Our ability to feel good and maintain high energy levels is crucial for productivity and overall well-being. This includes engaging in activities we enjoy, such as spending time with loved ones or pursuing hobbies. However, it’s equally important to be aware of situations or people that drain our energy. This self-awareness is the first step in combating energy zappers and taking control of our energy levels.
Our most significant energy zapper is often our own excuses. The belief that things are the way they are and we can’t change them is a self-imposed trap. When we allow stress, boredom, or toxic people to affect us, it can lead to unhealthy habits like overeating or excessive caffeine consumption, further depleting our energy. Recognizing and taking responsibility for these factors is key to breaking this cycle and improving our relationships, performance, and results.
6 Strategies to Stop Energy Zappers
Schedule. One effective strategy to combat energy zappers is to manage our time efficiently. Whether it’s using an online or handwritten calendar, scheduler, or planner, the key is to schedule tasks and commitments. Treat these as appointments with a VIP—yourself. This simple act of scheduling can bring order to your day, boost productivity, and lead to a sense of accomplishment, all of which contribute to increased energy levels.
I remember using an online planner to write and publish my first book (and subsequent ones, too). I mapped out everything that needed to be done. Then, each week, I would set my goal and honor it. It was energizing to see my work pay off with three Amazon Best Sellers!
Do It or Delegate It. Just because you don’t want to do it doesn’t mean others won’t welcome the opportunity. Delegate and remember, they won’t do it the same way you would do it. But often, they do it better than you would because they enjoy it – it energizes them!
I have an antique lamp that hasn’t worked in several years. I’ve been contemplating whether to get rid of it or fix it. One day, in my neighborhood magazine, there was an ad for lamp repair. Without thinking more about it, I called. The man came, fixed it, and I wrote a check for $38! No more energy zapping regarding the lamp. He was energized, too, since he loves fixing lamps!
Set Aside 20 Minutes. When you dread doing the work, stop seeking excuses—the resistance drains your energy and creates inner frustrations. Instead, set a timer for 20 minutes and focus solely on the task. If you need more time at the end of the 20 minutes, keep going or schedule more time within the next 24 hours. It’s energizing to get those hateful tasks done.
One sales rep avoided making his calls and following up with potential customers. His excuse was, “They don’t want to buy from me anyway.” When his sales manager demanded he schedule 20 minutes twice daily to follow up and follow through, his sales improved dramatically.
Hire a Coach and Find an Accountability Partner. Yes, both can guide you towards achieving your goals. While you may want to resist these conversations and be uncoachable, set aside those normal behaviors and attitudes and do the work. Getting into focused action is priceless, and the results can be naturally energizing. Also, work with an experienced executive coach to guide you through complex situations and relationships that are substantial energy zappers. Once resolved, your energy is beyond priceless!
Write It Out, Walk It Out, and Talk It Out. These three activities will help you overcome the average day-to-day energy zappers experienced when working with people who cannot be trusted, over-demanding bosses, and lack of workability in a project. Just be sure you’re not the one creating those people!
Pamper Yourself. Yes, take time to have a facial (women and men), read a book you love, and listen to the music you enjoy. One or more of these types of scheduled bliss is well worth your time to uplift your natural energy. Being outdoors in nature is also a natural energizer.
© Jeannette L. Seibly, 2010-2024 All Rights Reserved
Jeannette Seibly is a Talent Advisor/Leadership Results Coach with over 31 years of practical experience guiding leaders and bosses to improve their hiring, coaching, and managing practices and produce amazing results! And yes, achieving business success always starts with having the right people in the right jobs! She has been an Authorized PXT Select® Partner for over 32 years. Contact Jeannette to learn more about these state-of-the-art job-fit assessment tools or how to coach and manage your people to achieve incredible results.
A note from Jeannette: Natural energy doesn’t lie! Relying on caffeine, sugar, or other energy enhancers can sabotage your results and relationships at work. But how do you combat energy zappers? Be aware and responsible for them while learning how to work through them. Are you having challenges getting the results you want? Are your excuses getting in the way? Let’s talk before you’ve deep-sixed a great idea or project! Contact me!
Now is the time to get into focused action! Are there days you dread doing what is needed to manage your people, projects, and team’s financial performance? You’re not alone! Everyone has those days! But continuing to hide behind excuses only hurts you and your future promotability. I have extensive experience and wisdom guiding bosses and leaders to hire, coach, and manage their teams successfully – this includes getting you out of the way and working with and through people effectively to achieve the results required. Contact me to learn more about my in-depth, one-on-one, customized coaching programs.