As we approach a new year, many people make resolutions aimed at self-improvement, but the pressure to set new goals can often feel overwhelming. Instead of the usual resolutions – lose weight, get organized or read more books – consider a different approach of focusing on energy givers and energy takers. This simple shift in mindset can help you prioritize activities, people and habits. This year, it’s all about aligning your choices with what energizes you, leading to a healthier, more fulfilling year ahead.
What are Energy Givers and Takers?
Energy givers are the activities, people and habits that leave you feeling revitalized and motivated. They boost your physical, mental or emotional well-being and can make you feel empowered, alive and inspired. Energy givers might include spending time with loved ones, engaging in physical activity, learning new skills or enjoying nature. These are the things that make you feel your best and encourage personal growth.
As for energy takers, they are the things that leave you feeling drained, overwhelmed or stuck. These may include toxic relationships, negative self-talk, excessive screen time or environments that stress you out. While it’s impossible to eliminate all energy takers, becoming more aware of them can help you minimize their impact and find ways to reduce their influence in your life.
The Benefits of Focusing on Energy Givers
Adopting the energy givers and takers framework allows you to approach the new year with more mindfulness and intention. Rather than putting pressure on yourself to achieve a specific outcome, you can focus on how you feel. Are you feeling energized after a workout? That’s a win! Does spending time on social media leave you anxious or distracted? It might be time to set some boundaries. By shifting your focus from a rigid goal-setting mindset to a fluid, energy-conscious approach, you invite greater balance and well-being into your life.
Start by reflecting on your current lifestyle. Which activities make you feel alive and connected? Do you feel drained after certain tasks or interactions? Take note of patterns. You might discover that your energy givers include spending time with close friends, practicing yoga or pursuing creative hobbies. On the other hand, you may find that overworking, arguing with certain people or engaging in toxic media consumption are energy takers in your life. Journaling can be a helpful tool in identifying your energy givers and takers. At the end of each day or week, ask yourself: What energized me today? What drained me? Over time, you’ll have a clearer understanding of where to direct your energy and where to set boundaries.
Strategies for Maximizing Energy Givers
- Prioritize self-care: Make time for activities that recharge you, whether it’s a walk in nature, meditation or indulging in a creative pursuit. Treat these activities as non-negotiable.
- Engage with positive people: Surround yourself with individuals who lift you up, support your dreams and encourage your well-being. Their positivity will fuel your own energy.
- Set healthy boundaries: Let go of relationships or obligations that no longer serve your well-being. Saying “no” when necessary is an empowering choice that will preserve your energy for what matters most.
- Pursue passions, not obligations: Choose goals or projects that spark joy and excitement. By focusing on activities that you genuinely enjoy, you’ll naturally feel more motivated and alive.
Minimizing Energy Takers
While we can’t eliminate all sources of energy drain, we can manage them. Start by setting boundaries around activities or relationships that take more than they give. Here are some tips:
- Limit negative media consumption: The news and social media can sometimes be overwhelming. Set limits on screen time, or curate your feed to avoid negativity. Consider digital detoxes to recharge.
- Avoid toxic relationships: Identify relationships that leave you feeling drained, criticized or unsupported. Consider distancing yourself from those individuals or managing your interactions more carefully.
- Manage your workload: Overcommitting yourself can lead to burnout. Learn to delegate, say “no” and create a realistic work-life balance that honors your energy levels.
- Practice mindfulness: Negative thought patterns can deplete your energy. Mindfulness practices like meditation or journaling can help you reframe these thoughts and protect your mental energy.
In the coming year, let go of rigid resolutions and instead focus on fostering habits and environments that give you energy. Each day is an opportunity to choose what helped you grow and what caused you stress. Over time, small adjustments will lead to a significant transformation.
This year, focus on feeling good, not just doing more. By aligning your choices with your energy, you’ll create a year filled with balance and joy.