E = Energy
The Coach’s Alphabet: E = Energy
By Stacey Zackin (PhD, MSW, PCC), Life/Executive Coach & Founder of theCoach4you
Are you tired, rundown, listless? Do you poop out at parties?
Are you experiencing an energy crisis? My guess is that you’re not. If you were in an actual crisis, you would be taking steps to change. A crisis implies some significant upheaval with dire consequences. But most of us who feel tired, depleted, and ambivalent are muddling along doing what needs to be done – even if we do it without much stimulation or satisfaction.
You’ve probably been tired for so long that your lack of energy and enthusiasm seem like the norm. But, what if it’s not? What if you aren’t meant to get through the day feeling just fine? What if your normal could be fabulous? That doesn’t mean you won’t have bad days and dark moods, but by raising your baseline level of energy, you will be better equipped to handle life’s frustrations, and bounce back from its disappointments much faster.
What is energy? Energy is your inherent power and potency. It is your capacity for vigorous action and the ability to maximize your resources and efficiently exert your strengths. Our energy exists on a spectrum, from positive: courage, creativity, grace, wit, flexibility, optimism, proactivity, passion, and compassion, to negative: fear, anger, guilt, hopelessness, resistance, indifference, and doubt.
When we experience positive energy we are open, accepting, and curious – which provides us, and the people around us access to more energy. When we experience negative energy we are limited, critical, and judgmental – which is equally, if not more contagious.
Try this exercise… Think of a time when you felt really energized. When you were “in the zone,” things seemed to just fall into place, you were able to harness your power and go with the flow. What elements were involved? Were you alone or with other people? Were you at work or at play? Were you relaxed or running on adrenalin? Did the moment arise spontaneously or had you been working towards it for a long time?
What aspects from that moment can you use to generate more vigor day-to-day? Do you need to seize control of a part of your life that you’ve been ignoring, or do you need to let go of some random goal that’s been on your TO DO list for months but no longer serves you?
Before you can shift your energy, you need to know what an energized YOU looks and feels like. You also need to know what strategies will help you maximize your energy. My suggestion is to stand FIRM!
(F)uel = What foods and beverages will provide you sustainable energy to get you to where you want to go? Are quick fixes of caffeine and sugar negatively impacting your energy and endurance?
(I)nspiration = What inspires you to think outside the box, to feel creative, to notice beauty, to experience wonder, to appreciate what is working in your life, and to take time to play?
(R)ejuvenate = Do you feel energized by quiet moments alone in meditation? Do you need to treat yourself to a massage or read a murder mystery? Or do you find stimulation and motivation when engaging in group activities, hosting a game night, or going out for a night on the town? Are you getting enough sleep at night required to feel fully awake during the day?
(M)ovement = One way to increase your energy is to exert it efficiently. Rather than feeling depleted by physical activity the body becomes stronger, more flexible, and more able to meet the challenges ahead when it is in motion.
Shifting your energy 10% can make you feel 100% better. So don’t wait for a crisis, be FIRM now! Monitor your fuel intake, look for opportunities to be inspired, take time to rejuvenate, and move! The more you focus on strengthening your own positive energy, the less vulnerable you will be to the negative energy of others.
Stacey Jill Zackin is the ‘Go-To’ Coach for the Smart & Savvy seeking to maximize Balance, Joy & Fulfillment. Contact her at Stacey@theCoach4you.com to request a complimentary phone session.
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