Written by Machen MacDonald

Do you wish you had more energy to get things done? Are you exhausted at the end of the day and not really sure why? Do you wonder how other people seem to have so much energy and vitality for their life and work?

Before I help you find more energy to get things done, here is a quick physics lesson. It’s a simple one, so hang in here with me. 

You can ask any scientist, “What  is energy?” They will answer something along the lines that energy can never be created nor destroyed; it always has been, is, and will be; it moves into form, through form, and out of form. Any form of energy can be transformed into another form, but the total energy always remains the same.

What I have found in working with people is that they have all the energy they need to do, be and have whatever they want. The challenge for most people is that they are not clear on what they want and thereby direct their energy toward what they don’t want. The good news is, you can change or redirect your energy to accomplish what you want. 

Become aware of your energy drains

Energy drains steal your time, attention, and focus. Energy drains make it harder to get things done. They come in all shapes and sizes. Notice if any of these seem familiar:

• Certain people at work or school
• Poorly functioning equipment (computers, cars, appliances)
• Cluttered rooms, offices, or garages
• Not having enough money
• Being unclear about what you want

Energy drains even come in the form of negative thoughts that don’t serve us. Some drains that we may not even realize are what we read, listen to, or watch with messages contrary to our values.

Make a list and notice where your energy drains are showing up

The easiest way to recognize an energy drain is to notice if you have harmony with the people, things or situations you are in contact with throughout your day. The degree to which you don’t have harmony in a given situation is indicative of the amount of your energy being siphoned away. 

When you find yourself tolerating or wishing it, or they, were different, there is your clue that you are experiencing an energy drain that may keep you from getting things done.

Limit or eliminate the energy drains

Now that you have your list, rank or prioritize which of the items on your list are causing you the most anxiety. Select the top five and decide to limit or eliminate your exposure to them over the next months. 

If you have a cluttered room where you can’t find anything, go in and clean it up. If you have a computer that keeps crashing and can’t get your work done, upgrade or get it serviced. If you have a crack in your windshield and you curse every time you look at it, get it repaired.

You get the idea.

Fix those things that need fixing. Clean the things that need cleaning. Properly dispose of, sell or donate items that are no longer useful or a good fit for you.

As you do this, you will feel like you are gaining an abundance of energy and you will find that you get things done.    

Did you catch yourself coming up with excuses as to why you couldn’t make these fixes?  Guess what?  Yep!  Rationalizing excuses is a huge energy drain.  Excuses are just “rational lies” we tell ourselves as to why to continue to tolerate something and keep the drain open. 

Once you get the first of your energy drains taken care of,  move on to the next one as you identify them. 

Get clear on what gives you energy

Knowing what gives you energy is important. Another list you can make for yourself is, “Things I love to do.”

On the left side, write down the things you love to do that you can do for free. On the right side, list the things that may take a fee. Just creating this list will infuse you with energy. 

Next time you notice your energy slipping, refer to this list and shift your energy by selecting an item to engage in that will open the flow of energy for you so that you can get things done.

Make it up, make it fun, make it happen!