If you want to succeed in life but often feel low energy, say goodbye to these 7 habits

Ethan Sterling by Ethan Sterling | November 6, 2024, 9:30 pm

Ever heard the saying “you’re only as good as your energy”?

Well, it’s true.

To really thrive in life, you need an abundance of vitality. It’s the fuel that powers your dreams, your ambitions, and your everyday productivity. But what if you constantly feel like you’re running on empty?

See, the problem might not be a lack of energy but the habits that are sucking it dry.

So if you’re often left wondering, “Why do I feel so drained all the time?”, maybe it’s time to evaluate your daily habits.

Stay tuned as we uncover seven energy-zapping habits you might be guilty of – the ones that could be blocking your path to success.

Remember: The first step to change is awareness. With this understanding in place, we’ll help you reclaim your vigor and set yourself up for success. Let’s dive right in!

1) You’re skimping on sleep

Let’s start with an obvious one.

Are you getting enough sleep?

Now, I know. It’s tempting to cut corners on sleep, especially when you’re chasing big goals. But here’s the thing.

Sleep is not a luxury. It’s a necessity.

When you don’t get enough of it, your body suffers. Your brain suffers. Your energy levels take a nosedive. And so does your potential for success.

Skimping on sleep is like trying to run a marathon with a backpack full of bricks. It slows you down and drains your energy faster than anything else.

So check your sleep habits. Are you getting 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night? If not, it’s time for a change.

Let go of late-night Netflix binges and embrace a consistent bedtime routine. Trust me, your future successful self will thank you for it.

2) You’re not prioritizing physical activity

I’ll confess. This was a real game-changer for me.

Rewind a few years back, and you’d find me glued to my desk, working round the clock. I thought I was on the fast-track to success. But all I was fast-tracking was my way to burnout.

My energy levels were at an all-time low, and my productivity was suffering. It took me a while to realize that my sedentary lifestyle was to blame.

You see, physical activity is like a natural energy booster. It gets your blood pumping, releases endorphins (the feel-good hormones), and helps you stay focused and alert.

So I made a change.

I started with just 15 minutes of exercise every day. Just a quick jog around the block. Nothing fancy. But the difference it made was astonishing.

Now, I’m not saying you need to become a gym rat overnight. Start small. Take a walk during your lunch break. Do some stretches in the morning. Every bit counts.

Remember: A healthy body fosters a healthy mind—an energetic mind primed for success.

3) You’re fueling your body with junk

Ouch, this one can sting a bit, can’t it?

We’ve all been there. That mid-afternoon slump hits and we reach for a sugary pick-me-up. A quick fix. A momentary lift. But it’s just that: momentary.

The truth is, what we put into our bodies plays a significant role in our energy levels.

Think about it – you wouldn’t put the wrong fuel in your car and expect it to run smoothly, would you? It’s the same with our bodies.

I’m not saying you need to go on a strict diet or cut out all your favorite foods (I mean, life without an occasional pizza? No thank you!). But it’s about balance.

If you’re constantly feeling low on energy, take a look at what’s on your plate. Are you getting enough fruits, vegetables, proteins, and whole grains?

These are your body’s building blocks, the fuel that keeps your engine running smoothly.

Make sure you’re giving your body what it needs to keep you energized and ready for success. And that also involves the right type of liquids…

4) You’re neglecting hydration

Here’s a simple question.

How much water are you drinking every day?

It’s easy to underestimate the power of hydration. But let me tell you, it’s a game-changer.

Remember that our bodies are made up of about 60% water. It’s involved in almost every bodily function. When we’re dehydrated, even a little, our energy can slump.

I experienced this first-hand. I’d get busy, forget to drink water, and by mid-afternoon, I’d feel like I was trudging through quicksand.

When I started making a conscious effort to drink more water throughout the day, everything shifted. My energy went up. My focus improved. I felt better overall.

So, grab that water bottle and get sipping. Your body (and your energy levels) will reward you for it.

5) You’re overloading yourself with tasks

Did you know that our brains are not designed for multitasking?

Despite popular belief, trying to juggle multiple tasks at once can actually decrease productivity and zap your energy faster than you can say “overload”.

It’s like trying to keep a dozen balls in the air at once. Sooner or later, they’re all going to come crashing down.

I get it, we all have busy lives. There’s always something to do, somewhere to be. But constantly running at full speed without giving yourself a chance to catch your breath is a recipe for burnout.

Start by prioritizing your tasks. Focus on one thing at a time.

It might seem like you’re slowing down, but you’ll actually be accomplishing more. And most importantly, you’ll be conserving your energy for the things that really matter on your road to success.

6) You’re being too hard on yourself

Let’s take a moment to breathe here.

Success is a journey. It’s not a race, and it’s certainly not about being perfect.

We all have those days when we stumble, when things don’t go according to plan. It happens. It’s part of being human.

But if you’re constantly berating yourself for every small mistake, that’s an energy-draining habit you need to kick to the curb.

You see, every time you engage in negative self-talk, you’re taking away a piece of your own power and energy.

So the next time things go awry, instead of beating yourself up, extend the same kindness to yourself that you would to a friend.

Remember, you’re doing the best you can with what you have. And that’s more than enough.

This simple shift in mindset can work wonders for your energy levels and set you up for sustainable success. Being hard on ourselves, we forget the most basic thing making up our well-being…

7) You’re forgetting to recharge

You’re not a machine. You can’t run non-stop without taking time to recharge.

Investing time in self-care isn’t selfish or unproductive. It’s essential.

Whether it’s taking a walk in nature, reading a book, meditating, or simply sitting quietly with a cup of tea, find what rejuvenates you and make it a non-negotiable part of your routine.

This isn’t just about relaxation. It’s about giving your mind and body the downtime they need to replenish energy.

In doing so, you’ll be better equipped to tackle the challenges that come your way on the path to success, without running out of steam.

Final thoughts

If these habits strike a chord, know that you’re not alone.

The good news? You have the power to change.

Remember, self-awareness is the first step towards transformation. Start by recognizing which of these habits you’re guilty of. Then, consciously work on breaking them one by one.

It’s not about overnight success but consistent effort. Old habits do die hard, but they can be replaced with healthier ones that boost your energy and set the stage for achievement.

Ask yourself: what steps can I take today towards better energy management? Do I need more sleep, healthier food, more water? How can I better prioritize my tasks or treat myself with kindness?

Each small change is a step towards a more energetic, successful you.

Be patient with yourself. Change takes time. But with every new day, you have a fresh opportunity to make choices that serve your well-being and success.

So here’s to breaking old habits, boosting our energy, and embracing success in all its forms. After all, you deserve nothing less.