Volume 2, Issue 4

The last issue of "Beyond Success" looked at the trade offs some individuals make in allowing adrenaline to be their primary energy source. This issue, as promised, looks at strategies for managing adrenaline addiction. But whether you find adrenaline to be a small contributor to your energy pattern, or indeed to be the pattern itself, the following strategies offer ways of building focus and creating energy for yourself.

Beyond Success Newsletter

Build Focus and Energy - Steps to Stop the Adrenaline Pattern

by Trish Pratt

When deciding to change something about yourself, the first step is to gain a full understanding of what it is you would like to change. For example, you may know that you are 20 pounds heavier than you want to be, but gaining an understanding of why you have that extra weight and the pattern that supports this weight, is often the key to changing the pattern and losing the weight. The first step in changing an adrenaline habit, is to understand your energy pattern.

Consider the time frame or time component of your pattern. Notice if your pattern is one of being in high energy for a few weeks at a time-- or maybe only a few hours or days at a time. Does the time frame vary depending on the motivating factors of the pattern? For example, it may be that the end of the month is when you need to submit reports to your manager and so it's the last week of the month that finds you moving at 90 miles per hour with no time to breathe. And then the first week of the month is a period of low focus and low energy as your need to recuperate takes control.

In looking at the time component of your pattern, note how the typical "down time" is for you. For some individuals, the low-energy periods of their pattern are periods of low motivation, fatigue or a lack of focus. Sometimes this period is even more severe, closer to exhaustion or depression. The length and intensity of these low periods is often dependant on the length and intensity of the "high energy" period you have just come through. If you've been pushing yourself hard for a few months as you've worked tirelessly to put together an important deal, you may spend a reciprical amount of time in recovery mode feeling a lack of focus and energy. Other contributing factors to these low periods are physical health issues, dietary issues, as well as psychiological and emotional factors. Should you have any questions or concerns about your down times, or find that you are struggling to cope with the length or depth of them, consider getting professional support.

It's also important to look at what is motivating you. It may be fear, such as the fear of losing a job or business, the thought of angering a spouse or boss, etc. On the other hand, maybe it is competition or a driving need for a promotion, recognition, or acknowledgement that spurs you into action. It may seem reasonable that these things are motivators for you, but it may be an "adrenaline" habit if this motivation only "kicks in" in the nick of time. This may explain why you are often running late for an appointment, not working on that account until it seems it may be lost, not communicating with your spouse until you realize you may be facing a serious argument, etc.

Once you have an understanding of your particular "adrenaline" pattern, you can begin to make small changes to support you in shifting into more sustained energy and therefore more consistant focus.

Change the Pattern

  1. Begin to allow yourself extra time to get to an appointment or meeting. This may take planning to arrive early and/or noticing what gets in your way of making this happen. Changing energy habits does not often happen without focus, practice and attention to the specifics of your pattern. The understanding of how and why your adrenaline habit exists and the trade-offs you are being left with, will support you in making the small changes that can build into a new pattern.
  2. Find activities to renew your energy. Notice the things in life that nurture you and renew your energy. It may be that your hobbies (golf, gardening, reading, etc) are a source for healthy, more sustained energy. It may be that you simply need time to sit still, meditate or go for a walk. These new sources may not give you the rush of your old adrenaline pattern, but will also not drop you off the end of a cliff when the energy fades.
  3. Build these energy-renewing activities into your schedule. Whether this is a regularly-scheduled yoga class, walking routine, time for reading, or unscheduled morning, give this activity the priority "you" deserve in your schedule. It may take time, but you'll begin to notice fewer ups and downs in your life. You will likely discover that with less rushing, you are actually getting more done. And more importantly, you'll feel more in control of your life.
  4. Strengthen your personal foundation. Find ways to build time and energy into your life. Find ways to create reserves for yourself and reduce energy drains. The next newsletter will focus on just this topic -- Building a strong foundation.

Wishing you success and fulfillment,
- Trish

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About Trish

Trish Pratt is a professional certified coach and consultant. She is also a certified PaperRoom coach trained in pattern recognition (see www.momentumcoaching.com/paperroom.html for more details). Trish helps managers and other professionals bring their best clarity, communication and leadership to their work. She does this with one-on-one coaching, training/workshops, and through articles she writes. Contact Trish today for a complimentary consultation at: 978-298-5561 or via email at: trish@momentumcoaching.com.

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