Unlock Career Clarity Through Energy Leadership: A Guide for Mid-Life Women
Hey there, my amazing midlife ladies!
It's Dawn LaRae here, and I'm so excited to chat with you today about something that's been an absolute game-changer for me and the incredible women I work with. We're diving into the world of Energy Leadership and how it can help you not only stand in the power you bring to the table but also find that career clarity you've been searching for.
Now, I know what you might be thinking. "Dawn, what in the world does energy have to do with my career?" Trust me, I had the same question when I first studied this concept at IPEC, my coach training school. But let me tell you, it's been nothing short of revolutionary in my own life and in the lives of my clients.
Let's Talk About Energy and Career Clarity
Picture this: It's Monday morning. Some days, you bounce out of bed, ready to take on the world. Other days... well, let's just say the snooze button gets a workout. And then there are other days, you may have a few choice words for your alarm clock. Sound familiar? That’s your energy at work!
Now, imagine if you could harness that "I can conquer the world" energy on a regular cadence and apply it to your career. That's what Energy Leadership is all about, and it's a powerful tool for finding clarity in your professional life.
What is Energy Leadership Anyway?
Okay, let's break it down. Energy Leadership is all about recognizing and consciously shifting the energy you bring to any situation if this is what you choose to do. The key is knowing that we are always in choice. There are seven distinct levels of energy, ranging from super draining (we call that catabolic) to incredibly energizing (that's anabolic).
Here's a quick rundown of these levels and how they might show up in your career:
Victim: "I'm stuck in this job and there's nothing I can do about it."
Conflict: "It's us vs. them in this workplace, and I need to fight to get ahead."
Rationalization: "My job isn't great, but it isn’t horrible either and at least it pays the bills."
Care: "I could never leave this career, I have too many people relying on me."
Reconciliation: "The career opportunities at this point in my life are endless. I can’t wait to figure out my next career chapter!"
Synthesis: "I feel like I’m always in flow, creating new opportunities and inspiring others along the way."
Non-judgment: "I'm fully present in each moment and can see perfection in all situations."
The first two levels are catabolic - they drain your energy faster than my smartphone battery on a busy day! Levels 3-7 are anabolic, giving you more and more energy and power as you move up (a bit like a portable battery charger).
How Your Energy Impacts Your Career Clarity
Now, let's get real for a moment. How many of us have been stuck in a job, feeling like a victim (Level 1), or constantly battling with our coworkers or boss (Level 2)? I've been there, and let me tell you, it's exhausting. More importantly, when we're in these lower energy states, it's nearly impossible to see our career path clearly, let alone what we’ll be having for dinner.
But here's the exciting part: when we shift to higher energy levels, magic happens. Suddenly, we start seeing opportunities where we once saw obstacles. It is like our brain fog is lifted! We begin to understand our unique gifts and how we can use them in our careers. That's when true career clarity starts to emerge.
Let's Get Practical: Shifting Your Energy for Career Clarity
Okay, ladies, here's where the rubber meets the road. The beauty of Energy Leadership is that once you're aware of these levels, you can actually choose to shift your energy. I know, I know - it sounds a bit woo-woo, right? But stick with me here, because this is where the magic really does happen. I’ve experienced it first hand and so have my clients!
Here are some practical steps I use with my clients (and myself!) to elevate energy and gain that career clarity we're all after:
Get real with yourself: Start by simply noticing your thoughts and emotions throughout the day. Are you feeling like a victim? Ready for a fight? Or are you feeling inspired and ready to take on the world? Just being aware is the first step and a big one!
Take a breather: When you notice you're in a funk (aka a lower energy state), pause for a moment. Take a few deep breaths. I know it sounds simple, but trust me, it works wonders. It's like hitting the reset button on your energy.
Challenge yourself: I acknowledge that this can be difficult when you are in low energy mode so ONLY shift here if you see this as a good option that will serve you and bring the outcomes you desire. Ask yourself, "Is there another way I could look at this?" If you're feeling like a victim, could you maybe see this situation as a chance to grow? I had a client who hated her micromanaging boss, but when she reframed with higher energy at her fingertips, everything shifted. She was able to have a meaningful conversation with her boss who was completely unaware of her impact. If my client was in a victim or conflict energy level, she would not have been able to lead her discussion with her boss as she did.
Choose to level up: Decide to respond from a higher energy level. Instead of complaining about a work challenge, how could you take the initiative to improve things? One of my clients started a wellness lunch-and-learn series at her office, and it completely changed the team culture! You can even make this a bit of a game for yourself . . . Let’s just say I wanted to respond at a higher energy level, what would I do and what could be the potential outcome? You are not committing, just playing around with it. You can decide from there!
Practice gratitude: I know, I know, you've heard this one before. But seriously, it works! Try to find something to appreciate about your current job, even if it's just your paycheck or that one coworker who always makes you laugh. Practicing gratitude creates a shift in our brain, opening our minds up to new possibilities . . . which may even be looking for a new job but from a place of power.
Visualize your success: Spend a few minutes each day imagining yourself at those higher energy levels in your career. How would you carry yourself? What would you say? How would others respond to you? This isn't just daydreaming - it's actually preparing your brain for success! For some of you, this may mean a new career as you have exhausted your ability to stay at a higher energy level where you are at . . . and this is ok too!
Remember, we're not aiming for perfection here. We're human, after all! It's about having the tools to shift when we choose to, so we can see our career path more clearly.
Your Personal Energy Makeover
Now, if you're anything like me, you might be thinking, "This all sounds great, Dawn, but how do I know what my default energy levels are?"
That's where the Energy Leadership Index (ELI) assessment comes in! It's a powerful tool that I use with my clients to create a personalized map of their default energy levels. Think of it like a GPS for your career journey - it shows you where you are now and helps you plot a course to where you want to be.
With this assessment, we can:
Spot those “energy sucks” that are taking the life out of your career vision
Develop strategies to shift you into those higher, more clarity-inducing energy levels
Align your career choices with your highest-energy self (because that's where the magic can really happen for you!)
Create a personalized action plan to transform your career and find that clarity you've been craving
You've Got This, Lady!
Here's the thing I want you to remember: It's never too late to claim your power and create the life and career you deserve!
By mastering your energy, you can tap into deeper levels of creativity, confidence, and purpose that will help you move towards your dream career! And let me tell you, watching women light up when they finally see their path clearly? It's the best part of my job!
Remember, you wonderful, wise, midlife warrior - you've got this! And I'm right here cheering you on every step of the way.
P.S. If this chat about career clarity and energy got your wheels turning, I'd be over the moon if you'd share it with other midlife women in your circle. Let's start a midlife energy revolution! 🌟
I’m Dawn LaRae, and I help mid-life professional women gain clarity and confidence in their next career chapter so they can experience passion and purpose in their work.
If you’re looking for some extra support, here are three ways I can help!
We have a great community space FULL of tips, resources, and conversation for all of us midlife ladies to support each other on our journeys together! Join the Mid-Life Career Transformation Community for Professional Women Facebook Group!
How well does your current career align with your values, strengths, and purpose? Take my FREE Assessment to find out! Career Alignment Assessment.
Just want to have a conversation? Schedule a free Discovery Call and let’s chat!