Six years ago, when I first started making changes in the way I lived my life, I focused on the first thing that came to me: Food As Fuel. But I quickly learned that living a rich life meant looking at... ...my Life Energy. "What?" "What is this about?" I thought. "Don't we all 'just live' and whatever happens, happens?" Then after a few months of eating all the "right" foods I realized I needed to learn more about my energy so I could learn how to improve my WHOLE life. (You can't improve something that you don't understand.) After really studying how managing our energy affects what choices we make, what we accomplish, and how much we do or do not get what we want, I not only realized that this information was incredibly important and valuable, but I also saw that it wasn't some strange mystery. It had just been something I needed to break down into real actions I could take every day. There are seven types of basic "EnergyRICH Tools" I want you to understand. Don't worry"easy to do! EnergyRICH Food: Ok, so I know I said it wasn't the only tool needed, but it's still one of the most important. I recently read an article where the author recounted her life-long battle with food and the day a friend suggested, "Always make the best possible choice." It isn't profound, and it isn't always easy, but it sure makes sense. Eat the best looking, most natural, vibrant and filled to the brim with nutrients food that you can find. It's the foundation to who you are; it's your blood. Bookend the Day: I always tell my private clients, "What you do the night before sets the tone for how you start your day." You want to truly prepare yourself for bed and a good night's sleep. Turn off the electronics at least an hour before you sleep and watch what you put in your mouth for at least that same amount of time. This will make a big difference in how you wake-up and will leave more room for the other bookend: morning. What you do at the beginning of your day sets the tone for the rest of it. Find some way to incorporate introspective time. Even 3 - 5 minutes will make a difference. Balance Your Body: Set up a routine that has you taking time to care for your hair, skin, teeth, muscles, joints"all parts of you"that goes beyond just putting on make-up and wearing nice clothes and addresses truly taking care of. Set yourself up so that you stay with the routine N.M.W. (No Matter What). Talk Your Talk: What you say and what words you choose make a BIG difference in your own energy and that of those around you. Try this: complain for 1 hour straight. Let it all out. Now compliment for 1 hour straight (this includes you). Which has you more confident and energized? Take it one step further: ask your friends to get on board. When one of you is complaining, have the other gently point it out and see together how you can shift the focus. By the way, I'm not talking goodie-two-shoes-don't-feel-your-feelings here, but I am giving you a coach's challenge: how can you shift your talk? Speaking of Friends: Every person is important, but not everyone is in your right place at your right time. Really notice those people that energize you and those whose values match yours. You ought to be with great people; it's how you spend your precious time, right? Read: If you think what you say makes a difference in your life, watch what you read. I've watched many a client go from using junk food to using junk magazines. We look to poison ourselves one way or another. Why? What you feed your mind, feeds your soul. Train yourself to go superlative. Would you give up an offer to fly first-class? Take your brain on the same ride. (Hint: You'll probably find that first class seat showing up in your life in more ways than one"literally.) Your Top-Notch Network: You're worth it. Get the best dentist, coach, guide, mentor, dry cleaner, priest, rabbi, lawyer, stylist...this doesn't mean the one that costs the most, just the one who sees you, values you, respects you and whom you can trust. The en*ergy of their services affects what you receive and how you bring that into your life. Start Using These Now! Remember, you can't improve something you don't understand. Take a few minutes each day to get to know more about what you need. I guarantee that once you do, you'll actually enjoy this process called life, you'll have space to connect to what is truly of value to you, and you'll see everything IMPROVE. : ) |
