How to Find Vitality when You Feel Down
Your deadliest enemy smiles in your face and bleeds you dry slowly. You don’t notice until one morning you’re drained.
7 dangers of low vitality:
- Confidence is low.
- People are irritating.
- Small problems overwhelm.
- Goals are one more frustration.
- Isolation feels better than communication.
- Personal development goes out the window.
- Quitting seems like the only option, but you have bills to pay.
Restore vitality:
A week off isn’t the answer when work constantly drains you. The weekend won’t help.
#1. Notice discouragement.
Honesty brings vitality.
Find vitality by admitting you don’t have it. You’ve been pushing too long.
Don’t lie to yourself. Look in the mirror and speak the truth. Say, “I’m constantly drained.” Say, “I wonder if it’s worth it.”
#2. Remember why.
Purpose is vitality.
Why did you take this job? Sure, it’s not what you expected, jobs never are. Are you putting food on the table? Are you working to make a difference for people?
Remember that purpose serves others. If you’re in it for yourself and that’s it, expect to be drained.
Image by Christine Sponchia from Pixabay
#3. Extend trust.
Trust increases vitality.
Distrust drains people.
Defeat distrust by building trust:
- Apologize. You aren’t so magnificent as to never offend. Perhaps you’re negative when you should be affirming.
- Speak openly. Avoid secrets. Transparency defeats distrust.
- Own hard truths. The enemy of vitality smiles at avoidance. You can’t trust leaders who make light of difficult situations.
Project:
Make a list of things that usually energize you. Rank them by how rewarding they feel. Choose something from your list to do today.
Conclusion:
Don’t beat yourself down because you feel discouraged. Make a few small changes and press on.
“How can you tell if a person needs encouragement? If that person is breathing.” S. Truett Cathy
What are some ways to navigate discouragement?
Which of the ideas in this post do you find useful?
Still curious:
5 Ways to Manage Emotions that Distort Perception
22 Powerful ways to Overcome Discouragement
10 Things to Do When You’re Feeling Discouraged in Your Career
“Truly great book. A concise account of honesty, humility, and congruence. These are the best gifts this book offers to readers!” Reader’s comment after finishing our new book, The Vagrant: The Inner Journey of Leadership.
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Such a timely reminder for me right now. Great advice, as always.
Thanks Erin. I wish you well on the journey. Vitality is the difference between enjoyment and drudgery.
I’m struck by how kindness comes through today’s post even though it’s such a hard-hitting face-reality topic.
Peggy Lynn
So glad you feel that, macisaac. I enjoy being direct. A little kindness makes a big difference.
Wow, I really needed to do this today. Yesterday was tough. I was feeling burned out and a little overwhelmed. Your message in this blog is perfect for what I need. Thank you my friend.
What a pleasure it is to be of service. I wish you well
Love the final quote by S. Truett Cathy, such a great reminder to encourage others always and everywhere.
Thanks Glen. That’s one of the quotes you can hear around the campus of Chic Fil A. He had a big impact on people.
Your words replinish and give hope to dry hard days – apprecaite you
Thanks Scott. Ah… a little sip of water. How sweet it is when we feel dry. Glad you found something useful here today. I appreciate you.
This could not have been better timed, Dan. I seem to be dragging along on my career path. It’s just the advice I needed to energize and direct me. Thanks!
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