Be the energy that ignites transformation, for it is within our power to spark the change we wish to see in the world.
When you give the world good energy, the energy will return to you. Energy is the 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. It’s the spark that ignites passion and fuels ambition. Energy has a ripple effect drawing in and impacting (positively or negatively) the people around you. If you want to be the spark that draws people in, lights up a room, energizes those around you to transform, you will need to learn how to embrace and enhance your energy.
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.
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 mindset to change your energy. Energy flows where attention goes. Focus on what you want, not what you don’t want.
- 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 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.
Mindset of Energy
The power of energy is directly linked to the focus of your mind. 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 feeling tired, blaming others, or doubting your abilities – your mindset will shape your reality accordingly. You’ll feel more exhausted, you’ll notice others’ faults more prominently, and obstacles will seem insurmountable. Therefore, it’s crucial to understand that your mindset significantly influences your outcomes.
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 energy away from being tired. I gave others the choice to be leaders and help be the change to infuse energy into the team. The last thing you wanted was a player to drain the energy from the whole team. Choose to focus on what you want more of and it will start to appear. Where are you focusing your energy?
Posture of Energy
As described in my example, 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. How do you carry yourself, in a way that increases or decreases 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. Is your attitude and your emotions aligned with the energy that you want?
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.
Giving the world good energy is not just about making others feel good. It’s also about creating a positive cycle of energy. When we give out good energy, it doesn’t just disappear. It impacts others, inspiring them to radiate positivity as well. And in turn, this energy comes back to us. It’s a cycle of positivity that benefits everyone involved. What energy are you radiating?
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.
Tony Robbins, a renowned life and business strategist, emphasizes the importance of maintaining a high energy level. He says, “The higher your energy level, the more efficient your body. The more efficient your body, the better you feel and the more you will use your talent to produce outstanding results.” This quote underscores the direct correlation between our energy level and our performance. When we are full of energy, we are more efficient, we feel better, and we are able to use our talents to their fullest potential.
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.
Your Turn
Here are some journaling prompts to help you explore what gives you energy (fills your cup) and what takes your energy away.
- Who is someone I know that I think projects negative energy? Why, what attributes do they have? How do I feel when I are around them?
- Reflect on a time when my energy was really low. What are some activities or practices that drain my energy? How can I manage or reduce these?
- Who is someone I know that exudes positive energy? Why, what attributes do they have? How do I feel when I are around them?
- Reflect on a time when my energy was really high. What was I doing? How did I feel? What are some ways I can increase my energy levels?
- How does my energy level affect my day-to-day life? What are some habits or routines I can develop to maintain a high energy level? What are some ways I can protect my energy from being drained by others?
- What are some ways I can radiate positive energy to others? What are some ways I can use my energy to positively impact others?
- How can I better channel my energy towards my 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.
Choose to be a better version of yourself every day.
Think back over the last 24 hours.
BECOME AWARE: Name one thing that is taking away your energy and why.
BE GRATEFUL: Rephrase this occurrence into a choice you can be grateful for.
I am grateful for __(insert negative energy)___ because it gives me a chance to __(identify the position change you can make)___ .
TAKE ACTION: What is one action you can take to change your energy to something positive? 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!
