We’re constantly going through cycles in our jobs, in our careers, and in our lives. And if you’re out hunting for a job, it’s tough to keep your energy up to do the draining work every day.
Be sure to give yourself a break. Just as your body needs its rest every night, your mental stamina will also go through normal ups and downs.
But there’s also some tricks and techniques to regenerating your energy when you need to. Try some of these out to see what works for you.
Physical: Your physical state directly impacts your mental state. Do something different with your body – get away from your work. Go for a walk. Do some deep breathing exercises. Dance. Just move around. Take advantage of these summer months to explore the world outside your home or office.
Mental: You can intentionally shift your mental state toward what would be most useful for you right now. Want to have some fun? Read something you’ll find amusing and uplifting. Want to concentrate? Go through the exercise of defining your area of focus, the goal you’re working on right now, and shut off the distractions. Want to get creative? Do some mental gymnastics with puzzles, or investigate some things you know absolutely nothing about.
Spiritual: For many, the spiritual attitude is just as important as these others. Meditation, prayer, or contemplation can be a powerful source of your focus and energy.
The key to this is to become aware of your current state and where you’d like to move toward. That movement can be for just a few minutes, or a permanent change for the rest of your life.
Even though I’m more of an introvert, I find that I tend to get energy from the support of others. I realized some years ago that if I convey a sense of optimism, others will reflect that back to me in encouragement and positivity. But even if I’m just talking with myself, I find that using positive words and concepts helps me to build my energy level.
Life can be very tough, and you won’t be at your best all the time. But you can shift yourself to where you want to be more often if you become aware of where you are now and where you want to be.
How would you describe the state you want to be in right now?
Carl Dierschow is a certified Organizational Leadership Coach and author of the career management guide, Mondays Stink! 23 Secrets to Rediscover Delight and Fulfillment in Your Work. He is a career coach for those going through interesting transitions, and works with leaders who are creating amazing teams. Find out more at www.Dierschow.com and www.PossibilitiesPartnership.com.
