Feeling Constantly Drained? Here’s Why Motivation Isn’t the Answer

Very few conversations focus on energy.

Energy is not something abstract. It is our driving force. It is the capacity to focus, to decide clearly, to stay present without overwhelm and to do physical tasks. When energy is depleted even the easiest task can feel overwhelming.

The smart choice then is to rest and regenerate energy.

However, in the world of overperforming we do this day in and day out. We wake up at 5am to hit the gym, then we work an 8-hour work day... in the evening there’s time for family with the bits of energy that’s still left. That’s how we can live until we hit 40ties. Sustainable? No. But doable. For now.

When 40ties come energy levels naturally decline. If you’ve been able to do this kind of hamster wheel for two decades, now it starts to feel a bit more challenging, because afternoons often start to feel more like nap time.

Did you know that the 1^st sign of energy depletion is drop in creativity? If you recognize yourself somewhere in between these lines, read on, there’s more.

Motivation isn’t the answer.

We perform, lose our boundaries and carry the weight of obligation. But body speaks long before big health problems start and physical energy visibly declines. It is essential to listen to your body. A full body “Yes” is like a big, green “Go ahead” light for you. But how do you come feel it? You have to come back to your center. Do what excites you. Find at least a few minutes a day to do something for you… something that says “FUN” all over it. That’s how you reconnect with your body! Whatever the activity, find the one that lights you up from the inside! And this works for everyone.

In Human Design system we look at every energetic center in our bodies. For example, a person with undefined root center will feel big pressure to finish the task right now, because they want that pressure off their shoulders. For them pressure = urgency. Sometimes it is ok to follow this feeling of urgency, but most of the time - no. Rushed performance can lead to a sloppy finish. For a Generator with a defined sacral center, it is important to listen to their sacral center – does the body say “Yes” on finishing the task now or is it better to take a break and get rid of adrenaline and then return to it?

Undefined root center doesn’t like pressure, deadlines and adrenaline. Any center that is undefined takes the energy from the outside world and amplifies it inside. Root – takes the outside pressure and amplifies it into sense of urgency and stress in the body. My advice is – STOP! Breathe and feel… Let the energy of pressure rush through your body. Give yourself a few minutes to absorb this through your breath – deep inhales and exhales. If necessary, do some shaking exercises that naturally relieve stress and adrenaline rush. Calm your body and then ask yourself – is this the time to finish this task? Do I have the energy and inspiration to do it? If the answer is “Yes”, go ahead and do it. Otherwise just do something else that will help you build up the inspiration to finish the task.

Remember - whenever you override your true energy, you leak it. Part of your energy reserves, besides the ones used for completion of the task, are required to fight the inner “No”. When your energy is in alignment, you finish faster and allow for less mistakes. When starting to recognize how your energy works so many things become easier and life naturally aligns. With the right energy you attract the right things and experiences in your life and with time you feel your body much better and recognize the response instantly.

Does this sound like you? How do you respond — rush through it, or pause and check in with your energy? Comment below. I’d love to hear your experiences.