LEADERSHIP

Generating Energy – Your Success & Happiness Depend on it!

Cheyenne Sweeney

July 24, 2020

The amateur photographer in me realizes that there should only be three Oreos in this photo for aesthetic reasons, however, that’s just not how I roll in real life. Three is nice but five is wonderful!

So what do these Oreos have to do with energy? Keep reading…

GENERATING ENERGY is a high performance habit that may seem obvious. Yet, it is often the first of the six  High Performance Habits that my coaching clients identify lacking and a major source of frustration.

“I don’t know how long I can keep up this pace”

“I’m not getting enough sleep, and still feel tired when I do.”

“I have no energy left at the end of the day for my family”

“I feel like I’m in a fog most of the time.”

“I don’t even have the energy to smile.”

It is hard to take yourself, or others on your team, higher when your own energy levels are in the basement. Optimal energy not only fuels your physical endurance and mental focus, but it also gives you the bandwidth for emotional connections and happiness. Think about it this way:

The lower your energy…

The lower your enthusiasm to take on challenges

The lower your perception of your own success

The lower the confidence in face of adversity

The lower the degree of influence you will convey

The lower the likelihood that you will take care of yourself

The lower your overall happiness

As Brendon Burchard likes to say you need energy to, “Bring the Joy!” Can you see the ripple effect that low energy has on every area of your life? Are you generating the kind of energy you need in your life right now? Truth is, I’m not.

I’m moving. I’ve moved at least 10 times in my life and actually like the excitement that goes along with moving into a new place. But this move is THE MOST complicated, problematic, exhausting one I’ve ever experienced. It has been a REAL DRAIN on my energy.

I had to laugh at myself because while I’m sitting here to write about ENERGY, I literally had no idea how to inspire you to take action. I’m trusting that my tell-it-like-it-is approach is the right one.

Have I been working out?

Nope.

Have I been eating healthy?

Nope.

Have I been drinking enough water?

Nope.

Have I been meditating, doing yoga or getting up from my desk every 50 minutes to move and stretch?

Nope. Nope. And umm, Nope.

Have I been getting adequate sleep?

Finally a YES!!!  In large part because I’m exhausted from planning & packing for this move!

My point is don’t lose sight of the little wins – they create momentum to do more.

So as I sit here feeling like I’m “failing” at the energy habit right now, I also believe it helps me be more understanding when working with others on their struggles. Coaches are not perfect, we simply have learned the value of self-awareness. I’m not a robot, neither are you.  I can do more and so can you.

What I CAN do:

I can put down the Coca-Cola, the iced lattes, and the coconut tequila for an extra glass of water.

I can park my car further away from the door at Wegmans and get some steps in.

I can rest – when I have time.

Most importantly, I can forgive myself and let myself live.  “You’ve got a lot going on, Cheyenne.  Relax! You don’t need to do it all right now.”

Please tell me you all have trouble with this stuff too—right??  It’s not just me??

So, I’m setting this intention with you as my witness. After this move is complete, I will be implementing a plan to generate more energy – more to come on that in the next few weeks.

It’s important that you understand that every single morning is a new day to wake up and do better.  You don’t need to wait for a Monday, or the first of the month, or even the New Year. You can start RIGHT NOW.

And for now, I’m going to finish off those Oreos.