Do you wish you had more energy?
After a wish for more time, a desire for more energy is probably the most frequent craving I hear from women.
How to gain energy
You can have more energy by simply doing two things:
- Think high-energy thoughts
- Make high-energy choices
The array of high-energy thoughts and choices available at any given moment is staggering. Here are six of my favorites:
Focus on what’s right rather than what’s wrong.
Regardless of what’s going on in your life, there is always (always) something right, something that is working, something to build on. Wearing blinders and only seeing what’s wrong is a sure-fire way to zap your own energy and stay stuck and spiraling down. Energy is available when you move beyond the laundry list of what’s wrong, what’s not working, what you don’t like—and get very clear about is right and what is working.
Stop being lazy about defining success.
It’s energy-draining trying to live—and live up to—someone else’s definition of success. You invariably come up lacking. You’re bombarded with messages by the world around you about what success entails. But it’s time to stop being lazy. Take the time and make the effort to define success for yourself—a definition truly aligned with your values and the vision you have for your best life.
Say goodbye to the green-eyed monster.
There’s a saying: Comparison is the thief of joy. Well, comparison is also a sneaky energy thief. Thinking everyone is better off—has it easier, has more stuff, better looks, more advantages…is an energy wasteland. Comparison breeds bitterness, resentment, and jealousy. It triggers insecurity and self-doubt. Tap into newfound energy, motivation, and yes—even joy—when you stop comparing.
Say no more often.
So much energy drain is the result of saying “yes”. This is especially true for those people pleasers out there. (Hey, I know, because I’m a recovering one myself.) Instead of being so quick to add tasks, take on obligations, and accommodate, learn to say, “No, thank you.” Saying “no” creates space in your calendar and your mind, which means having more time and energy for what’s most important to you.
Extend your boundaries.
Those lowest in energy are often the same ones with the fewest or most poorly defined boundaries. Boundaries act as a filter and operate in two directions, letting in what enhances you while keeping out what limits you and drains your energy. Establishing better boundaries is an immediate energy boost because what you don’t want stops coming into your life.
Build reserves.
Are you running on fumes? Is your reserve tank empty? To have a reserve means having more than you need. Make the choice to build reserves in all areas of your life—finances, personal space, time, energy, rest, etc. When you build reserves you can see and take life as it occurs, and you’re less likely to feel acted upon—which is the ultimate energy drain.
What would you do with more energy? What opportunities do you have to turn low-energy thoughts and choices into high-energy ones?
