Why Energy Matters More Than Effort
Today, I feel energy-less. Today, I’m dealing with a chronic illness that has sapped me of my energy. I am envying anyone I see who has any at all.
About 10 or 15 years ago, I had a debilitating illness that would bring me down with very little warning. In those days, I really believed I could “push through” any situation. Anyway, I’d scheduled a talk at a learning institution and came well prepared. I arrived, settled in, began greeting the students, and then suddenly I felt the onset of the illness.
I decided to push through. Well, actually, I automatically went into push-through mode as it was my habitual go-to. I sat down to stabilize myself, went very quiet to conserve energy, and gave my talk in a very lacklustre way. I did make it through. Even though how I presented was disturbing in its lack of any energy, the material was good and people stayed. That self-assessment was validated later on from the feedback.
That’s my disaster story about giving talks – or presenting, or teaching. It taught me some really valuable lessons:
1. Pay attention to what my body is telling me, and honour it rather than ignore it and “push through”;
2. It’s better to cancel than to subject people to something with no energy;
3. Most importantly, how I show up means more or at least as much as what I present. People are impacted by how I show up.
Yes, people are impacted by the energy we bring into the room. If we want to truly engage anyone, then showing an enthusiasm for being with them is important.
Getting back to today: I have something important to complete in a few days. If I truly do not have the energy I need to do a good job, then if I truly care about my own impact, I will cancel with regrets.
One thing in my defense and that of anyone like me: our ability to push through is a strength and is really great when appropriate. We will always have it: it keeps us going when most others would have quit. I’m glad I have that strength; my only desire is to have agency over it so that it simply doesn’t take over.
Quote of the Week
Take responsibility for the energy you bring into this space.
― Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor
Own Your Behaviours, Master Your Communication, Determine Your Success
Announcements
Maryanne Nicholls is a Registered Psychotherapist. To find out more, gain access to her weekly newsletter, meditations and programs, sign up at www.thejoyofliving.co .
If you’re interested in the topic of avoiding burnout for people who do too much, you may be interested in checking out my youtube channel.