How to balance our four energy sources to optimize performance – even during life’s most challenging moments

By Antoine Laganiere

I wrote recently about how navigating the sweet spot between performance and recovery is the only way to stay at our best at work and in life. Critical to moving with intention between these two states is something else thought leaders like The Energy Project (Jim Loehr and Tony Schwartz) also encourage – replenishing and balancing our four sources of energy with simple habits:

1. Physical

• Practice some kind of regular movement or exercise.
• Nourish ourselves well.
• Get regular quality sleep.

2. Mental

• Build capacity for focus by limiting distractions and/or engaging in mindful action.
• Create organizational habits that support focus and deep work.

3. Emotional

• Cultivate a positive, growth mindset.
• Appreciate, be grateful for and recognize the people around us.
• Disconnect from social media and connect directly with people – including family, friends and work colleagues.

4. Directional

• Be clear on our values and priorities.
• Have the courage to live in alignment with them.

Significant life changes can disrupt our four energy sources

What about when something big happens in our lives that upends our attempts to achieve that balance?

Say, for example, the birth of a new baby.

My son was born just a few months ago, and although it’s one of the happiest and most fulfilling times in my life, his arrival had a significant impact on my ability to replenish my energy across all four areas as I used to.

During the first few months, I wasn’t exercising as much, eating as well or getting great sleep, which impacted my ability to focus and organize my days the way I normally would. My emotional state was more volatile and I fell out of the good gratitude habits I’d cultivated around my work and home life. And many of the values and priorities I thought were crucial to me suddenly seemed less important.

The key was recognizing that this was normal, and looking back at the energy framework to see where I could make some changes to fit my new circumstances.

What can we do to re-balance our energy?

Reintegrating and refueling our energy sources can take a lot of work and is easier said than done – but understanding and being aware of the framework can help.

Just knowing why we’re feeling like we do – that a missed meal or an Instagram rabbit hole has impacted our sleep, which in turn has reduced our ability to focus or be kind to our colleagues – can help us get back on track quicker.

In certain life phases, we may not have the time to go to the gym, but taking a walk or building a work-out routine at home can take us a step closer to replenishing our physical stores. We can also recharge our energy more realistically by:

• Choosing to make ourselves a nourishing snack or meal ahead of time.
• Taking a nap, a meditative break or prioritizing an early bed time.
• Appreciating the small positive moments that make life meaningful.
• Being realistic about our work and life goals right now.

Even though these four sources of energy can shift at different points in our lives in terms of how much time and energy we can dedicate to them, we can always look for small ways to keep rebalancing them. Transitions are different, but the framework stays the same, whether you’re changing roles or careers, or retiring. It’s always important to come back to these sources of energy, and keep ourselves closer to fulfillment and authenticity. To align our energies to and show up again as our truest, best selves. For our own benefit, and that of everyone around us.

IMPACT can help

If your team would benefit from incorporating this energy framework to get the most out of work and life, contact us.