“The worst times can be the best if you think with positive energy.” Domenico Dolce.

In last week’s blog, I suggested that you take some time out to reflect, to review this year and plan your goals for 2025. Another important area to regularly review is how you are investing your energy.

This is a particularly busy time of year and there are many demands on our time and energy levels in the build up to the festive season. There is increased shopping to do, social gatherings, potentially increased travel and work demands ahead of the year end. We only have a finite amount of time and energy and it’s important to invest it wisely.

As I get older, I’ve noticed that I’m becoming more discerning with how I invest my energy and who I spend my time with. I don’t know about you but when I am around the vibe given off by pessimistic, complaining and negative people it starts to have a real impact on my energy levels. My body starts to feel heavy; I feel tired and drained.

I know that some people have real challenges and problems to deal with from time to time and that life isn’t always a bed of roses. It isn’t always easy to remain upbeat in the face of difficulty and adversity. I’m one of the first in line to offer a sympathetic ear or support and help to friends and family with genuine challenges and problems to solve.

What I am referring to above is a particular breed of human beings, those that are very self-centred. You’ve probably come across these people yourself.  They believe that “Every silver lining has a cloud.” They refer constantly to their problems and don’t consider looking for solutions.

Quite often they have much to be thankful and grateful for but they don’t recognise this. They choose to think about what they lack rather than the abundance and riches they do have.

I’m sure that you know or have met people like this. When you ask them how they are, they hunch their shoulders and say something like “Fair to grim.” They then launch into a detailed account of their troubles and difficulties.

I refer to them as “drains or energy vampires” because they suck the life out of you with their negativity and stories of how life is unfair! More frequently, I am choosing to give them a wide berth.

Conversely, I’ve noticed that when I’m around positive people (those that give off a positive vibe) with a “can do” attitude and solutions orientated approach, I feel lighter, energised and happier. I refer to these people as “radiators” as they are full of warmth, radiance and brightness. They have zest, vitality and they make the most of the hand that life deals them.

When you ask them how they are, they look you in the eye and they smile and say something positive and uplifting. They have a sense of gratitude and appreciation for what they have in life.

There’s an exercise that you can do to become more discerning with how you use your time and energy. Take a piece of paper, draw a line down the middle and title the left-hand column positive and the right-hand column negative.

Then think about the people that you interact with and ask yourself these questions:

  • What people give me energy?
  • What people drain my energy?
  • What tasks give me energy?
  • What tasks drain my energy?

Make a note of your responses under the relevant columns and review the findings.  You can then spend some time reflecting on what you’ve written.

The exercise may reveal to you:

  • Changes you need to make to the amount of time you spend with some people.
  • Insights about some of the tasks you’re involved with. It may suggest you need to stop doing some tasks or spend more time doing others.
  • That you need to consider if there is an opportunity for other people to take responsibility for some tasks you currently perform.

Life is very precious and it’s so important that we spend our time and energy wisely and in ways that enrich it and allow us to fulfil our potential.

This week, why not take a few moments to reflect and consider what changes you would like to make to how invest your energy.

To arrange a free no obligation consultation, please contact Stephen Pauley via the contact form or by e mail: Stephen@befirstclass.co.uk