Jim Cathcart says, to be at your best, find your zone of optimum velocity by observing the pace and intensity at which you perform best.
This is the zone at which you are most creative, unstressed, happy and productive.
Above the zone: First, you experience stress and frustration, then anxiety, and finally burnout. At this level you are overwhelming yourself with too much to accomplish at one time. Lighten up a bit to get back on track.
In the zone: You are at your best. Not stressed, going with the flow of work naturally, productive and self-assured, challenged but not overwhelmed, motivated and able to roll with problems.
Below the zone: First you experience boredom, then apathy, and finally depression. You feel useless and artificial; self-esteem suffers. Bite off more and take on a greater challenge to get back on track.
For me the key to managing my energy is exercise. It almost sounds too simple to be important; however, without exercise my energy levels and my attitude can’t get out of their own way. Action creates reaction, motion makes something happen.
Lastly, protecting and replenishing your emotional energy is critical for every leader. Mira Kirshenbaum, in her book The Emotional Energy Factor, offers a refreshing, down-to-earth approach:
“First, you plug the leaks: learn to recognize what drains your energy – life situations, toxic people, or habits such as worry, indecision or guilt. Second, you identify what fills your tank – pleasure, prayer, anticipation, or fun – and give yourself more.”
Simple as that. When in doubt, make something happen. Move.
Never underestimate yourself.
Let the rest of the world do that.
Go.