Energy Drainers

Last time, we talked about identifying our priorities, those things that are most important to us.  Sometimes, when we identify our priorities, we realize that our actions don't really support them.  For example, the parent who says their children are their biggest priority, but who works 60+ hours a week and then comes home and is too tired or lacks the energy or desire to interact with their children on a truly meaningful level.

I know, some of you are saying "But what if he needs to work that hard to support his family?"  A parent has to do what what a parent has to do to ensure that their children's basic needs are met.  They also need to ensure that their children are getting their emotional needs met.  I've met far too many parents who worked their tails off when their children were young only to have them regret it when their children were older.  As children age, their interest in hanging out with us decreases as a result of their need to socialize with peers and gain independence.  We need to strike while the iron is hot.

My purpose in using this example is that we need to align our actions with our priorities.  In order to do so, we must first figure out what is getting in the way.  I call these energy drainers.  Todays challenge is to list the top five things that you do that interfere with your ability to achieve your identified priorities.  Here are some of mine:

• Watching too much television.  I'm not a 24/7 television watcher, but I know I would get a lot more things on my "to do" list done if I wasn't sitting on the couch as frequently.
• Cruising the internet.  I know I spend waaaay too much time doing this.  It interferes with my time spent with the kids and my husband which are two of my priorities.

There are many more, but I just wanted to give you an idea of where I was going with this.  So, get out your journal and start writing down your energy drainers or time wasters.  Once this is done, we will work on developing a plan to overcome our self-imposed obstacles.  Until next time!

Comments

[kailani]

For me it's also doing housework. I really should do them when the kids are asleep and spend more quality time with them while they're awake.

[Angela]

An energy drainer for me is worrying. I have a tendency to worry about what I need to be doing rather than just doing it. Really stupid when you think about it but something of a family habit I picked up from my mother and grandmother. It gets worse the more I feel I have to do. I have learned that most stuff isn't worth worrying about, and what is worth worrying about is worth more when I take care of it. Which takes care of the worry and the task.

[The Mentor Mom]

Worrying and housework...those are on my list too! And I agree Angela, it does seem really stupid. Isn't it funny how we KNOW what drains our energy yet we still invest energy in that behavior!!!