Is Lack of Intention Draining Your Energy?

Let's talk about something that drains your energy as a Business Owner.

It's a slow nudge, that becomes a dull pain and gets worse over time.

Whether you're new to business ownership or you've been at it a while, if you're ambitious and driven- you've got ideas out the wah-zoo and a to-do list a mile long.

All those ideas and to-dos can be really energizing. Having lots of "balls in the air" can be exciting, making you feel productive and busy.

Your drive can turn south when you solely focus on doing for the sake of accomplishing a goal and checking a box. Or said another way- doing for the sake of doing, without a bigger intention.

I refer to this way of operating as "running on the hamster wheel". You're doing, doing, doing, (and expanding loads of energy in the process) but you're getting nowhere.

This way of "being" can leave even the highest achievers feeling stagnant, flat, lost and unfulfilled.

By definition, doing without intention can become an emotional toleration that drains your energy and zaps your zest for life AND your business.

If you or someone you know can relate to what I've just described, you're in luck.

I'm going to share the secret ingredient to achieving your goals AND enjoying a more meaningful and fulfilling journey along the way.

Yes, you can have BOTH!

Let's start with a question...

Have you ever thought about WHO you're being, as you're living your life or operating your business?

It bears repeating- many Business Owners are driven to do, do, do. While exciting in the beginning, taking this approach over an extended period of time (oftentimes years) can lead to burn-out.

Bottom line is- there's a better way to DO life.

That secret I mentioned- the secret to achieving your goals AND enjoying a more meaningful and fulfilling journey along the way- it's something I call the WHO Factor.

Of all the personal growth exercises I've engaged in (EVER), this exercise has made the most positive and lasting impact on how I live my life and operate my business, on the daily.

Today, I want to encourage you to think about WHO you want to become, as a result of all this doing.

In his book Atomic Habits, author James Clear talks about this concept: "Once you have a handle on the type of person you want to be, you can begin taking steps to reinforce your desired identity." (steps meaning- create goals and daily tasks that reinforce your WHO Factor)

When you shift from doing to do or accomplish, to doing to become WHO you want to become, you're more likely to stay motivated and inspired. Your actions, while still requiring energy, will feel a little easier, as you feel pulled towards something bigger than the goal itself.

Have you ever accomplished something significant and realized "Is that it? Now what?"

When you're doing is anchored by a bigger intention for WHO you want to be, you experience a deep sense of satisfaction no matter what you're doing- from the most simple, effortless actions to the most grueling, effort-required actions.

You'll find as much value in your journey, as you do in reaching your destination, and you'll achieve something far greater and longer lasting than your goals- a grounding sense of satisfaction and fulfillment.

It's the becoming that matters, not the doing.

To identify your WHO Factor, here's a simple exercise a Coach shared with me years ago.

I repeat this exercise as part of my yearly planning AND revisit it quarterly OR when I’m feeling out of whack. It always helps me re-focus on what I want most (which is, WHO I want to become).

STEPS TO IDENTIFY YOUR WHO FACTOR:

• Pretend a friendly stranger approaches you one YEAR from today. This person has been closely observing you and has keen insight into you and how you behave on a regular basis. (not a creepy observing stranger, more like a caring, guardian angel kind of observer)
• He/she approaches you and says... "Wow, I've seen you grow a lot in the past year into becoming so _________, ________ and _________"
• What would you love to hear the stranger say?
• How would you like to be described?
• Brainstorm on paper (or on a digital notepad) without questioning this initial brain dump.
• Ponder your list for a few days.
• Which words feel good in your gut?
• Then, narrow your list to 1-3 words that excite and/or inspire you.
• These words represent your WHO Factor!

With this newfound clarity on WHO you want to become, ask yourself:

• What is one simple thing I can do every day to become more _________? (insert WHO factor)
• How can I make this one simple thing a daily habit?

Years ago, I remember choosing HAPPY as my word.

I just wanted to be HAPPY. (as do many of my Clients)

What did I do every day? Two things:

1. I had a morning dance party to get my energy up
2. I made a conscious effort to smile more

Guess what- it worked!

Let's be real- I also did a helluva lotta other personal growth "work," too.

However, the WHO Factor was vital to helping me stay motivated and inspired, as I allowed myself to evolve.

I encourage you to take these steps to identify your WHO Factor, then start taking simple, consistent action towards becoming WHO you want to become.

My hope is that this WHO Factor exercise is like any knowledge gained in life or business- once you know, you know. And with this newfound knowledge, you can intentionally design your way of "being" to bypass the potential burn-out.