Energy Drains: What Are You Putting Up With?

Lots of things can drain our energy, often without our awareness. Even seemingly insignificant things like a scuffed shoe, an unwritten thank-you note, or a stack of papers on our desk all use up precious energy by distracting and annoying us each day. As a life coach, I¡¯ve found that found that most people tolerate between 50 to 100 things in their lives. The result? It becomes very difficult to experience joy in life if you¡¯re putting up with a lot. By starting to eliminate things that are undone or incomplete in your life, you¡¯ll free up loads of energy to tackle bigger, more important goals.

Decide to rid your life of tolerations by following these 3 steps:

1. Make a List: Write down 25 things you are tolerating about your work, your home, your body, your friends and family, your pets, or your own habits. (You can add to this list as you discover more.) Pay close attention to the details of your everyday life, since most of us are numb to these annoyances. Don¡¯t worry about the things that seem too tough to handle?just write them down and the solutions will come to you in time. Check out the Common Energy Drainers to get your list going.

2. Start Small: Don¡¯t start by trying to tackle your whole garage; pick a smaller task, like I did, with a medicine cabinet that annoyed me each time I opened it. After throwing out unneeded prescription bottles, toothbrushes and toiletries, the new space I had created inspired me to tackle other cabinets and drawers.

3. Handle Four a Week: E-mail a friend and tell each other what you¡¯re going to tackle, eliminate or delegate for the week. Telling someone else will motivate you, and it¡¯s inspiring to share your victories. Try grouping any related items together to make them easier to handle.

Here¡¯s some Common Energy-Drainers:

* Clutter
Ever notice how great you feel after you clean out a closet? Uncluttering your life is liberating, and it will give you a huge burst of energy. Remember to start small. Clean out a drawer or throw away some old magazines.

* Petty Annoyances
Look for the little things you try to ignore each day¡¦sew on that button, fix those squeaky brakes, or get those shoes resoled. Noticing that the car needs vacuumed each time you get in it takes another piece of energy from you! Get these minor but distracting annoyances out of your life and off your list! Hire help when necessary.

* Relationships
Is there someone you need to forgive, or thank? A letter or phone call you¡¯ve been avoiding? Do your friends and co-workers support and energize you, or do they leave you feeling drained and uptight? Join a group or start a hobby that will enable you to meet people you really enjoy being with.

* Caffeine and Sugar
Even though a cup of coffee or a candy bar gives you a quick burst of energy, they¡¯ll both leave you more drained once the effecst wear off. You¡¯ll find that your energy and concentration levels will be more even and balanced during the day if you cut back, or even eliminate these habits.

Once you¡¯ve started clearing out the little pesky stuff in your life you¡¯ll have the energy and enthusiasm to attract more people, activities, thoughts and ideas that bring you joy. Use your new energy to add something new to your life that will excite you; start a new book, take a pilates class, join an investment club, or explore a new career.