Throughout the course of virtually every Live Out Loud event, it seems that many of you seem to be in a fight against time.
In the end, there’s one universal truth: We all have the same 24 hours in a day.
Rather than spending a percentage of those valuable 24 hours engaged in worrying about how to manage time, it’s important to understand that what we really must manage is our energy. In every one of our interactions and activities each day, we’re either giving or receiving energy. Often times, the giving of energy can become so disruptive that it literally leaves you feeling exhausted.
In “Yes! Energy,” I share that our goal over time must be to give more energy back than we take. How do you do this? It comes down to the following:
Set the intention for your day – The trend we establish at the beginning of each day is vital to creating momentum. Allowing plenty of time for quiet, peaceful goal-setting can make a big difference in your energy. Many of you choose to awaken to a disruptive alarm (I prefer a quiet, waterfall alarm clock) that sets the precedent for a chaotic energy that persists for the rest of your morning. Some of you even choose this time to respond to emails, phone calls or voice mails. By setting the precedent of responding to the requests of others, you are not setting your own goals or intentions for the day. Spend a minimum of 30 minutes alone visualizing what you want to complete or accomplish in the time ahead and you will often find yourself acting with a stronger purpose.
Allow time for those closest to you every morning – Whether you have a family, a significant other, or just friends, assure that you are allowing some time every morning to connect with the things that make you happy. For example, plan time before your day begins for a calming breakfast, conversation over coffee, or a brisk morning walk. Why do this? Many of you choose to start your day by waking up as late as possible to prepare for a busy work day, avoiding adequate time to prepare your physical, mental and spiritual energy. The trend is set by how you create your day from the very beginning. By creating a calming, creative or fun environment, you will replenish yourself rather than starting drained.
Get organized – Spending the entirety of your day in reactive energy will leave you in a constant state of frustration. Now that you have replenished your energy and set your intention for the day, it’s time to get the tools in place that will help you manage what’s ahead. By organizing your highest priority and result oriented activities during the times when your energy is the highest, you will often find that the exchanges work out in your favor. Conversely, schedule activities that revitalize or re-energize you for points in the day where you know you’ll need a boost. By tightly managing your daily activities, within a calendar or task list, you will unlock the system that works most for you.
How do you maintain or manage your energy throughout the day? Share your advice, suggestions or challenges below!
