When we are exhausted, typically we feel out of energy. In the first skill of the Empathy Decathlon, we talk the types of energy you have and how exhaustion manifests itself.

Some examples of the four types of energy + exhaustion:

• A marathon can be physically exhausting

• Multitasking can be mentally exhausting

• Being empathetic towards others can be emotionally exhausting

• Doing unfulfilling work can be spiritually exhausting.

Each of these areas don't have to be exhausting if we take the time to practice cultivating and maintaining them.

Very few people get up from their couch, walk out the door, and say to themselves, "You know, today seems like a great day to run a marathon." Those other than Forest Gump PRACTICE running before attempting a marathon.

The first step:

Realize that you need a practice that helps you cultivate and maintain mental, emotional, and spiritual energy.

This perspective on energy is based on the work by Tony Schwartz, and his company, The Energy Project.

Originally posted on LinkedIn