Over the next few weeks, I'll be talking about several "Es" that leaders demonstrate. I start today with one that isn't talked about as much as the others, and that is Energy. Every leader has to have an energizer bunny somewhere within him or her in order to maintain success.
This realization struck me while watching the coverage of presidential political campaigns that are in full swing. Can you imagine the amount of energy anyone running for president or being president would have to have? It is a must.
I think many people mark themselves out of the leadership game simply because they just do no have the energy that it takes to be successful.
If lack of energy is blocking your success, here are some tips:
1. Get enough sleep. Nothing else is a substitute.
2. Exercise. Again you can't substitute something else for this. Schedule it on your calendar like it is an appointment. If you do, you'll have more energy for all of your other calendar items.
As an example of this, my mother gets up in the morning usually around 4:45 am (she adheres to number 1 and goes to bed about 8:30 or 9:00 pm). She gets an hour workout in and then comes home, and I swear the woman gets more done before most people are out the door to go to work. She maintains this morning productivity surge because she starts her day off right with an energy boosting workout.
3. Eat right, and this includes avoiding the 5 hour energy type nonsense. Those may work temporarily, but they won't sustain you for long term leadership success.
4. Focus. Sometimes a lack of energy may just be you're spread to thin. Eliminate the things that don't lead to productivity and passion.
5. Find your high energy time and maximize it. Back to mom- she gets more done before 8 am than most, but call her at 4:30 pm and ask her to do something and she is likely to tell you she's done for the day. Are you a morning person or a night owl? Peak right before lunch or right after? Maximize your productivity and your passion when its at its peak.
1. Get enough sleep. Nothing else is a substitute.
2. Exercise. Again you can't substitute something else for this. Schedule it on your calendar like it is an appointment. If you do, you'll have more energy for all of your other calendar items.
As an example of this, my mother gets up in the morning usually around 4:45 am (she adheres to number 1 and goes to bed about 8:30 or 9:00 pm). She gets an hour workout in and then comes home, and I swear the woman gets more done before most people are out the door to go to work. She maintains this morning productivity surge because she starts her day off right with an energy boosting workout.
3. Eat right, and this includes avoiding the 5 hour energy type nonsense. Those may work temporarily, but they won't sustain you for long term leadership success.
4. Focus. Sometimes a lack of energy may just be you're spread to thin. Eliminate the things that don't lead to productivity and passion.
5. Find your high energy time and maximize it. Back to mom- she gets more done before 8 am than most, but call her at 4:30 pm and ask her to do something and she is likely to tell you she's done for the day. Are you a morning person or a night owl? Peak right before lunch or right after? Maximize your productivity and your passion when its at its peak.
How do you maintain your energy level in order to succeed?
We drink lots of coffee in our Red Sage mugs!
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