ENERGY

Energy is defined as one’s capacity to work and take physical and mental action at work or play, and feelings of vitality and enthusiasm for life. Our level of energy is obviously important: the more energy and vitality we have the better we feel, the more we can do and the faster we can do it. The more productive we are at work, the more we can devote to life outside work.

At work, energy determines the speed and ease with which we get things done. Have you noticed the staff at Pret a Manger or McDonald’s? The speed at which they serve customers is pretty amazing; they have a high level of energy and an efficiency that is unmatched in other fast-food restaurants. Contrast this with the average restaurant or coffee shop, where the staff are less focused in their energy and often unmotivated and not engaged.

Notice a master chef at work or an experienced barista making coffee, and you will see their focused motion. They channel their energy into what they are doing, and their work becomes a graceful dance.

Now think of the number of times you’ve had a full day ahead of you but had no energy for it or you felt annoyed, frustrated or drained at work? Did your day feel wasted?

Conversely, how many times have you been bursting with energy with a full day ahead of you and felt that you were ready for anything? How much more did you accomplish? How much more enjoyment do you have when you’re in a state of high energy?

How much you accomplish varies, depending on your energy levels. Managing and focusing your energy is also important. If your energy is all over the place, or unfocused, you won’t accomplish as much as someone who is focused.

Another important factor here is how energy affects the way we come across to others. People can sense when we’re raring to go or when we’re tired and fed up and that can make a real difference to how they relate to us. Charismatic people tend to have high levels of energy whether it’s a frenetic energy or a calm gentle aura. It feels as though their energy projects outwards. If you are constantly overlooked at work or you don’t stand out it may be a good idea to look at how much energy you have. How do you feel when you’re around a tired or stressed person? You pick up on it and it affects you. The impact may vary from you altering your mood to match or lift theirs or just wanting to move away from that person. So outside of work, if you are coming home exhausted every day remember that you are having a negative impact on your partner.