Forget managing one’s time. Is the idea of managing your energy your true source of power?
Could your performance soar by focusing on keeping your energy and mind clear?
It’s not a new idea. But it’s a worthwhile one.
Books like The Power of Full Engagement speak to this idea. They remind us to audit our energy levels. The first step is stopping and examining how we operate. The next step is to take action to address gaps. How do we move from the first to the second step? We need to want it enough.
Project professionals know the value of sustaining high energy levels and managing stress. Fewer working hours, more sleep, eating healthily (eating many small meals, not a few large ones).
Channelling the ‘negative’ energy sources first
Each idea makes sense. Yet do we fall into a rut? Does a part of us reject new ways of thinking and being?
You bet — that part of us is the shadow self. Carl Jung, one of the original psychologists came up with this idea. the shadow represents the parts of ourselves we’ve repressed or denied. Our “shadow” is our unconscious impulses and weaknesses. Our shadow may also be ugly, needy or unsociable desires. The shadow reveals part of ourselves that we don’t always like. Yet our shadow can be both a source of stress and untapped energy. What if we fight or suppress our shadow? We burn valuable mental and emotional resources. This internal conflict can drain us, leading to fatigue, stress, and even burnout. The Hogan Dark Side assessment explores our potential career derailers. The potential career derailers may impact our careers if our shadow remains unchecked.
What does this mean for higher performance?
- Self-Awareness: Recognizing our shadow aspects is the first step. Pay attention to your emotional triggers, especially under stress. Stress, sleep deprivation, and tough situations become places to explore our triggers. These triggers include strong reactions to others. Might your strong reactions point to disowned parts of yourself?
- Acceptance: Instead of rejecting these traits, practice welcoming your darker side. Your shadow is part of your whole self. You don’t have to act on every impulse. Yet with self-compassion for all parts of you, try acknowledging your shadow’s existence. Be present with your jealousy, bitterness, resentments, greed and desires.
- Integration: Find healthy ways to express shadow traits. For example, might you repress assertiveness? If so, embrace the discomfort of looking for appropriate situations to practice standing up for yourself.
- Energy Redirection: Channel the energy of your darker impulses. Your shadow is, after all, energy. You may find liberation in this reappraisal of your relationship with your shadow. Instead of shame (for instance) enjoy the lightness of accepting embarrassing, flawed parts of you. The energy you once used to suppress these aspects can now redirect. But where? Towards personal growth and goal achievement. When I feel down, I channel my sadness into creativity. When I feel anger, I channel the energy from anger into healthy outlets like exercise.
Channelling the ‘positive’ energy sources next
Speaking of exercising — get a good sweat on regularly. Aim to build a combination of strength and endurance, but focusing on strength. Excuses may surface. But we have a deadline approaching! Exercise anyway.
Taking work breaks (every 90–120 minutes) is lovely, but I’m too busy. Incorporating a brief mid-day nap sounds great, but I’m in back-to-back meetings! Delegating and doing the most important things first is great, but my project(s) are in crisis. I can’t delegate some pieces of the puzzle either!
Like organisational change, individual change needs small steps. Steps taken seriously. Steps planned and delivered. Is your performance and well-being a project? By “project”, an effort that is well-resourced and delivered in stages? If not, why not?
Smart and effective leaders regularly step onto the balcony. Step away from the immediate challenges and reflect on how you are doing. How can you shape your environment or change your habits for better energy?
Think of athletes. Many athletes are so engaged in the game that they get carried away.
Ronald Heifetz and Donald L. Laurie speak about the benefit of “the balcony”:
“…their attention is captured by the rapid motion, the physical contact, the roar of the crowd, and the pressure to execute. In sports, most players simply may not see who is open for a pass, who is missing a block, or how the offense and defense work together…”
The Work of Leadership (hbr.org), Ronald Heifetz and Donald L. Laurie
The practice of going to the balcony is small and powerful. For you — a small, achievable daily practice is in your grasp. It takes only minutes to recalibrate your focus.
- One Thing at a Time: Forget the multitasking myth. We’re all about giving each task the spotlight it deserves. It keeps our work quality high and our stress levels low.
- Recharge Rituals: Be big on breaks. Slot breaks into your calendar. Aim to shape your job role if this is achievable later. Take a quick walk, a moment of mindfulness, or step away from the screen.
- Plan to Succeed: Focus on what’s essential. This helps us navigate the day’s surprises while remembering what matters.
- Say ‘No’ to Say ‘Yes’: We’re learning the art of saying ‘no’ to keep our priorities straight. It’s about staying focused (yet respectful). Others may bristle at your respectful “no”. Yet sit with the discomfort of keeping healthy boundaries.
We draw energy from sound physical well-being practice. Learning to process strong emotions is all the better for us. Our emotional well-being is tied to our energy levels. Going to the balcony helps us think about our thinking and gives us a mental break. Psychological health is linked to energy. If our work taps into our values or “spirit,” our values-driven work gives us energy, too.
Does your energy draw from life’s physical, emotional, mental and spiritual sides? How much work do these four sides of life need right now?
Want to develop your organisational change management skills? Check out my books The Change Manager’s Companion and Remarkable Organisational Change Communications. Both are available now. You can also enjoy my online course on Change Management.