Energy is the Competitive Edge No One is Talking About
We all spend so much time optimising our work, our finances, even our social media profiles. But when was the last time you thought about optimising your energy? We put so much effort into managing our time, but the truth is: without the right energy, we’re just going through the motions.
When you’re feeling drained, everything slows down. Your mind doesn’t feel as sharp, your decisions aren’t as clear, and your passion for your work fades. But when you’ve got the right energy? That’s when you feel unstoppable.
Why Energy Matters More Than Time 💡
We all know time is limited. We can’t add more hours to the day, no matter how hard we try. But here's the thing: energy is renewable. When you manage it well, you can accomplish so much more. Low energy leads to poor decisions, sluggish progress, and burnout. High energy, on the other hand, gives you the drive to tackle challenges head-on, stay engaged, and get things done efficiently.
I’ve found that the more I’ve focused on managing my energy, rather than just managing my time, the more I’ve been able to achieve. It’s not about working more hours; it’s about working with more purpose, passion, and power. When you tap into your energy reserves, time doesn’t seem to be as big of a barrier.
How to Elevate Your Energy 📈
So, how can we actually elevate our energy? It’s not just about powering through each day. It’s about creating habits that allow your energy to flow more freely. Here are a few things I’ve found really make a difference:
1) Sleep Like a Pro
Think about it: you wouldn’t run a marathon on half a tank of petrol, so why do we expect to perform well at work when we’re running on empty? Sleep is a game changer. The better you sleep, the more you’ll have to give during the day. I used to underestimate the importance of rest, but once I made sleep a priority, I noticed my decision-making improved, my creativity flowed, and I had the energy to stay present in everything I was doing.
2) Move More
Sitting at a desk for hours on end? It’s a recipe for drained energy. When I started taking breaks to stretch, walk around, or even just do some deep breathing, I noticed a big shift in how I felt. Not only does it help clear my mind, but it gives me that little boost of energy I need to keep going. Even five minutes of movement can do wonders for your productivity.
3) Be Ruthless With Your Environment
Look, we all know the kind of situations that suck the life out of us. Endless meetings that could’ve been emails. A cluttered workspace that makes you feel stressed. Colleagues who drain your energy with negativity. I’ve had to become very selective about what I allow into my environment. I’ve set boundaries to protect my energy—whether that’s saying no to unnecessary commitments or simply organising my workspace to reduce distractions. When I did this, I felt lighter, more focused, and more ready to tackle the day.
4) Mind Your Mental Health
It’s not just about physical energy. Mental energy is just as important, if not more so. I’ve learned the hard way that ignoring stress or anxiety only makes things worse. Meditation, journaling, and just taking time to step back and breathe have been huge for me. Even a couple of minutes of mindfulness can make a world of difference. When I take care of my mental health, my energy is not only sustained…it’s amplified.
5) Fuel Your Body With Purpose
I’ll be the first to admit that I used to think I could get by on caffeine and snacks. But over time, I’ve realised that real, nourishing food is the key to sustained energy. I now make sure to eat meals that give me lasting fuel, not quick fixes. Balanced meals with lean protein, healthy fats, and whole carbs help me feel more stable throughout the day. And hydration? Non-negotiable. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve felt sluggish because I wasn’t drinking enough water. Simple changes in what I eat and drink have had a huge impact on my overall energy levels.
6) Create a Routine that Energises
One thing I’ve noticed is that energy isn’t just about individual habits—it’s also about how you structure your day. When I align my most demanding tasks with the times when I have the most energy, everything feels easier. For me, that’s in the morning. I’ve learned to tackle big, challenging tasks first, when I’m at my peak energy. That way, I’ve already accomplished the most important things by the time I hit the afternoon slump.
7) Cultivate Meaningful Connections
The people we surround ourselves with can either energise us or drain us. I’ve gotten to the point where I protect my energy by choosing who I spend time with. Positive, inspiring people bring out the best in me—they push me to think bigger and be better. On the other hand, negative energy can have the opposite effect. Pay attention to how you feel around certain people, and don’t be afraid to create distance from those who drain you. Your energy is precious, and it’s worth protecting.
The Punch Line
At the end of the day, it all comes down to this: Your energy is your most valuable asset. It dictates how you approach challenges, how you interact with others, and how you get things done. Time is important, yes, but without the right energy, time doesn’t matter as much. By taking control of your energy; protecting it, nurturing it, and using it wisely—you’re setting yourself up to achieve more than you ever thought possible.
So take a step back and think about your energy. Is it working for you, or against you? The choice is yours. But once you start optimising it, you’ll realise just how much of a game changer it really is.
