Energy Drains What Are You Tolerating

Energy Drains: What are you Tolerating ?

Lots of things can drain our energy, often without our awareness. Even seemingly insignificant things like a scuffed shoe, an unwritten thank- you note, or a stack of papers on our desk all use up precious energy by distracting and annoying us each day. As a professional coach, I've found that most people tolerate far too many things in their lives. The result? It becomes very difficult to experience joy in life if you’re putting up with a lot. By starting to eliminate things that are undone or incomplete in your life, you’ll free up loads of energy to tackle bigger, more important goals.

Decide to rid your life of tolerations by following these 3 steps:

1. Make a List: Write down 25 things you are tolerating about your work, your home, your finances, your body, your friends and family, or your own habits. (You can add to this list as you discover more.) Pay close attention to the details of your everyday life, since most of us are numb to these annoyances. Don’t worry about the things that seem too tough to handle—just write them down and the solutions will come to you in time.

Check out the Common Energy Drainers to get your list going.

2. Start Small: Don’t start by trying to tackle a big project, like cleaning out your whole garage; pick a smaller task, like a cluttered drawer that annoys you each time you open it.

3. Handle Four a Week: Try grouping any related items together to make them easier to handle. Partner with a friend and tell each other what you're going to tackle, eliminate or delegate for the week. Telling someone else will motivate you, and it’s inspiring to share your victories.

Here’s some Common Energy-Drainers:

* Clutter

Ever notice how great you feel after you clean out a closet? Un-cluttering your life is liberating, and it will give you a huge burst of energy. Remember to start small. Clean out a drawer or throw away some old magazines.

* Petty Annoyances

Look for the little things you try to ignore each day…sew on that button, fix those squeaky brakes, or balance your checkbook. Noticing that the car needs vacuumed each time you get in it takes another piece of energy from you! Get these minor but distracting annoyances out of your life and off your list! Hire help when necessary.

* Money
How's the 'financial energy' in your life? Do you need a more aggressive savings plan? An ideal budget to follow? A strategy for the future? Or maybe a plan to learn how to invest more wisely? Get clear about what steps need to be taken regarding your money.

* Relationships

Is there someone you need to forgive, or thank? A letter or phone call you’ve been avoiding? Do your friends and co-workers support and energize you, or do they leave you feeling drained and uptight? Join a group or start a hobby that will enable you to meet people you really enjoy being with.

* Caffeine and Sugar

Even though a cup of coffee or a candy bar gives you a quick burst of energy, they’ll both leave you more drained once the effects wear off. You’ll find that your energy and concentration levels will be more even and balanced during the day if you cut back, or even eliminate these habits.

Once you’ve started clearing out the tolerations in your life you’ll have the energy and enthusiasm to attract more people, activities, thoughts and ideas that bring you joy. Use your new energy to add something new to your life that will excite you; start a new book, take a karate class, join an investment club, or explore a new career.

Barbra White, MBA, Executive Coach

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