TOOL FOR BECOMING A CHANGEMAKER - EP. 2
I'm writing a series of articles about tools that I've tested myself as a leader, change-maker, mother, and entrepreneur. I promise they're quick, simple, and effective—and can even inspire beautiful transformations—if you commit to practicing them daily or as often as possible.
💡THE (REAL) PROBLEM WITH LACK OF ENERGY
I don't know about you, but I'd love to feel like I'm at the top of my game all the time—optimistic and happy.
Not only is it a pleasant feeling, but above all, it allows me to be more agile and productive in my day-to-day work and, as a result, to have a greater impact in my work as a changemaker.
The reality is different.
I have moments when I feel low on energy and bouts of the blues.
Quite simply because life is 50-50.
There are pleasant and unpleasant emotions. Moments of wakefulness and moments of sleep, health and illness.
The real problem with a lack of energy is denying that there is a lack of energy.
In other words, the goal is to achieve a permanent state of full energy.
The solution, therefore, is to accept that energy is a series of ebbs and flows, and to “go with the flow.”
🔍 THE TOOL: THE NUMBER ONE REMEDY FOR LACK OF ENERGY
One way to encourage an abundant flow of energy within us is to activate ... the power of movement!
Let's shift our 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 distractions on either side of you. Why would you do that? Because if you look at them, you might crash into them.
It's the same with your thoughts. If you focus on what's bothering you, you run the risk of dwelling on it and feeling a drop in energy. Conversely, if you focus on what brings you joy, chances are you'll feel full of energy.
And then, sometimes, the best thing to do is simply to accept things as they are.
Accept our low energy, sadness, and anger. And deal with it. Maybe it’s a sign to embrace that energy and go with the flow, take it easy, and take care of ourselves.
Reconnect with your body's powers.
In 2012, Harvard psychologist Amy Cuddy highlighted the connection between your body, your feelings, and the impact you have on others. In her TED Talk, she explains how body language affects the way others perceive us and our self-confidence.
Power poses (such as holding your head up, standing straight, and keeping your arms open) can "alter testosterone and cortisol levels in the brain and may even affect our chances of success."
Honor Life
What I'm telling you may seem insignificant or unrelated to your goals as a leader of desire. But it's quite the opposite. By choosing to bring movement back into your body, you honor the power of life within you.
Your blood flows. Your breath comes and goes. Your heart beats. Everything is in motion. It's a sign of life.
So why choose to be in a state without any fluctuation? Why choose to be static?
If we truly want to bring about systemic change that will enable us to live in harmony with our home on Earth, it seems to me essential to embody this change.
To inspire others to change, let's dance to the rhythm of the life within us!
🐝 YOUR CHALLENGE TO CONSERVE YOUR ENERGY
Hopefully, if you're still reading this post (thanks, by the way), you're thinking something like, "OK, but what do I actually do?"
I suggest two things:
Every day—ideally in the morning—get your body moving.
The idea is to reconnect with your body and find your center. This could be yoga, walking, swimming, dancing to a song you like, cardio, or Qi Gong.
The important thing is to keep moving for 5–10 or even 30 minutes to wake yourself up and get your positive energy flowing.
When you're feeling low on energy or irritable, get moving.
If you receive an exasperating email or find yourself in the middle of a heated discussion, I recommend that you walk around a bit and—ideally—leave the space where you felt the tension.
Even if it's just for a few minutes, moving around will help you create some distance from the problem and get your energy flowing.
Chances are you'll calm down and maybe come up with some ideas or solutions along the way.
MY EXPERIENCE
When I was Director of Sustainable Development and Purpose, I often had to switch from one topic to another. I had to deal with a lot of resistance and complexity. I would feel tense and tired. At times like that, conversations could easily go off the rails if I didn't strike the right tone or maintain the right mindset.
When I began to harness the power of movement, I was able to form a partnership with my body and, as a result, gain a new perspective. It helped me maximize both my energy and my impact. It's a journey, but it's worth it.
Even today, I often use the power of the body and mindfulness to help my clients—whom I coach—overcome obstacles or a loss of motivation. This process is very powerful.
"So... ready to get up and start moving?"
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Hi, Changemakers!
I am Nina, an impact maker coach who specializes in leadership and sustainable transformation.
I have spent the past 12+ years leading sustainable change at a Fortune 500 company in a multicultural environment. Through my work, I aim to inspire professionals in organizations to rethink business 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 and influential leader who engages your team and organization to create a better world, contact me!
