Balancing Your Energy: What Drains You and What Fuels You

A few weeks ago, I shared a story about a bike ride where I made a classic mistake: I used up most of my energy in the first 7 miles, leaving me with little for the final 13. I learned a valuable lesson that day—to pace my energy, not just over the first part of the ride but across the whole journey.

Following that blog, a reader reached out with an insightful question: “How can I tell which tasks are energy-draining versus energy-giving?” She also asked, “Can this change from day to day?” She pointed out that there are times when spending time with her grandkids, interacting with customers, or networking feels energizing, while at other times, those same activities leave her feeling drained.

It’s a great question and one many of us can relate to.

Does Energy Shift with the Task, or with Us?

At first glance, it might seem like the activity itself—or the people involved—are what shift from energizing to draining. But often, it’s not the tasks or interactions that change; it’s what’s happening within or around us.

Consider this: If my reader has had a productive, stress-free day and feels well-rested, spending time with her grandkids or engaging with customers will likely feel energizing. However, if she's just dealt with a stressful situation—like caring for an aging parent, having a tough conversation with a spouse, or feeling unwell—those same activities could feel overwhelming or depleting.

The Role of Context in Energy Management

So, while activities themselves may not change, the way we experience them does. That’s why identifying energy-giving and energy-draining tasks requires both awareness and reflection. It’s not always about the task itself, but the context we bring into it.

How to Approach Energy Management with Grace

Managing energy requires a blend of thoughtful planning and flexibility. Here’s a helpful mindset: plan your days expecting that your most energizing activities will give you the boost you need. But when they don’t, pause and consider what else is going on. It could be that these tasks are still energizing in general—just not today.

On those days, be kind to yourself. Recognize that it's okay to feel drained, even by something you normally enjoy, and make adjustments for the rest of the day to recover your energy.

Reflecting on Your Own Energy Shifts

I’ve learned that managing energy on my favorite 20-mile bike ride is straightforward. I can pace myself and adjust. But when a networking event that sometimes fills me with excitement leaves me feeling exhausted, I need to ask myself, “What else is going on here?”

When you find your energy shifting, take note. It could be as simple as recognizing that external factors—like stress, physical health, or emotional load—are impacting how you experience your day.

Even when you’re doing something enjoyable – like spending time with your grandkids.