How To Manage Your Energy

“That energy is God’s energy, an energy deep within you, God himself willing and working at what will give him the most pleasure.” Philippians 2:13 (MSG)

The past few weeks, I haven’t been feeling like myself because I hadn’t been feeling well. While trying to recover I’ve discovered the importance of my strength and energy. You learn it’s important when you have little to none of it. The word energy creates a lot of confusion because there are misconceptions about this word. The new generations modern day slang of this word takes away from it’s actual definition. Sayings like “keep that same energy”, “positive energy only” or telling someone “I’m not feeling your energy” takes away from its meaning.

The World Thinks Energy Means…

• Atmosphere
• Vibes
• Attention
• Mood
• Attitude

What is Energy? Energy is the strength and vitality required for activity. Energy is the capability to do something. Energy is a key ingredient in leadership. The most charismatic and accomplished leaders have really high and exuberant energy. Many people tell me I’m very rambunctious but it’s just because of my energy. I just naturally have very high energy! I’m always excited, upbeat and ready for what’s ahead. People think I’m hyper and some have asked what “drugs” I use (I’ve never done drugs a day in my life). It’s just who I am. I get more done when I’m having fun.

We focus a lot on time management but maybe we need to focus more on energy management. We all have the same amount of time during the day. We all have 24 hours in a day. The difference between all of our accomplishments isn’t simply how we use our time but the level of energy we have during that time we’ve been given. If your energy is low, you will get very little to nothing accomplished with your time. If your energy is high, you will get more accomplished within the time you’ve been given. Time is irreplaceable but energy is replenishable. We need to work on building and managing our energy so we can be effective with our time.

Energy + Time = Accomplishments

Every task requires a certain amount of energy. Everything we do takes something out of us. Every task may not take the same amount or same type of energy but it requires a certain amount of energy. You need your energy to get things done and to be productive. None of us work well when we are exhausted, overwhelmed, fatigued and drained. There are different types of energy that every leader needs to manage and learn when/how to effectively use.

Five Types of Energy…

1. Physical Energy

Physical energy involves our body. We need to take care of our bodies. Some gain physical energy through taking supplements or vitamins, change in diet, eating healthier, exercising, resting, getting the proper amount of sleep, taking time for recovering and doing recreational things. Experiment and get to learn what energizes your body.

2. Emotional Energy

When we are leading and making decisions, it tends to drain our emotions. We regain our emotional energy in different ways. We’re all different. Some people recharge emotionally by being alone and reflecting. Some people recharge by being around family and friends. We’re all different. I sometimes need both. I’m extroverted so I love being around people but sometimes I’m like a crab who needs to get back in his shell. Find what works best for you. You can’t lead well if you’re emotionally depleted.

3. Motivational Energy

We need energy to be motivated in life. We gain motivational energy from having goals, being driven and hanging with the right people. You need motivational energy to have the will/desire to accomplish things. I have a blog you can read on how to be self motivated.

4. Creative Energy

Creative energy involves our mind. Leaders need energy to be creative. We need to be imaginative, think of new ideas, solve problems and be innovative. We become creative by being curious, collaborating with others and being courageous to try new things. I’ve done a blog on this as well you can read.

5. Spiritual Energy

Everyone of us are spiritual beings. God is a Spirit and we are created in His image and likeness. When we are weak God makes us STRONG! The Spirit helps us in our weakness. Reconnect with God. Ask Him daily to give you strength. Pray. Fast. Read the Word everyday. Fellowship with other believers. Attend a good Bible teaching church. Listen to sermons. Build your faith. This gives us strength and energy to go wholeheartedly towards our God-given destinies and move past whatever satan puts in our path. Each of us were created on purpose for a purpose.

We have physical, emotional, motivational, creative and spiritual energy. And each task requires that we use at least one of those energies. Therefore we need to take time daily to replenish each one of these energies. None of us would dare let our phones die- the moment we see the battery life going down, we rush to put it on the charger. So why not recharge to regain your energy so you can be the best leader you can be? Your team needs your BEST, HEALTHY, RESTORED and ENERGIZED self!

Here are some suggestions to master energy management…

• Focus on what part/time of the day you’re most creative and ready to produce.
• Do tasks that you enjoy doing. When you do what you love and are passionate about, that energizes you.
• If/when possible: delegate, defer or deny certain tasks that drain and deplete you of your energy.
• Start doing more of what MATTERS.
• Work daily on developing one type of energy.

“Leadership is the art of harnessing human energy to create change, to make a difference, and to get results." -Craig Groeschel

If you want to be more productive and use the most of your time learn How To Manage Your Energy.