I was Tired. Shocked. Disappointed. Angry.

It wasn’t just the politics. It wasn’t just the feeling of being deceived.

What bothered me most was that I had given away my best energy for nothing. 

I had been giving countless hours, on top of my day job, to help our company select a long-term partner, and it was time for the meeting in which we'd share the results of our research. But prior to the meeting a leader pulled me aside and said, "James, whatever your analysis and decision is, for your own sake, you may think about voting for organization x because that’s what the big boss already wants.” Sounded like the deal was already done! (For the record, I still voted based on what my own due diligence told me was the right direction.)

My best energy was lost:

My creative energy. 

My positive energy. 

My hopeful energy. 

My attentive energy. 

Instead of being directed to build something meaningful, my energy was lost to bureaucracy. Lost to appearances and the ticking of a compliance box.

It hurt. 

It still hurts. 

I won’t get that time back. 

I won’t get that energy back.

Maybe you can relate?

While that period felt like a big waste, I’ve determined in myself that I won’t waste the lesson ie that I have finite resources that I need to wisely allocate. And that difficult lesson has led me to regularly ask myself today, “Where is my BEST ENERGY going”?

In order for me to live out my unique story, my energy needs to go to the work and people that are most important to me. Whether it's considering a business partnership, choosing which clients to work with, or responding to social invites, the question is the same: is this where my energy needs to be?

You may be familiar with the growing research over the past two decades that highlight the importance of managing energy when it comes to being more present and effective in our personal and professional lives. The Energy Project, which specializes in coaching organisations around energy management, distinguishes between the different types of energy we have — physical, spiritual, emotional, and mental. They encourage attention to each of these types, boosting the ones that are low and focusing each one effectively.  One of their articles in the Harvard Business Review from more than 15 years ago is still applicable today. 

Friend, your energy is important and it is limited. 

The next time you find yourself struggling with holding things together and your energy levels are dropping low, I encourage you to take a moment to step back and ask yourself the question “Where is my best energy going?”. 

Your answer may just hold the key to open the door to a new possibility for you.

James

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