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How_energy_efficient_are_you
| How energy efficient are you?
While out for a run the other day, my mind wandered to the
energy efficiency ratings associated with appliances and how we,
too, utilize energy at different rates based on a variety of
things. At the physical level, we burn energy constantly and can
improve our efficiency through diet, exercise and weight
control. We exert mental energy thinking, problem solving,
brainstorming, worrying and more. We renew our spiritual energy
through prayer, meditation or quiet time, reading, etc. It makes
sense that we want to be as energy efficient as possible in
order to function at our peak and feel our best. Identifying
your energizers and your energy robbers can help you improve
your energy efficiency so that are stronger and feel your best.
Begin by identifying energy leaks in your life. Are you losing
energy to annoyances that are getting in the way of efficiency?
It might be something like a messy desk or unorganized office,
constant interruptions, tools that don't function properly, or a
project you've been procrastinating about starting. Annoyances
like these (which we refer to as "tolerations" in coaching) can
be costly not only in the energy they consume, but also in the
decreased productivity and efficiency that they cause. Next,
take a look at energy drains in your life? Drains are bigger
than leaks. They cost you much more and leave you feeling tired,
grumpy, frustrated or stuck. Perhaps you are working in an
environment that is not conducive to your most creative efforts.
Maybe you are continuously facing financial pressure from not
having sufficient income to cover your outflow. Or, is there
someone in your life sapping your energy - a co-worker, friend
or family member? Finally, look at the "energizers" in your
life. What are your sources of inspiration and feeling fabulous?
Is it time to make a change to eliminate energy leaks and drains
and reconnect with your positive energy sources in order to
re-energize and revitalize your life? Tips for Increasing Your
Energy Efficiency... 1. SLOW DOWN. Give yourself permission to
throttle back on the pace of your activities. Stretching
yourself to meet demands on your time, energy, emotions and
finances can leave you feeling exhausted and overwhelmed. Give
yourself a break and let go of commitments and obligations that
are robbing time and energy. Ask yourself: What will I do today
to slow my pace? 2. TAKE TIME FOR YOURSELF. Build time into your
schedule to get quiet and relax. Unless you are intentional
about setting aside time for yourself, it will be difficult to
find the time. We all have the same 24 hours each day, we cannot
manufacture more time. However, we can include ourselves in the
schedule and set aside at least 5 minutes a day to relax and
rejuvenate. Ask yourself: What step will I take today to create
time for myself? 3. HAVE A MEDICAL CHECKUP. If you continuously
feel tired or drained, perhaps there is a physical reason behind
it. Having an annual exam can help you stay on top of health
issues and give you peace of mind about your health. Ask
yourself: Is it time for a medical checkup? When will I schedule
an appointment? 4. BECOME MORE ENERGY EFFICIENT. We can easily
become caught up in striving for success and struggling to meet
demands on our time and energy. Most of us exert too much effort
to create results. Then we wonder why we are tired, never have
enough time and don't have the life we truly want. Why not make
it a top priority to become energy efficient? Let go of pushing
yourself. Ask yourself: What will I do this week to become more
energy efficient? "And what is a man without energy? Nothing -
nothing at all." Mark Twain
About the author:
Coach Morgan is an Executive Coach helping business leaders
excel. She is the author of “A Year of Smooth Sailing: 12
Strategies for Charting Your Course to a Great Life” and “Smooth
Sailing Success” a publication providing tips for busy
professionals. She is an adjunct professor at the University of
Miami and a CoachU graduate. As an Executive Coach, she supports
leaders and their teams in improving performance and achieving
excellence.
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