In life there are all kinds of emotions, places people and events that can just "suck the life" out of us. Most of the time, we just accept these things for what they are and move on. But when we spend more days feeling drained and defeated it is time to start thinking about what we can do to eliminate some of these things from our lives. Before we can make a change we must identify the problem areas. Here is a quick exercise to help you find out the key energy drainers in your life.
On a blank sheet of paper, list the energy-drainers in your life. List four or five items in each category.
1. Energy-draining People
2. Energy-draining Emotions
3. Energy-drainers at Work
4. Energy-drainers at Home
5. Other Energy-drainers
When you have completed your lists, go back and put a letter in the space at the left of each energy draining item. Write an "O" for all those that you can overlook. Write an "A" by the items that need you to take some action.
On a new sheet of paper, list some actions you can take to reduce the energy-drainers marked with A’s. Before taking action on any of these items, take a good long look at the situation and ask yourself why this is an energy drainer. Is the reason something that you can change by yourself? Does it stem from a negative attitude on your part? Can you take action withou injuring others? Sometimes our energy drainers can change simply by changing our own attitude toward the person or situation, other times real action is required to improve the situation. Your actions may include; talking to someone about an issue, limiting contact with certain individuals and may even may call for drastic actions like changing jobs, churches or other affiliations. Consider your actions carefully, and seek the advice of a friend or trusted advisor.