Our energy and time are the most precious, finite resources we have, we only have so much of each and it’s important not to squander such precious gifts. And often, we spend so much of our energy and time doing things that are constantly draining us mentally and emotionally.
These habits drain our energy and suck up so much of our limited time.
We all have energy and time to give and it is up to us where we chose to direct it.
Theologist, Rob Bell, explains how we choose to direct our energy, “No one better than ourselves can guard our energy and be intentional about how it is spent.”
It is so important to be aware of how we are expending our daily time and energy.
Below are 4 mantras I work on constantly.
Fixating on the following guidelines help me to be productive and focus my energy on what is important to me.
When I find myself expending my time and energy in a negative manner, I like to reflect on these and redirect my energy and time in a more productive and positive way.
Everyone is different, and these may not work for you, but I wanted to share some guidelines of what has helped me to be my most successful-self.
Don’t Waste Time+Energy Making Sure Everyone Likes You
As I’ve gotten older, I’ve just come to the realization that not everyone is going to like me and honestly, I’m okay with that. There is no reason anyone should waste precious time and energy worrying about what other people think about them. In the long run, it doesn’t matter!
The most important thing is to show up everyday and be your truest self, and that will be a gift to many people!
Your perception of me is a reflection of you; my reaction to you is an awareness of me.
Unknown
Don’t Waste Your Time+Energy on People Who Don’t Support You
This is a big one. Ask yourself this: What friends support you, encourage you, and want the best for you? If it only boils down to 2 or 3 friends, stick with them!
I would rather have a small group of loyal, supportive, and trustworthy friends, than a larger group of friends that are only supportive some of the time.
If you have friends who can’t keep conversations between the two of you private, make constant snarky or negative comments, talk about you behind your back, or drag you down, are they really your friends? No!
If you surround yourself with people who love you for you, support you, and want what is best for you, you will begin to morph into the best version of yourself.
These types of friendship will energize you rather than drain your energy & time with them is time well spent.
“If you have one true friend you have more than your share.”
Thomas Fuller
Don’t Waste Time+Energy on Things you Can’t Control
This is one I really have to work on but I constantly catch myself complaining about the weather. I really have to remind myself to control negative comments about things I can do nothing about.
Complaining about things such as a traffic jam, other people’s actions, or the weather can waste a lot more time and energy than you think.
So next time you’re in a traffic jam, instead of exerting energy screaming at the person in the car next to you, take a moment to turn on some classical music and take a deep breath. This kind of awareness and thoughtful practice can help to turn an otherwise stressful, energy sucking experience into a graceful part of your day.
And if someone is screaming at you, knowing you can’t control other’s actions, ignore them, and keep moving on your merry little way.
Don’t Waste Time+Energy on Negative Thoughts
One of the best energy savers for me is to be aware of my thoughts. Our minds can overtake our day with negative thoughts, if you allow it. Before you know it, it’s easy to spend half the day upset about something that is just a figment of one’s imagination.
If you can be conscious of your thoughts and not allow them to run rampant on negative topics, you will feel more energized.
“Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable–if anything is excellent or praiseworthy–think about such things.”
Philippians 4:8
Don’t Waste Time+Energy on Countless Distractions
Whether it’s the computer, TV, or the phone, screen time can absorb large amounts of time and energy.
I know from personal experience, when I’ve been scrolling through my phone too much, my head hurts and my eyes feel super dry. It never makes me feel energized and it certainly is a time drainer.
When I commit to using technology only to be productive, I always end up feeling better about my day and my energy!
Let’s Wrap Up
These are 5 examples of how I conserve my time and energy daily. We all know each day is precious.
Being aware of how you spend your time and expel your energy each day will help you to lead productive and successful days.
Do you have any daily mantras that help you conserve your precious time and energy? If so, what are they?
Talk soon,
Merrick