I'm writing a series of articles on tools that have been tested by me as a leader, change-maker, mother and entrepreneur. I promise it's a quick, simple, effective, and even inspires beautiful transformations, if you commit to practising them daily or as often as possible.
💡THE (REAL) PROBLEM WITH THE LACK OF ENERGY
I don't know about you, but I'd love to feel at the top of my game all the time, optimistic and happy.
Not only is it a pleasant feeling, but above all, it allows me to be more agile and productive in my day-to-day work and therefore to have more impact in my assignments as a changemaker.
The reality is different.
I have moments of low energy and bouts of the blues.
Quite simply because life is 50-50.
There are pleasant and unpleasant emotions. Moments of wakefulness and others of sleep, health and illness.
The real problem with lack of energy is denying the lack of energy.
In other words, the issue is seeking a permanent state of full energy.
The solution, therefore, is to accept that energy is a series of ebbs and flows, and to ‘go with the flow’.
🔍 THE TOOL: THE NUMBER 1 ANTIDOTE TO THE LACK OF ENRGY
To encourage an abundant flow of energy within us, one way is to activate ... the power of movement!
Redirect our attention.
"Where the focus goes, energy flows" - Tony Robbins
If you've learned to drive, you probably remember your driving instructor telling you to avoid looking at distractions on either side of you. Why would you do that? Because if you look at them, you might crash into them.
It's the same with your thoughts. If you focus on what's bothering you, you run the risk of dwelling on it and feeling a drop in energy. Conversely, if you focus on what brings you joy, chances are you'll feel full of energy.
And then, sometimes, the best thing to do is simply to accept what is.
Accept our low energy, sadness, and anger. And deal with it. Maybe it’s a sign to team up with that energy and follow the flow, take it easy, and take care of ourselves.
Reconnect with your body’s powers.
In 2012, Harvard psychologist, Amy Cuddy, highlighted the correlation between your body, your feelings and your impact on others. In her TED talk, she explains how body language affects the way others see us and our self-confidence.
Power poses (i.e. such as head up, straight posture, open arms) can "change testosterone and cortisol levels in the brain, and could even have an impact on our chances of success."
Honor Life
What I'm telling you may seem insignificant or disconnected from your objectives as a desire leader. But it's quite the opposite. By agreeing to put movement back into your body, you respect the power of life within you.
Your blood flows. Your breath comes and goes. Your heart beats. Everything is in motion. It's a sign of life.
So why willing to in a state without any fluctation ? why willing to be static?
If we really want to bring about systemic change that will enable us to live in harmony with our home on Earth, it seems to me essential to embody this change.
To inspire others to change, let's dance to the rhythm of the life within us!
🐝 YOUR CHALLENGE TO PRESERVE YOUR ENERGY
Hopefully, if you're still reading this post (thanks, by the way), you're thinking something like, "OK, but what do I actually do?"
I suggest two things:
Every day, ideally in the morning, get your body moving.
The idea is to reconnect with your body and centre yourself. This could be yoga, walking, swimming, dancing to a song you like, cardio or Qi Gong.
The important thing is to be in motion for 5-10 or even 30 minutes to wake yourself up and start the positive energy pump.
When you're feeling low on energy or irritated, get moving.
If you receive an exasperating e-mail or come out of a scalding discussion, I advise you to walk around a bit and - ideally - get out of the space where you felt the tension.
Even if it's only for a few minutes, movement will allow you to create distance from the problem and get the energy flowing.
Chances are you'll cool down and possibly come up with some ideas or solutions along the way.
MY EXPERIENCE
When I was Director of Sustainable Development and Purpose, I often had to jump from one subject to another. I had to deal with a lot of resistance and complexity. I could feel tense and tired. At such times, conversations could easily degenerate if I didn't have the right tone of voice or proper mindset.
When I started to activate the power of movement, I managed to make an alliance with my body and therefore gain perspective. It helped me maximize both my energy and impact. It's a journey, but it’s worth it.
Even today, I often use the power of the body and mindfulness to help my clients, whom I coach, overcome blockages or loss of motivation. This process is very powerful.
“So ... ready to get up and start moving? ”
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Hi Changemakers!
I am Nina, an impact maker coach, specializing in leadership and sustainable transformation.
I have spent the past 12+ years leading sustainable change in a Fortune 500 organization in a multicultural environment. What I like to do through my activities is to inspire organizations professionals to rethink the business and make them proud to contribute, in their own way, to a more sustainable, human, and nature-friendly world. If you wish to be an inspiring and impacting leader engaging your team and organisation to create a better world, contact me!