In the fast paced 24 hour world of today, you are constantly subjected to distractions and demands that take focus away from your real priorities. This can create a sense of habitual 'scatteredness' which in turn causes a continual energy drain. This is damaging, not only to personal well-being, but also to effectiveness and productivity.
What situations drain energy?
In his book 'Success 101', John Maxwell identifies three difficult situations that sap energy and take away focus:
- Activity Without Direction - doing things that don't seem to matter
- Burden Without Action - not being able to do things that really matter
- Conflict Without Resolution - not being able to deal with what's the matter
Maxwell says that if you are faced with any of these scenarios you have to work extra hard to manage around them. Being aware is the first step - knowing your purpose within the big picture helps you to stay focused on what really matters.
Stress is not always bad
Not all stress is bad. We need to look for opportunities within our circumstances to expand our capacity. Discomfort can act as a prompt towards growth and development, as long as we allow sufficient recovery time.
The key consideration when dealing with stress and energetic drains is to ensure that you keep your focus on what is most important to you and the fulfilment of your objectives. This means you have to stay aware of what is within your control and power to influence, and stay connected to your own inner sense of balance.
Where do you give your power away?
Sometimes we give away our power without even realising it, only noticing something is wrong when we start to experience overwhelm or resentment. Do you recognise any of these ways in which we can allow our energy and power to be sapped? What others can you think of?
- not knowing how to say "no"
- taking on work you know you cannot complete to your own satisfaction
- tolerating attitudes and behaviour around you that pull you down
- adopting an attitude of "little old me"
- downplaying what you are truly capable of
- colluding in complaining and negativity
Ways to counteract some common energy drains
- Have a system instead of keeping things in your head
- Ask for clarity instead of making assumptions
- Reduce the cumulative drain of the many little things you tolerate, both at work and at home (the dripping tap, the person who takes advantage of your good nature, the rattle in your car, unfinished business with a friend or colleague, etc.)
- Get organised instead of wasting time and energy trying to find what you need
- Take care of yourself instead of always putting other people and your work first - adopt the principle, "only give from an over-flowing cup". What difference would that make to you, your energy, your productivity and leadership?
"A rule of thumb for a warrior is that he makes his decisions so carefully that nothing that may happen as a result of them can surprise him, much less drain his power."Carlos Castenada