How To Recharge Your Battery Through Acts of Service
Share viaWe recently replaced Julie’s laptop because the battery was failing. The cost to replace her old battery was half the cost of a new computer, so we decided to upgrade. Now she’s cruising on ample power, untethered to her charging cord, nonanxious about the screen blacking out in the middle of an important client call. Oh, the joy of a strong, freshly charged battery!
Having a charged battery is more important than ever, not only for our work tools but for our bodies and minds. Humans need charging to stay healthy. What charges your battery?
Developmental psychologist and developer of the Process Communication Model®, Taibi Kahler, discovered six clusters of “battery charges.” He called them Psychological Needs; inborn motivational needs that must be met for humans to function well and stay out of distress. Each person is motivated primarily by one of these six battery charges.
What Charges Your Battery?
- Nurturing relationships that you care about.
- Using your time productively
- Having fun.
- Taking time and space to get solitude.
- Making a positive difference.
- Doing exciting things.
Which one works best for you? How do you do it? How do you know it’s working? What happens when you don’t do it? What gets in your way?
How to charge other people’s batteries with the right kind of Thank You.
It’s Not Selfish To Put Your Needs First
Sometimes it’s hard to charge our battery. Life gets in the way, people don’t cooperate, we run out of time, and there’s too much to do. There’s nothing wrong with putting our needs on the back burner temporarily. But if we make it a habit, it won’t be long before our tank is empty and we wig out like Julie’s computer.
There’s nothing noble or helpful about ignoring your own needs. Running on empty doesn’t help anyone. It’s OK to put your oxygen mask on before you try to help the others around you.
Three steps to being more self-ful.
How To Recharge Your Battery Through Acts of Service
This holiday season, what if you could recharge your battery while also helping others? Double-win! Here are some “battery-specific” suggestions for getting your needs met in ways that benefit you and others.
If you are charged by,
Nurturing Relationships
- Set boundaries so you don’t spread yourself so thin. When you try to help everyone, you help no one.
- Set aside “me time” to nurture you.
- Ask for what you want. You spend all your time helping others, so give them a chance to help you.
Using Time Productively
- Prioritize one or two projects you can do well and finish. Stop multitasking.
- Learn something new. Let someone teach you.
- Invest your time to mentor or teach someone else how to do something.
Having Fun
- Organize a fun event for your family, friends, or community.
- Explore. Go find something new and fun to do with someone.
- Solve a problem. Figure out a solution to something that’s been bugging you.
Getting Solitude
- Take time to yourself to imagine a novel solution to a real problem.
- Make a decision. Finish a stalled project that impacts others in your life.
- Ask others to tell you what you can do for them.
Making a Positive Difference
- Volunteer to do something that supports your values.
- Be a role model for someone in your family or community.
- Make amends with someone you’ve alienated over a difference of beliefs.
Doing Exciting Things
- Jump on an opportunity to make a difference in someone’s life.
- Rally a group of people to do something amazing for others.
- See how much money you can raise for the Salvation Army while ringing the bell at the local grocery store.
I guarantee if you do one or more of these things over the holidays, you will end the year feeling better about yourself, more energized, and with a more positive outlook. And you can feel satisfied that you made a positive difference in lives beyond your own.
Copyright Next Element Consulting, LLC 2023
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1 Comments
Nate and team,
thanks for this. So helpful to remember the importance of keeping ourselves charged, especially in a season when I am spending time with family and friends! Best to you and your team this season!
Thank you Rick. All the best to you as well.
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