ASK THE COACH
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Do You Need a "Life Makeover"?
By Dr. Ray Angelini
The Saratogian
May 2, 2002
Dear Dr. Ray,
Recently I have been struggling with finding my usual energy and enthusiasm for my work and my life. What would you recommend in terms of regaining my normal energy and enthusiasm?
— Dragging in Delmar
Dear Dragging,
When I work with clients in your situation, I usually begin by helping them explore and identify things in their lives that are draining their energy. By eliminating people, places, and things in your life that are drains, you will begin to feel emotionally and physically liberated. As a result, you will undoubtedly feel renewed and have more energy for your life and your work.
There are many things that tend to drain our energy. For some it is clutter. For others, is it unfinished work, and for still others, it is unpaid bills. Once you directly address these energy drains, you will automatically free up energy to be used for more productive things.
When you finally deal with things that cause you anxiety and stress, you will undoubtedly realize a dramatic positive impact on your life. Most of us don't recognize the enormous amounts of energy that anxiety and stress use up.
Cheryl Richardson, in her book Life Makeovers, suggests asking the following questions in order to identify potential energy drains in you life:
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Is there a phone call I need to make or a conversation I need to have that I keep avoiding?
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Have I said yes to a commitment that I now regret?
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Am I involved in a project that no longer holds my interest?
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Is there something I'm doing that I know should be delegated to someone else?
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Am I pursuing a goal that no longer makes sense?
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Am I holding on to something in my home or office that represents a difficult time in my life or that keeps me attached to the past?
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Am I dealing with a sick child or aging parent alone?
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If you can answer "yes" to these questions, you likely have a significant energy drain in your life. It's like trying to fill a bucket full of water that has a hole in the bottom. You will never fill your bucket!
In the same way, energy drains prevent us from leading fulfilling lives. The sooner you plug the drains, the sooner you will begin feeling more energized. So begin today to start addressing those people, places, and things that steal your energy. Once you do, you will not only feel energized, but you will also begin to attract more of who and what you want into your life.
