How can managing our energy (rather than our time) help us lead happier lives? The idea of harnessing the power of energy management to unlock your full potential has been a focus of mine recently, especially as we transition into the summer months. In the fast-paced world we live in, it’s often been emphasized to shift our focus from time management to energy management as the key to success in recent years. This new perspective in the literature on energy management, rather than old theories of time management, allows us to attain personal growth and productivity as we focus on harnessing and managing our physical, emotional, and spiritual energy. Today on the blog & podcast, I’m sharing 4 action steps for better energy management so that you can find more joy in your life, as well as 3 influential books I’ve enjoyed reading in this area of personal growth.
4 Action Steps for Better Energy Management
STEP #1 Assess and Evaluate
Get into the daily habit of taking moments to pause and prepare yourself for each day & then take moments to pause and evaluate at the end to determine what was a success and what was not.
STEP #2 Prioritize Self Care
Self-care shouldn't be a luxury. If you are not recharging yourself, you cannot show up for those around you or be at your best. Build this self-care into your daily life by fueling your body with whole foods, getting quality sleep, and moving your body with enjoyable exercise.
STEP #3 Establish Your Boundaries
Protect your energy in a way that allows you to realize the external circumstances that drain your energy and stand strong in eliminating or delegating these tasks or relationships so that you can free up your energy to be there for those that depend upon you. Learn to detach yourself from those things that are draining your energy in a positive manner.
STEP #4 Engage in Energy Boosting Practices
Mindfulness, finding your breath, and engaging in hobbies that bring you joy and fulfillment will boost your energy levels. Focus on these joy-boosting activities and let them crowd out those things that don’t bring you joy. Structure your daily routines around incorporating more of the things that bring you joy.
These 4 action steps will start to lead you in the direction of positive change and begin to unlock the potential that already lives within you. You’ll find yourself naturally seeking out those new relationships and activities that boost your energy and turning away from the tasks, activities, or circumstances that drain your energy and keep you from being at your best.
3 Books to Read on Energy Management
Book #1: The Power of Full Engagement by Jim Loehr and Tony Schwartz
This book reveals the idea of managing energy rather than time management as the key to sustainable success. It proposes that energy is like a muscle that can be honed and then strategically allocated in one’s life.
Book #2: High Performance Habits by Brendon Burchard
This book talks about using positive habit rituals to support your physical and emotional well-being. It proposes that by creating daily routines that ebb and flow to optimize your energy levels as uniquely oriented to your own lifestyle you can better manage your energy and create a more positive life.
Book #3: The Energy Bus by Jon Gordon
This book uses the metaphor of a journey on a bus & that as we move through life we should be aware of our surroundings and connect with the positive energy and growth mindset around us while also bringing awareness to the negative energy and how it’s impacting us as we learn how to counter it.
Listen to the podcast episode below:
Thank you for listening in and reading along… I would love to hear your thoughts… Join the conversation & send me an email at elizabeth@integratedbeingllc.com. I look forward to connecting with you & going on this journey of life together.
xo, Lizzie