(More On Energy Management Cont. 5)
More Details on the Spirit Dimension
Introduction
Need to realise that aligning work that is consistent with what you most value and gives you a sense of meaning and purpose, ie working on things that really matter to you will result in more positive energy, a better focus and a greater perseverance:
"...participating in activities that give you a sense of meaning and purpose boosting energy of the spirit..."
Tony Schwartz et al, 2007
An important question is
"...what do you want to be remembered for?..."
Tony Schwartz et al, 2007
"...to access the energy of the human spirit, people need to clarify priorities and establish accompanying rituals in three categories: doing what they do best and enjoy most at work; consciously allocating time and energy in the areas of their lives - work, family, health, service to others - they deem most important; and living their core values in their daily behaviours..."
Tony Schwartz et al, 2007
These categories are not necessarily mutually exclusive, ie what you do best and like.
When you are feeling effective, effortlessly absorbed, inspired and fulfilled, you are in the sweet spot. You need to analyse and explore these experiences to understand precisely what energises them so positively and what specific talents they were drawing on, and then find ways to repeat this experience.
It is important to devote time and energy to activities that are important. However, there can be a disconnect between what people say is important and what they actually do. An example is spending more time with your family, yet always remaining contactable on work issues while with your family. We all need to develop rituals, like turning the phone to message bank while with family, etc; not looking at e-mails, etc.
Furthermore, you need to practise your core values in your daily behaviour; core values are best determined by asking the following question
"...What are the qualities that you find most off-putting when you see them in others?. By describing what you cannot stand, people unintentionally disclose what they stand for..."
Tony Schwartz et al, 2007
Some examples
a) if you don't like stinginess, generosity could be one of your key values
b) if you don't like rudeness, then politeness and consideration could be important to you.
Need to establish rituals that bridge the gap between values you aspire to and how you currently behave. For example, if you are regularly running behind schedule for meetings, put your clock 10 minutes earlier or finish meetings 5 minutes earlier than usual and show up at the next meeting early.
Some examples of rituals include
a) use of renewal rooms where people can go to relax and refuel
b) subsidised gym membership
c) no-meeting time zones, ie during certain times of the day meetings are not allowed
d) not checking message bank and/or e-mails during meetings, etc.
Need to be careful of crisis mentality, ie when one's sole focus is on immediate survival mode. This will work against energy renewal programs. Need to develop rituals like
"... diffusing negative emotions by breathing or telling themselves different stories, and alternating wholly focused periods of work with renewal breaks..."
Tony Schwartz et al, 2007
Some important components of managing spiritual energy:
a) reflect on gratitude (focus on what you are grateful for;
"...gratitude is associated with better life satisfaction, increased social support, and may help prevent stress depression......recommend 2 practices: one focused on what you are grateful and the other focused on what is meaningful in your life..."
Gretchen M Spreitzer et al, 2011
Some ways to do this involves
a) keeping a gratitude journal by writing down 3 things one is grateful for each day
b) writing a gratitude letter to someone who made a difference in your life
c) writing and reviewing life goals regularly can increase well-being and health
d) recording what is meaningful in one's daily life, ie what is most positive in one's life.