Tuesday, November 22, 2011

Manage Your Energy to Move Ahead

I was revisiting a great book, The Power of Full Engagement by Jim Loehr & Tony Schwartz, and was struck by the simplicity of their basic axioms.  Following them makes it seem like a straight shot from Point A (where I am now) to Point B (where I’d like to move to).

*To be fully engaged in our activities we draw on physical, emotional, mental and spiritual sources of energy.

Interpretation:  You can’t ignore any of these components of your life.

*Energy expenditure and renewal are equally important.

Interpretation:  You can’t sit on your butt and expect to feel energetic, but you also can’t ignore your need to recharge.

*Reaching our full potential requires pushing beyond our usual limits.

nterpretation:  You can’t coast and expect to feel engaged; you’ve got to push the envelope.

*Positive energy rituals are critical for high performance.

Interpretation:  You have to have specific strategies for creating positive energy (e.g., meditation, prayer, deep breathing).  You can’t just wait for the positivity to come.

*Change requires defining your purpose, facing your truth and taking action.

Interpretation: Not only do you have to identify your goals, you must face the hard truths about yourself and others and act according to those truths.  You can’t put your head in the sand and expect to feel fully engaged and energized in your life.

My suggestion:  Choose one place in your life where you’d like some movement.  Can you get back to doing something that gave you a sense of meaning, peace or energy?  Can you do more, or less, than you’re doing right now?  Can you push the envelope somewhere?  Can you introduce a positive ritual?  Can you face a hard truth and take the difficult step you’ve been avoiding?  It’s great stuff.  Just take a shot.

Crank it up with Pat Benatar.  Hit me with your best shot.

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