Life is a delicate balance of choices.

Within each choice, there is either action or inaction.

Although most of the choices we make don’t have a monetary value attached to them, every action requires a form of currency in exchange for them.

The real cost is not money, but rather time and energy.

As we know, time is a nonrenewable resource. It is both fixed and linear. Each of us may have the ability to choose what to do with our time — and perhaps even extend the time we ultimately have (with the choices that we make) — we do not have the ability to stop or slow it down.

Because of this, time is not necessarily the currency we want to optimize – energy is.

Energy is a variable cost that fluctuates based on our activity input and output.

Think of your energy as a precious resource—a currency that you spend throughout the day that is limited by an individual’s total handling capacity.

Every activity you engage in either adds to this currency or depletes it. Just like with money, it's essential to invest your energy wisely to ensure a positive return.

Now, let's imagine two scenarios: the first, where you go on a strenuous hike in the mountains. The second, where you spend a weekend in Las Vegas.

Both of these activities require a good amount of energy to do. However, we don’t want to only consider our energy expenditure (input - or how much we spend on an activity), but also our energy’s rate of return (output - or how much energy we get back).

In scenario one, we might spend a significant amount of our energy hiking up the mountain – exercising for hours and sucking down oxygen. After a long hike, it might take a physical toll on us. However, after the hike is finished you return home feeling refreshed and invigorated.

In scenario two, we are in Vegas, though the energy expenditure may cost less than going on a strenuous hike in the mountains, it still requires energy to plan the trip, book the hotel, get on a plane, go to restaurants, and spend the night wondering the maze-like casino floor amidst loud noises and bustling crowds. When you return home from Vegas you feel exhausted and drained.

We all have choices to make in our lives, and it's crucial to be aware of the impact these choices have on our energy levels.

Activities that give us energy, such as spending time in nature, making time for hobbies that light you up, exploring creative outlets, or engaging in activities that align with our purpose, leave us feeling revitalized and inspired (positive return).

On the other hand, activities that drain our energy, such as mindless distractions, staying in jobs that provide no autonomy or empowerment, spending time in toxic environments, or engaging in tasks we dislike, leave us feeling depleted and unfulfilled (negative return). While these activities may be necessary at times, it's crucial to minimize them and create space for energy-boosting activities.

To audit our energy, is to understand the cost and return of all our choices.

To help with your own energy audit, consider the concept of "energy budgeting." Just as you budget your finances to ensure you have enough for essential expenses and investments, you must allocate your energy to activities that nourish your soul and allow you to maintain a positive energy balance.

To optimize your energy budget, take a closer look at your daily activities. Assess which ones leave you feeling revitalized and which ones leave you feeling drained. Be mindful of how you spend your time and consider making adjustments to prioritize activities that increase your energy reserves.

Creating an energy budget allows you to forecast for future choices, and gives you a sense of confidence knowing that you have enough energy in your tank to take on things that you might not want to do, but you have to do.

At the end of the day, life is too short to spend it in a constant state of depletion and over budget.

By focusing on what excites and energizes you, you create a positive feedback loop where energy begets more energy.

Energy is required for everything we do.

And being conscious enough to allocate your energy towards your priorities is a recipe for success.

Own the Process, 

Tim 

Author of Mastery Monday

Student & Founder