You have probably heard the term “Being In The Zone” in terms of athletic competitions. This is a unique place where an athlete goes to mentally and physically in order to get the optimal performance needed to win a competition. When an athlete is in the zone nothing can stop his focus and his exhilaration during the process and in the utter joy of its competition.
To manage our energy, we need to find a place where the “pace is just right and we perform at our best. This is called “Being In The Zone”. When we are in “OUR OWN ZONE” we are most productive, creative, unstressed, happy, and productive and so on
When we operate above the zone we experience all types of difficulties, such as: stress and frustration, then anxiety and finally burnout. Once we are at this level we are overwhelmed. We stop in our tracks and we cannot move one more step. We are shut down. What would happen here if we just stepped back and let something or several items go? Would be regain the vitality we are missing?
When we are in the zone, you are functioning at your best you are firing on all cylinders. You are not stressed, you are going with the flow of work naturally, you are productive and self-assured. Challenges may arise, but you are not overwhelmed. You continue to be motivated and able to roll with problems as they arise. You are a forward moving individual able to see the results of a productive day and have something left over for home and those you love.
When we are below the zone here’s what you will notice; we first experience boredom, next apathy, and finally depression. You feel useless and you are just going through the motions in life; your self-esteem plumets because you are no longer a contributor. What would happen if we looked at those who exhibit these behaviors in this manner? Would their countenance rise and demeanor change if they were kicked up a few notches?
Finally, protecting and replenishing your emotional energy, your physical energy and relational energy is critical for everyone.
Mira Kirshenbaum said: “first you plug the leaks: learn to recognize what drains your energy, life situations, toxic people, or habits such as worry, indecision or guilt. Second, you identify what fills your tank – pleasure, solitude, anticipation, or fun – and give yourself a healthy dose of it.”
I was first introduced to the concept of the “Love Tank” when our first child went to preschool. It was a new term to me. But, instantly before the explanation was given I already knew what it meant. Much later on I begin to read about this concept in new packaging and how it related to adults, children, teens, men, and women.
Here’s the bottom line here: We are vessels. When we give out more than we take in we dry up. Regular deposits need to be made into our vessel in order for us to overflow and have something to give back. Think about that. Whose “love tank” do you need to make a deposit to? How will get your next deposit and whom will it come from?
