We all struggle from time to time to reach our goals or to bring these things into our lives that matter most to us like health, good relationships with those we love, wealth, freedom, happiness. However, if you watch your energy level, you have a great chance to create the life you want.
Why is your energy so important?
First, it is a finite source like money and needs to be managed carefully. And second, energy is like water. Whatever you water, this will grow. In other words, if you invest your energy in positive thoughts and feelings, they will grow and even become more positive. Science calls this the neuroplasticity of the brain. This means, the brain can change its wires in accordance how we think and where we spend our energy.
Sounds good? So, how do you do that? How do you maximize your energy?
1. Attention
According to Dandipani the first step is to bring your attention to that area you want to manifest as this will allow your energy to flow there. Controlling your awareness needs concentration and willpower. “When you can direct awareness you can begin to direct energy and when you can direct energy you can manifest what you want in your life”. More great thoughts in his video
2. Three box framework
I came across the three-box framework while reading the work from Laura Seiler and Scott Eblin. This concept, originally created by Prof. Vijay Govindarajan from the Tuck Business School, helps me a lot to maximize my energy and supports my journey of achieving my dreams. My adaptation of the model below.
Past – Release energy
We often live in the past and our energy is bound in outdated routines, old conflicts, or mistakes we regret. This is often accompanied by feeling a lot of pain. So, check your past, clean it up, and you will be able to release a lot of energy you can use for your new goals.
What will be most helpful in this process?
Learn from the past and move on to a more productive path. According to Scott Eblin’s book “Overworked and Overwhelmed”, ask yourself these three questions: What was supposed to happen? What actually happened? What would I do differently next time? Take a moment and think about your answers and then take action now. What are one or two things you can do and want to do in the near future to mitigate what went wrong or set things up for a better outcome in the future? For example, for those you hurt it may make sense to send them your regrets and for those that caused you pain, please forgive them now. It will help you heal and release all the bound energy.
Present – Focus and renew energy
Unfortunately, we waste a lot of time and energy in front of our devices. We constantly get distracted by social media and other sources, but it will be very important to focus your energy on the present moment and to concentrate on your goals that are most meaningful to you.
What will be most helpful in this process?
The first step, according to Zen Habit (https://zenhabits.net/), is to let go of FOMO, the fear of missing out on something important, which will drive you to check your emails, Facebook, or twitter account too often, or saying yes to too much which leads to constant overload. Put aside all distractions to make space for your important task. And remember, the best in life isn’t somewhere else, it’s right where you are, at this moment!
It also makes sense to establish a meditation routine as your mind may be often wandering back to the past or forward to the future distracting you from the present moment and from your goals. If your mind is wandering, just notice it, and bring your awareness back to your important activity.
And ensure you renew your energy throughout the day via intentional breaks to manifest the things in life you really want. More details how you best do this in my recent LinkedIn article “Need instant refreshment? 7 tips that will work for you too!”
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/need-instant-refreshment-7-tips-work-you-too-volker-hack/
Future – Raise energy
Often, we have doubts that the things we would like to manifest in our life are actually possible, we worry that things can go wrong, or that we are not worth them. But if your mind is focused on your doubts and fears, it will be difficult for you to stay focused and to show-up at your best. In addition, it separates you from the unlimited possibilities that exist in the universe. Remember, just because something does not appear likely from your current point of view doesn't mean it isn’t possible.
In order to create a different outcome, you need to raise your energy to a state where the future is already here. Sounds weird? I hope that the following steps will make it a bit clearer what I mean.
What will be most helpful in this process?
The visualization technique is a good start. This is a process of imagining exactly what you want to achieve, and then mentally rehearsing what you’ll need in order to achieve that. Scott Eblin highlights in his book an easy routine that is very popular in athletes: After a few deep breaths to clear your mind, envisioning the answers to these two questions: “What I am trying to do?” and “How do I need to show up to do so?”. And then imagine the future as if it has already arrived. This means, visualize yourself living in total alignment with the person you need to be to achieve this vision; what are you saying, feeling, and doing? This technique will make it easier for you to maintain the motivation you need to continue taking the necessary actions to create the desired outcome.
According to David Hamilton’s book “I love me”, the cool thing is that our brain can’t tell the difference if something is really happening or if we just imagining it. But you need to do this visualization over and over again. It is this consistency that rewires your neural networks and allows for the shift.
3. Paying your dues
Obviously just visualizing will not get you anywhere. If you are just looking or waiting, nothing will be happening. So, you need to get into the action mode. And as the saying goes, it isn’t about being constantly great, it is about being great at being consistent.
The bonus…
You read the article to the end? Great! Here is a little bonus. Listen to this meditative story that will connect you with your goals too. To visualize, and then make it so, by Larry Jackson. https://www.linkedin.com/posts/ariannahuffington_meditativestory-meditativestory-activity-6567071446508548096-YRJJ
Another good source is Benjamin Hardy’s TEDx video: “The 100 Percent Rule That Will Change Your Life” about visualization and shifting your identity to your future story: https://youtu.be/vj-91dMvQQo
And finally, I would like to introduce you to Joe Dispenza, author and lecturer. He is driven by the conviction that each of us has the potential for greatness and unlimited abilities. His recent work is all about quantum physics and how to create a new dimension of opportunities in your lives. You may want to start with this blog series: “Change Your Box, Change Your Reality Part 1-3”.
https://drjoedispenza.net/blog/consciousness/change-your-box-change-your-reality-part-i/
You feel ready to make a shift in your life?
I hope the 3 steps I described above will help you to increase your chances creating the life you want.
Leave a comment of what you are experiences in your journey and any additional tips you have.
Volker Hack is an Executive Director at one of the largest Contract Research Organizations and dedicated to Improve Health. He is an advocate for incorporating mindfulness into the work life.