World-weariness, unresolved inner conflicts or too little sleep: When we feel lack in energy and drive, this can have many causes. Especially people who are engaged in full-time or voluntary work, often run the risk of overextending themselves and losing their own self-contact in the process. How do we manage to gain enough energy for ourselves in the long term and thus remain a source of energy for others?
The Energy Tank Method
What exactly gives us or takes away energy varies from person to person. The following exercise will help you to find out what influences your personal battery level. Take a piece of paper and find a place where you feel comfortable. Take about 20 minutes for the following exercise.
Step 1: Check in with yourself
Step 2: Identify your energy thieves
Write down 5 specific energy drainers.
Step 3: Find your energy sources
Write down 5 specific sources of energy.
Step 4: Fill your energy tank
Write down what you will do in the next week (when, where & how).
This method can also be applied at an organizational level in teams. How are you doing as a team right now? What factors are energizing you? And what parts of the project are costing you nerves right now? Work together on concrete steps for an empowering workday.
Need some inspiration?
In the workshop "Changemaker Battery 10%: How do I keep the energy for my engagement?" on May 26, which took place in cooperation with ZUKUNFTSWERFT, we collected energy sources and energy guzzlers.
Energy downers:
World-weariness | spending too much time in front of the computer | doing too much at the same time | reading the news | brooding | demotivating people | feeling alone | lack of self-care (eating, drinking, exercising, sleeping) | arguing | demanding too much of yourself | unresolved inner conflicts | many interruptions at work
Sources of energy:
music | helping others | connecting with your own motivation | favorite people | digital detox | petting the cat | listening to podcasts (maybe the one from betterplace lab?) | yoga | singing | going to nature | festivals | cooking | direct connection to meaningful activity | art | power nap | travel | deep exchange with people | drinking coffee & eating cake | weekly/monthly plan | meditation