Get Energized! - Overcome Your Energy Slump with this Proven Energy Boosting TIP!

If you find yourself dragging at the end of the day, or have difficulty getting motivated to tackle what you once did with ease, you may be running low on energy. We often complain of not having enough time to fit everything in. But, when we look to the truth in the situation, 9 times out of 10 it's not a time problem so much as an energy problem. Time is fixed. Energy is not. And many people run out of energy long before they run out of time.nnThink of your energy as a cup full of water. You want your energy cup to be full so that when you need a big gulp of energy it's there for you. If you're low on energy, you probably have some energy leaks that are steadily depleting your energy levels.nnThe most effective strategy I know of to beat low (or lower than you would like) energy is to look for those drains and plug them. You'll get an instant motivation and energy boost. In working with clients, I have them start by making a TIPs list--a list that shows the events, situations, people that are draining you of energy and motivation. A TIPs list is simply a list of :n

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• TOLERATIONS: what are you tolerating in your life? Tolerations are very "energy hungry" situations, experiences and people. We put up with them because we think we should, because we don't know what else to do, or because we've simply gotten used to tolerating a lot
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• INCOMPLETIONS: what are those things you've started, but not finished? Are there things around you that you continue to expend energy and time thinking about but not finishing? Are there commitments you've made, but not followed through on? If so, you have incompletions that are draining your energy daily.
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• PROCRASTINATIONS: There are things you are just ignoring, hoping they'll go away and they don't. You keep procrastinating, but spend considerable energy resources beating yourself up about it or thinking about it. Do your shoulders sag every time you see that pile of unread mail or unfilled paperwork? Do you slump in your chair whenever you are reminded of all the phone calls you need to make or return? Your procrastinations are sinking their teeth into your energy cup, sucking it dry on a daily basis.
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nIf you imagine that each item on the list is a tiny pinhole (or maybe a giant crater!) in your cup, you can begin to see how together they add up to zero energy at the end of the day. nnMany people find that simply by having the list, they automatically start resolving their energy leaks. Each item off the list is an instant energy booster. It is a process that does take time, so don't create another energy drain by expecting yourself to have a zero-balance on your TIPs list anytime soon! But, try tackling a few and see how much better you feel. nnHere are a couple of ways you can start:n

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1. Tackle the easy to fix drains first. This builds momentum and readies you for tackling the big drains.
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2. Block out some time and tackle the big one. This is called eating the elephant in one sitting. Just belly up and get it done.
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3. Review each item on the list and decide whether you can Delegate it to someone else, Defer it until a better time, Dump it from your to do list forever, or just Do It!.
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nnThis article may be reproduced, in its entirety, along with the following information: nn© 2006, Shawn Driscoll, Succeed Coaching & Development. This article is provided courtesy of Shawn Driscoll, Career Success Coach and owner of www.succeedcoaching.com. Professionals: upgrade your work life today! We provide products and services to help you succeed at work, in business and in life. Sign up to receive your free Success Wise ezine—and get success tips, inspiration, and resources to skyrocket your success—at www.succeedcoaching.com.