The COVID tests had been done and were negative, we had cleared security, boarded the aircraft and taxied down the runway. As we lifted into the sky I looked out of the window to watch as the view changed. Objects that had been towering above me (not difficult if you know how tall I am!) were now looking very small.
Every plane journey reminds me that the way I look at things matters. In order to change the view, you need to get a different perspective. Changing the view requires you to think differently. Managing your energy is key to that process.
Managing your energy sometimes requires a complete change of environment, but it often takes me a while to realise that I need to change my view in order to get a better perspective on life. However, the way you view things makes a big difference to the actions which follow. In the context of recent events it has been challenging to make the decision to get on a plane and go to another country. However, the two weeks away highlighted how depleted I had become in terms of my energy. Being in a different environment doing things not related to work, enabled me to gain a clearer perspective on the challenges I left behind.
Do you think it is important to manage your energy?
What do you do to manage your energy?
What difference will it make to your leadership and relationships with others?
The Right Fuel Onboard
If you are going to make good decisions, be clear in your thinking and turn up as the best version of you for those you are serving, then you need to be at your best and that means having the energy onboard to do that. For this you need to understand yourself and what kind of fuel you need to get a good perspective on the work you are doing and the people you are serving.
This quote sums it up well for me – this is what I needed to remember to do, what about you?
“We’re so busy watching out for what’s just ahead of us that we don’t take time to enjoy where we are.” ― Bill Watterson
In short, you need to know what refreshes you and what drains you. To be at your best to serve your clients, friends, and family to the best of your ability, you must make decisions around your wellbeing. That set of circumstances is different for each of us and each of us recharge in different ways. The way you recharge will depend on whether you have are introverted or extroverted. You recharge in very different ways.
What refreshes and recharges you?
As someone who has a preference towards introversion, sitting down to read books I haven’t yet read, spending time with 2 or 3 close friends, taking a walk by the sea are things that recharge me. For extroverts spending time with people, big social events, and exciting all-in conversation with several people at once will help you to recharge.
The point is, to be at the top of your game you have to pay attention to how you are wired. Many of you may find that you are working more from home. There are lots of positives to that. One of the downsides may be that the view doesn’t change so much. You may just need to change the view and have some fun. We are far more productive when we enjoy what we do.
Refreshment, fun, and a change of environment are all necessary for your resilience.
It may be that you need to completely change the view – I will leave you with this thought from Richard Branson:
“Fun is one of the most important – and underrated – ingredients in any successful venture. If you’re not having fun, then it’s probably time to call it quits and try something else.”
Have you picked up your copy of my book for leaders who want to see their team culture succeed? You can get your copy here.
Stay safe.
