Energy is an interesting commodity. And no, I do not mean the kind of energy that sells for $50 per barrel. I am referring to the internal energy that resides inside us. Just like the tides, it ebbs and flows, but unlike the tides, it does seem to respond to human attention.

Consider the concept of “allowing” for instance.  Have you ever noticed that once you acknowledge that your energy levels are low and allow this state of low energy to just “be” – that it magically rises again?  But if on the other hand, you resist and fight the fact that you are experiencing low energy, then you will undoubtedly continue to experience tiredness.

Energy also appears to be mutable.  The power of a positive thought isn’t just for others; it also has significant internal possibilities.  Watch what happens to your energy level when you think about anything that you are passionate about.  Or notice the difference in your noisy, busy energy when you come into a WAW luncheon and join us in a centering exercise in which you quietly get present to your breath and body and to those around you.

Recently, I was in overwhelm when I remembered Timothy Ferris’ advice in the 4-Day Work Week. He recommended committing only to one or two mission critical events per DAY and only working a few days per WEEK! When I switched my attention from the feeling of overwhelm to the more reasonable concept of one task, I suddenly had plenty of energy to complete everything that mattered.  And more importantly, I was feeling accomplished, successful and just plain happy.

We may not have any control over the ocean tides, or the attitude that our team brings to work, but we do have the mechanisms to shift our own energy and to create more positive results.  Now the trick is just remembering that we have access to all of these skills.