This is Part IV of the Podcast Series produced as part of the "Smart Business for Tough Times" Initiative of the
Drill ...
The fourth step in preparing for the “new normal” is to Drill – to go after what you want with discipline and intention. During these challenging times it is important to discover and renew your sources of energy. "Drill, baby, drill," to find the energy and motivation to be able to take advantage of the opportunities in front of you.
“Energy is the essence of life. Every day you decide how you're going to use it by knowing what you want and what it takes to reach that goal, and by maintaining focus.”
~Oprah Winfrey
First, it is important to assess your situation. Where are you on what consultant Steve Buchholz calls the Energy Continuum? That Energy Continuum looks like this:
Rust Out - - - On Hold - - - Engaged - - - Overwhelmed - - - Burnout
Rust Out? If this is where you are, you lack ambition, and you're psychologically "unplugged" from the organization. You put all your energy into remaining undiscovered. Some people call this retiring in place. You'll continue to lose energy until you take some action to break free.
On Hold? In this stage of the continuum, you are sitting and waiting for something else to happen. Your personal engagement is minimal. And you certainly aren't taking advantage of any energy sources around you.
Engaged? You've been proactive and your energy is high; when you're engaged professionally, you are your most effective self.
Overwhelmed? If you're feeling like you've lost control, that work is eating you alive, and that your work and personal lives are totally out of balance, the energy continuum name for this state is Overwhelmed.
Burnout? When you're burned out, you suffer from unrecoverable fatigue, negative emotions abound, and survival becomes paramount. You'll notice that staying engaged (and in touch with the best energy available) requires balance. Too much of a good thing (working too hard or resting too much) can definitely be a bad thing. We lose energy when we're not engaged, and we're victims of the problems around us.
Finding that balance is different for each of us. Do your own energy assessment and analyze your own "state of mind." Resolve to drill down and get in touch with the positive energy that will propel you through these tough times.
Some ideas:
1. Focus on the Future
2. Get good, regular Physical Exercise
3. Play
4. Help Others
5. Nurture Relationships and Collaborate
To-Do's for Today
1. Think about where you get your energy. (Where do you get excited; how do you get renewed?)
2.
Tap the sources of your energy.
3. Stay open to the new experience -- focus on the future.
