Pause for a moment to consider the most valuable asset in your possession. It may not be what you think. Perhaps you own a house that has appreciated significantly over the years or a 401K balance that would be the envy of many. Yet neither is your most valuable asset.
What if I told you that you spend from this asset every day? You carry it with you at all times, and everyone wants it—even people you don’t know. Lean closer. It’s your energy.
Without your energy, none of your other assets would matter. More importantly, your energy affects not just you but everyone and everything around you. Why?
Because every thought, word, action, and decision consumes a portion of this finite resource. And here’s the key: behavior is how societies function, and controlling behavior is how influence is exerted and maintained.
Let’s consider some examples:
A spouse asks their partner to complete a chore.
An employer requests an employee stay late to finish a task that isn’t due for several days.
A neighbor confronts someone for replacing their lawn with a pollinator garden.
Social media posts provoke feelings of anger or anxiety about topics you wish would disappear.
A politician vilifies a group of people, claiming they’re a threat without evidence.
An automated call warns that a late car payment will lead to impoundment unless multiple payments and fees are made immediately.
In each case, someone or something drains your energy. This resource—not money or material possessions—is the “be-all and end-all” of value. If completely exhausted, you’re left with nothing.
Protecting and managing your energy is essential. Yet, in an ultra-connected world, this is increasingly challenging. Phone calls, texts, social media, alarms, emails, and interactions with family, coworkers, and neighbors bombard us daily. Yelling, “Stop the world, I want to get off!” doesn’t work. So what can we do?
Be the Guardian of Your Energy
Managing your energy requires conscious effort. Responsibility and love often drive us to act, but fear has become a dominant motivator. We worry about the consequences of not acting, and this anxiety drains us further.
Here are practical strategies to protect your energy:
Set Boundaries:
Organize your tasks with a planner.
Be proactive and address issues before deadlines.
Communicate Effectively:
Approach potential conflicts with positivity. For example, if you’re creating a pollinator garden, share your enthusiasm with neighbors upfront: “I’m replacing a strip of grass with native plants to support pollinators. It will look beautiful and help the environment. I’m excited to show you the results!” This reframes the narrative and reduces potential friction.
Be Selective with Social Media:
Limit your time and avoid “doom scrolling.”
Foster Productive Conversations:
Engage with like-minded individuals on issues you care about.
Stop Fear from Stealing Your Energy:
Recognize that many media outlets and politicians thrive by instilling fear. They gain relevance by making us anxious and reactive.
Fear as the Ultimate Energy Thief
Today’s political and media landscape often prioritizes visibility over substance. Politicians and influencers bombard us with posts and appearances, fueling anxiety and fear to maintain control. But this constant engagement drains our collective energy and undermines societal function.
To reclaim control, shift your focus to meaningful, in-person interactions. Limit the energy you allow strangers and systems to take from you. Replace fear-driven narratives with heartfelt, productive communication. As individuals take back their energy, society can function more effectively.
Your Energy is Everything
Every decision and interaction impacts your energy. Protect it as the precious resource it is. By doing so, you’ll enhance your well-being and contribute to a healthier, more balanced society.
By Joe Castagliola, Democracy Is Us Council Member
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