Cleaning Creates Energy
In today’s society we spend a lot of time talking about clean energy. We are exploring alternative fuel sources like wind and sunlight in the effort to make our world less polluted and more efficient, while changing our lifestyles to rely on easily replenished resources. Clean energy is also known as renewable energy because it comes from natural sources or processes that are replenished constantly.
While reflecting on renewable resources, I started to think of the phrase “clean energy” as a play on words. Ever notice how you feel empowered once your desk is clear of random paperwork? Once an area of your home is straightened up, do you find it easier to keep it neat? Have you realized how comforting it is to retire to a bedroom set up like a retreat complete with fluffy pillows and soft blankets? Neat, tidy spaces carry energy with them, “The Clean Energy”. Working with this play on words, let’s explore a few ideas around boosting your natural productivity through sustainable stamina and organization.
Entrepreneur.com claims the top two traits necessary for success are stamina and organization according to their article “9 Traits You Must Have to Execute Your Mission”. I completely agree. Stamina is well-paced energy. It’s sustainable energy which is not based on hits of caffeine or sugar to keep us going. Instead, true stamina is grounded in healthy living habits like exercise, hydration, proper nutrition, sleep, and self renewal. Once you are operating with a full fuel reserve, organization is the key to getting things done efficiently. Once we are working from a place of naturally feeling able to master our day, knowing exactly where to direct our vibrancy is the key to getting the most results.
Stamina: Personal Sustainable Energy
Let’s look at the first ingredient to “The Clean Energy” formula: stamina. The endurance needed to keep up in our fast paced society is crucial to achieving success. Temporary solutions like a double shot of espresso or a candy bar at 3pm are not long term solutions to meeting the demands of your day. Starting your day after a restful night’s sleep is essential. Drinking water continuously during the day will keep you focused and alert. Exercise gives your body the movement it needs and your mind a break from your constant running to do list. Balanced nutrition is key to avoiding the afternoon slump which makes us long for the ability to take a nap. These four steps are universally touted by any reputable health coach or wellness program.
The fifth key to renewable self energy is self renewal. It seems pretty obvious when stated that way and still, some of us may be scratching our heads wondering exactly what that looks like. Self renewal is taking time to invest in activities and experiences which enhance your passion. These may be simple joys like reading, playing an instrument, or traveling. Any way you engage yourself purely for fun and enjoyment replenishes stamina. Think of how you feel at the end of a vacation. Often, we feel very differently than we did at the beginning. We’re more relaxed, happier, less rushed, more present. All of these are very positive benefits to setting time aside for replenishing ourselves.
A few years ago, I worked a job with very long hours and a high-stress, fast paced environment. Decisions were crucial and needed to be executed quickly. After working a 13 hour day, I would head straight to dance class. I would spend an hour or two enjoying the movement and interacting with my classmates. The next day when I returned to work, I was able to bring a better version of myself than when I skipped class to sit in front of the television for an hour. Taking the initiative to carve time out for my own enjoyment was not a selfish act. It was showing kindness to myself and empowering me to be a good employee and co-worker. We are valuable, unique resources and we deserve to invest in strengthening ourselves.
Organization: Renewing Our Energy
Organization is the second part of “The Clean Energy” equation. Ever been in the office of a high level executive? I remember very clearly a job interview I had over a decade ago. I traveled about 300 miles to meet with the department director since the position directly supervising my role was vacant at the time. He was well spoken, professional, and we built a rapport quickly. During the interview, I noticed his office was cluttered and unremarkable. The bookshelves were overloaded and his desktop was a sea of paperwork. He appeared extremely busy, a little harried, and slightly desperate to fill the vacant positions in his department. I sympathized with him because there was an immediacy to hire qualified candidates, so I don’t want to be too harsh in my description of him and his workspace. As our meeting was coming to a close, he asked if I had a few minutes to meet with the Vice President of Communications as I would be working directly with her as well. I agreed and a few minutes later, I was accompanied upstairs to her corner office.
I hope my mouth did not drop open as I walked in to meet her because I was in awe for a moment. I had never come face to face with a high level female executive in her own workspace before this day. Sure, I had seen professional women give talks at conferences and seminars, but this was a more personal setting. First, I noted how she looked perfectly put together. She was wearing a designer suit with perfectly matched shoes, her make-up was flawless, and every strand of her hair was in its proper place. Her smile was warm and welcoming; yet, she exuded power. There was authority in her presence and her office reflected this as well. Her book shelves had a deliberate selection of books as well as carefully displayed awards and memorabilia. Her desk and table were completely clear of paperwork. Her personal items like a coat or purse were out of sight. This was the epitome of organization. This was her everyday reality.
In the end, I was offered the job and accepted. There were many times I was in her office and it always looked just as it did the first day I met her and so did she. The meticulous care she took for herself and her office space were reflected in her work. During my time working with this organization, I spent a lot of time in the offices of directors, vice presidents, and even the president of the company. None of their offices had the energy I found in this one VP’s office. No one else at the organization matched her ability to show up consistently as their best self and she earned a lot of respect for it. Her stamina and organization were unmatched. Her ability to utilize “The Clean Energy” cycle helped her achieve her professional goals.
The spaces we spend our time in carry an energy. Our home and offices can either promote our successes or hinder our growth. Being organized and surrounded by a clutter free environment has a profound influence on our ability to live the life we desire. As you read this, think about your home, your workspace… What do they look like? How do they feel? Are you living with “The Clean Energy”? Are you surrounded by a natural, easily renewable stamina which helps you remain focused on what is most important to you? Does your personal space feed that stamina by providing a neat environment which is easy to work or play in?
“The Clean Energy” is a sustainable cycle. Living your life’s mission is supported by this cycle. Our self care and self renewal is crucial to maintaining our stamina. Stamina is necessary to remain organized. Clutter free spaces where all the necessary contents have a definite place to be are easier to maintain and feed our stamina with positive energy. Work is accomplished more easily in a clean zone giving us more time for self care and self renewal. “The Clean Energy” cycle replenishes itself. If you’re tired of the busy, over cluttered lifestyles we are settling for, then this is an alternative worth exploring.
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