Energy Vampires that Drain Your Business
I recently came across a new-to-me definition of CEO: Chief Everything Officer.
If you’re that kind of CEO, your time really is precious. But I think your energy is an even more valuable business asset. After all, what good is free space in your schedule if you don’t have the energy to use it productively?
You’ve probably heard of phantom energy; power that gets used by appliances and devices even when they aren’t actually in use. Individually, these energy vampires seem pretty harmless, but their cumulative effect can have a big hit on your utility bill.
Energy vampires lurk in your business, too, ready to suck your productivity and exhaust your best efforts. If you’re running on fumes or feel like there aren’t enough hours in the day, here are some culprits you may need to unplug.
- Working out of order
Think about the normal flow of your workday. Are your highest priorities getting the best version of you or do they get sidelined while you handle whatever comes across your desk first? You know when your energy and creativity are at their peak. Prioritize that time for the important work that moves your business forward. The non-urgent details can wait for the inevitable energy dips in your day. - Lacking clarity on priorities
It can be a challenge to focus on the right thing when you’re in charge of everything. Regularly set aside uninterrupted time to step back, look at your workload objectively, and make a prioritized plan. Build in time for recurring responsibilities. Create steps to get that big project across the finish line. When you bring order to chaos you restore your energy and use it more efficiently. - Lingering projects
Got a project that keeps sliding into the “later” column? Inaction creates anxiety, and anxiety drains your energy. If that project is really something you need to do, schedule time and do it already. If you can delegate it, call in the reinforcements. If you decide it’s not a priority anymore, delete it. Whatever option you choose, you’re trading dead weight for new energy. - Striving for perfection
Perfection is heavy and it doesn’t have a finish line so you can always make your work “just a little better.” That also means the work is never going to get checked off your list (see previous point). Go for really good instead of trying to reach an impossible standard, then move on. I’ll bet you feel lighter already. - Saying yes too often
Every request of your time has an impact on your energy. Think about each ask in that context and it will guide whether you say yes or politely decline. A “no thank you” now might just free up your time and energy for a better opportunity down the road.
Your time is a valuable commodity, but your energy is what really powers your business. Identify exactly what’s draining you, then redirect your energy toward the work that matters most. You’ll get more done with greater impact.
Now that’s a power move!
