How to Unleash Energy and Positive Change

Agree or disagree? Is energy everything? Give it some thought… I can’t get out of bed without energy. I can’t drive a car without energy. I can’t walk my dog without energy. I can’t hug my friends without energy. I can’t go on vacation without energy, and I definitely can’t make millions without energy.

Okay, that’s clear. Energy is a necessity. But how high is it on your priority list? Be honest with yourself. Does energy come before work? Does energy come before success? Does energy come before family?

Many people don’t even know their list of values. And by values, I mean the feelings that you attach importance to in your life. Some people highly value connectedness, love, and security, while others place great importance on adventure, freedom, and passion. You can imagine that when people with different values enter into a relationship, they’re likely to encounter some challenges. One wants to cuddle on the couch, while the other wants to jump off cliffs in Bali…

This doesn’t mean you can’t have a relationship, but it’s handy to know these things about each other. You can’t change the other person; you can only change yourself. Values aren’t something you’re born with; they develop over time and are linked to your beliefs in life.

I was born with four kidneys and three bladders. This unique condition helped me survive a life-threatening situation. It unconsciously gave me a belief that as long as I can breathe, I must be grateful for my life. This belief doesn’t significantly hinder my life, but it also led me to believe that if I don’t feel pain, I’m dying. Wow…

Of course, I didn’t consciously know this. I realized it by thinking about what’s been holding me back in life and how I can change my negative beliefs into ones that serve my life. Because I experienced a lot of physical pain as a child due to my congenital condition (or congenital superpower, depending on your perspective), I believed that physical pain was just part of life. When you think that physical pain is normal, you’re less likely to see a doctor. You don’t take as good care of your body as you should, and you might think that other people are just whining when they complain of a “little ache.” I wasn’t particularly empathetic… oops.

From the moment I realized that energy is everything (and everything is energy, but that’s a story for another time), I started paying much more attention to my body and taking care of myself. How? By adapting my own list of values.

I’d like to share an exercise with you that I used for this purpose. So here goes!

1. Start by listing the “pain” associated with acquiring energy. In other words, what effort do you believe you need to put in to gain more energy?

For example, “I’d have to exercise every day,” “I’d have to make time in my schedule,” “I’d need to read books about health”…

2. Next, list all the “pleasure” you’ve experienced by not taking any action.

For example, “I got to watch Netflix by not exercising,” “I didn’t have to make changes to my schedule, which makes me happy,” “I feel good reading my novels.”

3. Now, write down all the things you’ll miss out on in life if you don’t prioritize energy. What does it “cost” you if you continue to live as you do now? How would your life look in two to five years if you keep going in the same direction? Write down only the feelings.

For example, “I’d feel unhealthy,” “I’d feel fear that I might die prematurely,” “I’d feel disappointed if I couldn’t play with my children,” “I’d be angry with myself if I set a bad example for the youth.”

4. Lastly, write down all the “gains” if you make energy your top priority in life. Create a big list of feelings you would experience in two to five years if you prioritize energy.

For example, “The feeling of being in control of your life,” “The feeling of self-confidence and physical health.”

Alright! I’m super curious to hear what this exercise has brought you. You can use this approach for many things. You can use it to quit smoking or reduce your chocolate intake. You can also use it to pursue your dreams and desires. Do you know your dreams and desires, or are you still exploring?

Have you done the exercise? Let me know what insights you’ve gained through my Instagram @caroliene_alexandra.