A Tool for Shining as a 'Changemaker' - Ep. 2
I’m writing a series of articles about tools I’ve tested and found to be effective in my roles as a leader, change agent, mother, and entrepreneur. I promise they’re quick, simple, effective, and can lead to wonderful transformations—if you stick with them over time.
💡THE PROBLEM: “LACK OF ENERGY”
I don't know about you, but I'd love to feel like I'm at my best, optimistic, and happy all the time.
Not only is it a pleasant feeling, but above all, it allows me to be more agile and productive in my daily life and, as a result, to have a greater impact in my work as an agent of change.
The reality is different.
I have times when my energy drops and I feel down.
Quite simply because life is 50-50.
There are pleasant emotions and unpleasant ones. There are moments of wakefulness and moments of sleep, health and illness.
The real problem isn't a lack of energy; it's refusing to acknowledge that lack of energy.
Or to put it another way, the problem is trying to achieve a permanent state of high energy.
The solution is to accept that energy consists of a series of ebbs and flows. The key is to go with the flow (“follow the flow”).
🔍 The Tool: The #1 Remedy for Low ENERGY
To promote a plentiful flow of energy within us, all we need to do is activate … the power of movement!
Shift one's focus.
“Where your focus goes, your energy flows”— Tony Robbins
If you've learned to drive, you probably remember your driving instructor telling you to avoid looking at the wall or the cars on your right. Why? Because if you looked at them, you might run into them!
It's the same with your thoughts.
If you focus on what upsets you, you risk dwelling on it and feeling a drop in energy. On the other hand, if you focus on what brings you joy, there’s a good chance you’ll feel full of energy.
And then, sometimes, the best thing to do is simply to accept it.
Accept your low energy, your sadness, your anger. And learn to live with them. Team up with that energy to take it easy. To take care of yourself.
Reconnect with the body's natural powers.
In 2012, Amy Cuddy, a Harvard psychologist, highlighted the connection between the body, our feelings, and the impression we make on others. In her TED talk, she explains how body language affects our self-confidence and the way others see us.
“Power poses (i.e., poses such as holding your head high, standing up straight, keeping your arms open, and planting your feet firmly on the ground) can ‘alter testosterone and cortisol levels in the brain and may even affect our chances of success.’”
Honoring Life
What I'm telling you may seem trivial or unrelated to your goals as an inspiring leader.
But it's actually the exact opposite.
By choosing to bring movement back into your body, you honor the power of life within you.
Your blood is flowing. Your breath comes and goes. Your heart is beating. Everything is in motion. It’s a sign of life.
So why would anyone want to be in a state without fluctuations?
If we want to drive systemic changes that will allow us to live once again in harmony with our home, Earth, I believe it is essential that we embody that change.
To inspire others to change, let’s dance to the rhythm of life within us!
🐝 YOUR CHALLENGE to preserve your ENERGY
Hopefully, if you’re still reading this post (thanks, by the way), you’re thinking something like, “Okay, but what do I actually do?”
I have two suggestions for you:
Every day—ideally in the morning—get your body moving again
The idea is to reconnect with your body and find your center.
It could be yoga, a walk, dancing to a song you love, cardio, or Qi Gong. The important thing is that you stay active for 5–10 or 30 minutes to wake yourself up and get that positive energy flowing.
When you're feeling low on energy, get moving.
If you receive an annoying email or have just come out of a heated discussion, I recommend taking a short walk and—ideally—leaving the space where you felt the tension. Even if it’s just for a few minutes, it will help.
This movement will help you create some distance and allow energy to flow within you. There’s a good chance that calm will return and that ideas or solutions will emerge along the way.
My Feedback
When I was Director of Sustainability and Purpose, I was often running all over the place, jumping from one issue to another. I faced a lot of resistance and complexity. Sometimes I would feel stressed and tired.
At times like those, conversations could easily get out of hand if I didn't have the right tone of voice or the right frame of mind.
When I began to harness the power of movement, I was able to form a partnership with my body and, as a result, rise above the rest. This allowed me to maximize my impact and energy. It’s a journey—it requires being intentional every day—but it’s worth it.
Even today, I often use the power of the body and mindfulness to help my clients overcome roadblocks or a loss of motivation. This process is very powerful.
So... Can you get up and start moving?
"Dareor No Dare?"
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Hello to you, agents of change!
I'm Nina Cambadélis, an impact coach and expert in leadership and sustainable transformation.
I was in charge of transformation and multifaceted performance initiatives at Veolia for more than 12 years.
Today, what I love to do is help organizations and professionals rethink their business models and make them proud to contribute, in their own way, to a more sustainable, humane, and nature-friendly world. If you want to be an inspiring leader and rally a team to maximize your impact, contact me!
