Energize me 🔌
Hi friends,
This week , here's what I learned in a flash:
Create a list of activities that bring you joy and satisfaction.
Tasks may appear more challenging when you're lying in bed.
Take time to think of yourself when you’re high in Energy how you can deal with moments when your energy levels are low
Let me explain a little bit more :
This week I came back from my trip in Portugal wiht my Friends, I found myself utterly exhausted. At 26 years old, it may sound amusing, but I've realized I'm not as physically resilient as I once was. Partying for three days straight after four days of camping in a motorhome was a significant strain on my body.
So, when I returned to work on Monday, I faced several decisions. To help me make these choices, I had the opportunity to compile few weeks ago a list of activities that typically bring me joy and fulfillment when I'm low in energy. This concept is derived from the book "Make Time" by Knapp, Jake; Zeratsky, two friends who have implemented strategies to navigate our information-overloaded world. The concept can be summarized as follows:
Highlight : every day, you’ll choose a single activity to prioritize and protect in your calendar.
Laser : adjust your technology so you can find Laser mode.
Relflect: take time to think what you have done.
However, the most crucial aspect of continuing is to Energize. But what exactly revitalizes me? To simplify this process, consider what makes you feel unhappy when you neglect it. I compiled a list of such activities:
Running
Dancing
Seeing friends
Sculpting
Reading
These are the activities I engage in when the sun is shining, and I'm feeling good—when I'm at my best and aiming to feel even better. When I've enjoyed a restful night's sleep. What's particularly fascinating is that when you're exhausted, like I was on Monday evening, your decision-making is influenced by everything except what truly energizes you. Instead, my mind wandered to:
Staying awake at 5 pm because it felt too early to sleep. So watch YouTube videos.
Although it might seem relaxing, watching videos when you're tired ultimately leaves you feeling even more fatigued. What's truly intriguing is that we often engage in activities that energize us when we already have the energy to do them. I understand how challenging it can be to put on your running shoes when all you want is to watch something from the comfort of your bed. This is where the list comes into play. You knew that someday you'd find yourself in the situation where you don’t want to do anything (or perhaps every day during certain periods 😉).
It doesn't mean you have to do as much as you do when you're feeling motivated; it simply means that this list is a reminder of what makes you feel good. It's there because you recognize, through reflection and experience, what brings you joy, even when you might not want to admit it to yourself at that moment. It doesn't imply you should never rest in bed when you're tired or that you shouldn't listen to yourself. It does mean that sometimes what you believe is a good idea may not be, and the list you created with careful consideration serves as a guide for those moments. It doesn’t mean the list is true at 100% either. Remember, it's always easier to steer a moving ship than a stationary one. So, the next time you feel incredibly low on energy, think about the version of yourself that considers you when you're full of energy and encourages you to step outside for a run.
I hope this gave you something to think about !
Julien 🍀
PS: You may have noticed that I've updated the format of my newsletter. This change won't impact your experience but aims to streamline the writing process.