Kiss and put on the ground, the stone which you cannot carry.

~ an Afghan saying

Energy management is an indispensable key to success. Once again, I turn to my horses for this life lesson. Endurance racing is an equestrian sport similar to ultra-marathons, and optimizing energy use is critical.

Horses, like humans, have a finite amount of energy each day. Therefore, wasting as little of it as possible is essential to a successful race. To assist me in understanding how to optimize my horses’ stamina, I imagine a big ball of energy, like a giant sun. As energy is expended, the ball shrinks. As it decreases, the loss is irreplaceable for the day. The goal is to have as much energy left at the end of the race as possible.

Fine-tuning the ability to conserve energy, extend and amplify performance is critical to the horses’ success. Not surprisingly,  it is the same with humans; everything matters.

6 Ways to Optimize Energy

1. Identify where we lose energy. We think success is accomplished by rushing around and filling our agendas with activities we may or may not complete; in contrast, others prefer procrastination, waiting until the last moment to become hyperproductive. Yet, we come away with the same feeling, worn out, out of steam, and wanting more energy to get things done, unaware that we have done this to ourselves.

Riding long distances, everything matters. I use the tiniest amount of pressure to communicate with my horse; it saves my energy and theirs from having to react to an over-correction.

The same is in life. Be concise with your words; your actions, reactions, and movements cease an unnecessary energy drain.

2. Live in the here and Now. If 25% of our energy is spent living in the past and 25% in the future, it leaves only 50% for today. We waste energy by holding onto things that have already happened, or we worry about things that have not come to pass. The power of the present is the only time we can progress toward any accomplishment.

3. Control Reactions. Emotional outbursts, such as screaming, resentment, and anger, deplete our energy. Controlling our reactions benefits the optimization of our energy and allows us to communicate in a manner that can be heard. In addition, our adrenals become taxed, causing fatigue when we have emotional stressors. So before you speak something that cannot be taken back, take a deep breath.

4. Pace Yourself. Just as driving erratically, speeding, and slamming on the break uses more fuel,  running to and fro and spinning our wheels also wastes energy. With horses traveling at an even pace, utilizing the terrain to our advantage is a way to conserve the ball of energy. My mantra as I ride is to be like a metronome.

We must look at ways to support our effort and our performance. We can do too little, and we can do too much. Learn to find balance. Life is a long endurance ride, not a sprint to the finish line.

5. Stop Procrastinating. The weight of procrastination siphons energy daily. Thoughts and worry are like a weight we drag around or a dark cloud hanging over our heads. Make the phone call, address the unresolved issue, finish the task, and face whatever you put off. It will lighten you up and make room for other things to fill your life

6. Take Care of your own needs. Eat well, sleep enough, and take it easy with caffeine and alcohol. Refrain from stress eating sugars and carbs because your energy is low. Instead, learn to meditate or take a walk and breathe. It’s a win-win. You will feel better, effortlessly increasing your power and well-being.

Letting go is understanding and enjoying the pace of our journeys. Let Go of all which is unnecessary and find freedom in the idea that less can bring more. You will reach the finish line full of spirit and ready for the next adventure life has in store for you.

“Most people never run far enough on their first wind to find out they’ve got a second. Give your dreams all you’ve got and you’ll be amazed at the energy that comes out of you.”

~William James