“Find the light that seeks to shine through me and hold on to it” sounds like a wonderful way to spend my day. I got this wisdom from a WhatsApp forward. It had 10 different points and this was just a footnote, but to me it shone through. It seemed to be the single line that sparkled and caught my attention.
I often talk about energy monsters – those people, places, or occasions that deplete me and drain my battery. If possible staying away from them or at least minimising the engagement with these monsters is my strategy to preserve battery life.
It just occurred to me that I should go in search of energy boosters. If life is an online game then I am looking for those bonus boosters that suddenly give me extra powers or even extra lives sometimes. The battle continues or the race as the game may be. Equipped with these special extra powers I can play longer and play better. What does an energy booster look and feel like to me?
Energy booster #1 is respect. An engagement that is rooted in respect is an immediate plus. Meetings that start on time for starters are a great signal to me. Checking in with people as to how they are before running into the agenda is a simple second. Scheduling a meeting after finding a mutually convenient time would be a simple third.
Energy booster #2 is meaningful work. Why am I doing what I am doing? For me the why matters a lot. If I understand the construct and the context I can bring so much value. “Do what you are told. Don’t ask questions.” This is the opposite of an energy booster for me. Clear goals linked to business outcomes are like a breath of fresh air. “Okay, this makes sense. Now how can I create a creative communication solution to address this?” – is an absolute energy booster.
Energy booster #3 is belonging and winning together. Who is my tribe? The gang that I enjoy spending time with? The people who have my back when I need some support? This tribe and how we perform individually and altogether is a powerful energy booster. I love to shine and I want to do well. But not at the cost of others or when the others are not also shining. Each member of the tribe has a different and unique light within them that has to be found and allowed to shine bright.
When we find that inner calling and let it out into the world it’s a wonderful feeling. Helping people and brands and companies find that is what I love to do. The smile that lights up a person’s face when they are living that dream is what motivates me. The stock market lights up to reward a company that has found that ability to express itself in ways that matter to the world. I light up when, I enable others to express themselves.
What light’s you up? Find it, hold on to it and then shine a light on it.
The views and opinions published here belong to the author and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the publisher.
A trusted coaching and communications professional, Nikhil Dey is a certified life and leadership coach (International Coach Federation - ICF). Nurturing talent and helping clients achieve their goals is what makes him happy. He loves learning from students of communication, teaching courses and guest lecturing at various educational institutions. When he is not working you will find him on the tennis court or out for long walks with his family and four legged friends.
Previously he has held senior leadership positions at Weber Shandwick and Genesis BCW.
He can be reached on twitter @deydreaming
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