Understanding Your Personal Energy Equation

I often think about things I need to do and how I want to feel in terms of a pretty simple energy equation: energy output + energy input = vitality. Mastering your personal three-step energy equation is key.

Step one is recognizing what is output. What depletes your energy and saps your strength? The goal is not necessarily to avoid these things because some of the most wonderful things in life and some of the most important work you do will likely require energy output. Consider hosting a big family Thanksgiving. While I’m sure there are exceptions, for the majority of us, that would be energy output: the planning, the cooking, the cleaning and perhaps even more significant, all of the mental and emotional work that comes along with actually hosting the meal. Worth doing? Fulfilling? Fun? Probably – hopefully – but nevertheless, energy output. For me, some of the things I love most about the work I do still result in energy depletion: leading group meetings with the team, working on strategy for the future, connecting with the Pack. All are key parts of my job, all are things that I enjoy and all require energy output.

Step two is identifying the things that result in energy input for you. Once again, everyone is different, though for most people sleep, time spent with friends, walking are energy positive. So is exercise, good nutrition, and laughter. An actual day off. A vacation.

The result? Your vitality. The key? Understanding what activities and what people require energy output, what activities and people result in energy input and continually adjusting the dials on both to maximize your vitality.

Next week, I am taking a long overdue vacation. An actual vacation – not my usual trip where I mostly take my work with me and sneak in some recreation along the way. A vacation where I don’t start and end my day in my email, where I don’t struggle to “stay on top of things” while I’m away. An actual, restorative vacation. I know, from past experience, that vacations can be tremendous energy boosters. Here’s hoping!