Leadership energy

There is classic mexican proverb that says ‘Whats down in the well, comes up in the bucket’

Many of us, especially at this time of year, could do with a whole heap load more of energy. Our own ‘energy wells’ are depleted leaving us little to draw from. Rather than make new years resolutions that fade away into oblivion, why not rather focus on keeping our energy wells full during 2010? Energy can be broken down into 4 key areas - physical, mental, emotional and spiritual. 2009 has dished out what has been an emotionally & mentally draining year for many. Given these wells are all connected some might find that it has impacted on their physical and spiritual lives as well. So break it down. Which areas need attention? What do you need to do differently in 2010? Each well can be filled with activities that range from 2 minutes to a weekend, but the key is to focus on them daily! Nutrition, sleep, exercise fill the physical. Healthy relationships, positive thoughts fill the emotional well. Learning about something you love fills the mental well. Prayer, walks on the beach, quite time fill the spiritual well. Or find an activity that works across the board, like surfing does for me!

The point is, if you do not fill the well there is nothing to draw from. Unfortunately it is human nature to wait for a crisis before we make a change, but so often it is to late. Energy is not a luxury, it is a necessity. May you be strong enough to put yourself first so that you may contribute not just time, but energy to your families, businesses and ultimately to the world.

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Travis Gale has spent the last 5 years running his own development business in South Africa’s corporate world and is currently involved in various long term partnerships with clients across a number of industries. Furthermore he has travelled to conferences internationally hunting down latest trends and insights. Having cycled around the world and survived a tsunami, his passion for crossing borders often lends itself to an interesting blend of stories and insight. He sees himself as a ‘change catalyst’ and displays strength in facilitating insight into the right spaces. Find out more at www.appletreelive.com

2010 Questions

It seems everyone’s heads are in 2011 already. That end of year feeling! I have picked up on various conversations about next year and the expectations that people have for it. Part of setting up a great 2011 is about finishing 2010 well. Do we simply kiss it goodbye and relax now until the next years starts?

I am a firm believer in the power of the right questions.  Many of us look for answers, but few sit down and think about the right questions to ask. Questions have the uncanny knack to open up possibilities, to get us thinking out the box and perhaps break down the limitations we put on ourselves.

Perhaps a great way to end this year would be to ask yourselves some good questions. At least commit some time to jot down some thoughts about 2010 which could really support a strong transition into 2011.

Use these as a guide:

What energised me the most during 2010?
Which relationships have been my most effective this year? Why?
Which relationships put my under the most pressure? Why?
What strengths did I see in myself during 2010?
Under which conditions in my professional capacity did I see myself thrive?
What were some of my barriers to success this year?
What did I avoid doing that I know I most needed to do?
What did I do that surprised me?
What ideas or concepts that I thought about really resonated with me?
Who inspired me this past year?
What can I do to finish off this year well?

All the best with finishing this year well!
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Travis Gale has spent the last 5 years running his own development business in South Africa’s corporate world and is currently involved in various long term partnerships with clients across a number of industries. Furthermore he has travelled to conferences internationally hunting down latest trends and insights. Having cycled around the world and survived a tsunami, his passion for crossing borders often lends itself to an interesting blend of stories and insight. He sees himself as a ‘change catalyst’ and displays strength in facilitating insight into the right spaces. Find out more at www.appletreelive.com