habits or routines you can develop to maintain a high energy level?
- What are some ways you can radiate positive energy to others? What are some ways you can use your energy to positively impact others?
- How can you better channel your energy towards your goals and dreams?
5-Minute Cup Filler Exercise
Here is a 5-minute daily exercise to develop your skills around harnessing your energy to improve your daily outcomes.
Energy is not just something you have, it’s something you are. Discover it, harness it, and let it propel you towards your dreams.
Think back over the last 24 hours.
BECOME AWARE: Name one thing that is taking away your energy. How has this impacted you? How could it impact you if you took responsibility?
BE GRATEFUL: Rephrase your observation into the choice you can be grateful for. What is the “better version of you” you choose instead?
I am grateful for __(insert what you became aware of)___ because it gives me a chance to __(insert what you will do differently)___ .
TAKE ACTION: What is one choice (when faced with it again) you can make to improve the outcome? Name an additional action you choose to take throughout the day to reinforce.
Choose to commit to repeat daily until you build your energy muscle, and it becomes natural!