Hi Reader,
You know that feeling when you're working on something and feel completely energized, like you could keep going for hours?
And then there are those other things you do that leave you feeling drained, heavy, and unmotivated.
That’s not a coincidence. Your energy isn’t just about how much sleep you got or how much coffee you drank, it’s deeply connected to what you’re doing, who you’re around, and how you spend your time.
And if we want to live intentionally, we have to start paying attention to where our energy is going.
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Most of us think about managing our time. Fitting everything into the day, blocking our calendars, learning to be more productive, checking things off the list, and on and on and on.
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But if we only focus on our time and ignore our energy, we’ll find ourselves exhausted, overcommitted, and running on empty.
When you begin to notice what gives you energy and what takes it away, you can start making small shifts. And over time, these shifts add up to a life that feels better, more aligned, and more fulfilling.
The key is to start paying attention to what’s happening so you can make choices that help you feel more energized, more often.
For the rest of this week, I want you try this simple practice:
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Pause and check in – After different activities, conversations, or tasks, take a moment to notice:
- Do you feel lighter, motivated, and focused? Score that with a (+)
- Or do you feel tense, exhausted, or unmotivated? Score that with a (-)
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Track what you find – You don’t need a fancy system for this. Just jot down a quick note in your phone, notebook or journal:
- Coffee chat with [friend’s name] → felt great after (+)
- Back-to-back meetings → totally drained (-)
- Went for a walk → felt refreshed (+)
- Scrolled social media for 20 minutes → felt distracted and down (-)
- Worked on a creative project → felt energized and motivated (+)
- Look for patterns – After a few days, go back and review your notes. What kinds of things give you energy? What kinds of things take your energy?
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Make small shifts – With what you’ve learned, ask yourself:
- How can I do more of what fills me up?
- How can I protect myself from what drains me?
- Can I change how I approach energy-draining tasks so they feel lighter?
Now I know what you're thinking: But what about allllllll the things I have to do that are sucking the life out of me?
We all have responsibilities that drain us. Things like certain work tasks, chores, errands, family obligations, homework with the kids - you get the idea. Maybe you’re in a season where a lot of your time is spent doing things that don’t necessarily light you up, but they still need to get done.
Instead of trying to remove them, ask:
- Can I make it easier? → If laundry is draining, can I listen to a podcast while folding clothes? If meal prep is exhausting, can I batch cook once a week instead of daily? Or even better, can I outsource either of those? Even once? or Once a month?
- Can I change my mindset? → Instead of seeing a task as a chore, can I reframe it? “I get to do this because it supports my family, my goals, or my future self.” or "My future self is going to thank me for getting this done, now."
- Can I pair it with something that energizes me? → If answering emails is draining, can you do it while sipping your favorite tea or sitting outside? Or use voice to text while out on a quick walk? Or....what if you just made it a phone call and just GOT IT DONE?
When we protect and prioritize our energy, life feels different. You’ll have more clarity, more motivation, and you’ll start to feel less exhausted by things that don’t serve you.
The goal isn’t to eliminate everything draining (because that’s just not real life). The goal is to balance your days in a way that allows you to feel more alive, more present, and more aligned with what matters.
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Remember, your energy isn’t infinite. Just like your phone battery, certain things charge you up while others drain you down to empty.
So, what’s one thing that always leaves you feeling energized? I’d love to hear! Hit reply and let me know.
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