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Work is BYOE: Bring Your Own Energy
We’re all returning to work as the holidays wrap up, and during this time, it’s easy to feel like your energy is pulled in a dozen different directions. That’s why this month we’re exploring the concept of bringing your own energy to work.
BYOE is about making conscious choices about where you invest your time and focus each day. While you can’t always control your workload, you can influence the energy you bring to each action. When we show up to work with our energy well-managed, we set ourselves up for success.
Consider experimenting with these practices to bring your best energy to work:
1. Start With Awareness: Energy ebbs and flows naturally. Some days you’ll feel motivated and focused; other days you won’t…and that’s okay. Awareness allows you to respond thoughtfully rather than pushing through exhaustion on autopilot. When at times of high energy, it’s best to move your more demanding tasks into that moment. We are big fans of the Pomodoro technique, which can help manage your energy if you can identify your high- and low-energy intervals each day.
2. Be Intentional: This practice becomes especially valuable once you’ve identified your daily energy peaks and valleys. Keep in mind that not every task deserves the same level of emotional and mental investment, and BYOE encourages you to be selective about where you focus your effort. As described by the Harvard Business Review, simple rituals can help channel your energy into meaningful actions, allowing you to consistently put your time and attention toward what matters most each day.
3. Reset When Burnout Creeps In: Burnout often builds slowly through chronic stress and overextension. A work reset may be necessary during these times. It can be as simple as taking a genuine lunch break, stepping outside momentarily for some fresh air, or setting aside time on your calendar for uninterrupted focus. These simple actions will prevent energy depletion and restore a sense of control in your day.
4. Choose How You Show Up for Others: Energy is highly transmittable. The energy you bring to meetings and conversations influences those around you more than you might realize. Bringing your own energy means being intentional about the attitude you portray to others. As Thought Leader Lisa O’Neill puts it, “When you bring good energy to work, it affects everyone around you. You become a creator of culture, not just a participant in it.”
5. Align Your Energy with Your Values: When your work feels disconnected from what matters to you, it can drain you quickly. Take time to reflect on what gives your work meaning and look for ways to align your energy with those values. This might involve advocating for projects you care about, reframing tasks in terms of their larger purpose, or having a conversation. Feeling aligned helps your energy feel purposeful rather than forced.
If you’re making any resolutions this year, consider adding energy management to your list. There’s no better time to build a new habit and boundary than at the start of a brand-new year.