Stop Choosing Between "On" and "Off"

I recently had the pleasure of presenting to a group of CEOs of mid-sized companies in the area. We talked about stress and the nervous system, emotions and tools to regulate stress. One of the participants said, “I can’t be content because nothing would get done.” Another one said, “If I’m not constantly on, I’m bored."

Through our discussions, I realized that they, like many people from all walks of life, had come to mistakenly believe that they only have 2 options:

1- be on = productive, achieving, performing, forcing, moving, getting things done, pressured

2- be off = unproductive, slow, lazy, bored, ineffective, useless

Many people mistakenly believe that we are like a light switch, either on or off. 

And of course, if these are our only options, you are most likely going to choose “on”! 

“On” is socially acceptable. “On” is applauded, praised. “On” is the only way to keep going.

The problem is, “on” is also not sustainable. Being “on” is energy depleting. And you only have so much energy. Once that energy is spent, the system will go into energy conservation mode and flip to “off”. This is experienced as fatigue, lack of motivation, withdrawal, slower thinking, and emotional flatness. This is a biological protective response.

But “off”…that’s not acceptable. “Off” is unthinkable.

So we try to avoid “off” at all costs. We push harder. We force ourselves more. We shame and criticize our own lack of motivation in hopes it motivates us to keep going, to stay “on”.

However, “off” is where they say rest and renewal happen…but “off” is not really an appealing option. 

What are we to do? We only have 2 options!

What if I told you that there are actually 4 options? What if I told you that feeling renewed doesn’t have to come at the expense of effectiveness? What if I told you that there are emotional states that renew your energy AND improve your performance?

Here are your 4 options:

1- High-energy depletion : pressure, urgency, anxiety

2- Low-energy depletion : withdrawal, shutdown, exhaustion 

3- Low-energy renewal : ease, calm, restoration

4- High-energy renewal : engagement, passion, purpose

Imagine feeling active and centred at the same time. Energized and clear-headed. Calm yet alert. This happens when you are in the state of high-energy renewal.

A common misconception is that all stress regulation strategies are about slowing down, taking bubble baths and laying on the couch.

This isn’t true!

There are ways to regulate stress and still be productive, high-performing, and engaged - in the boardroom, on the farm, and with the kids. 

But most people have never been shown how to access those states intentionally.

If this resonates, you don’t have to figure it out on your own.

I offer a free discovery call where we can look at where you’re currently operating and what it would take to feel both effective and renewed.

You can book a time here.