What if Your Energy Were a Commodity?

How would you live your life if human energy were a precious commodity that had to be conserved and protected?

Because my mind is eccentric, I dreamt one evening about a dystopian world where humans had to be charged up like a battery in order to operate. If they ran out of juice they'd simply power down in the middle of whatever they were doing, slumped over in the street after puttering out like a car on empty.

In the dream, there was a clear juxtaposition between those who were fully charged and those running low on personal power. The former were leisurely strolling around enjoying life, the latter were frantically searching for the nearest charging station. But because this was a dystopia, not a utopia, recharge outlets were extremely sparse, exorbitantly expensive, and perpetually booked. 

In this world, human energy was a precious commodity that had to be conserved and protected. You were born with enough energy to last a lifetime, but only if you managed it well. Energy squanderers and energy vampires were ostracized and looked down on by society.  

These reckless folks would beg those high on energy to give them a boost, but rarely would anyone want to do that. Forcing an energy exchange was illegal but, just like in the real world, there was no shortage of individuals willing to break the law. So even if you were amped up, you had to be careful not to let your guard down. 

Can you imagine? How would you live your life differently if this were reality? Where your energy was so precious that not expending it judiciously meant risking a complete power outage? Forget about burnout, you would fully shut down if you exhausted yourself or let others drain you. 

In real life, we are not only wasteful of Earth's resources but also our own. We put a lot of energy into things that don't matter, rapidly depleting ourselves as we strive instead of switching on efficiency mode so we can thrive. 

Though we may not cut off like a machine, many of us are operating like robots with low batteries. Literally, dragging and devoid of vitality. Going through the motions despite mental, physical, and emotional fatigue and discontent. Avoiding this lethargic state requires a new way of thinking about your personal reserves. 

Conserve your energy

The first thing you want to do is identify energy leaks. This is any source — individuals, situations, activities, environments, or even thoughts —  that depletes you without giving anything back. For example, your passions take up energy but they fulfill you so they give back in kind. However, negative people are simply draining with no value to add in exchange for the energy they rob you of. 

Focus your energy 

There are almost 8 billion people in the world. As a species, humans have evolved to the point where we no longer need to worry about surviving. Collectively, we are flourishing however the quality of life for most people is low. That’s because we haven’t made the switch from striving to thriving. Once your basic needs are met, the bulk of your energy should be focused on self-actualization.

Replenish your energy 

Even when we are mindful of how to exert our energy, we still have to expend it. Positive things, such as our creative pursuits, can still deplete us. However, unlike in the dystopian world, we can renew our internal energy source and revitalize ourselves without depending on power outlets. Creating a daily wellness routine that addresses the mind, body, and spirit, is the best way to recharge. 

I woke up from my dream before learning what happened to people once they powered down. I imagine there was a public service, an Energy Department, that not only operated the charging stations but also collected battery-drained bodies from the streets. But what became of them? 

Did powering down mark the end of their lives? Or were they put in a queue until they could be recharged, which likely meant (a) spending a considerable amount of time shut down in a warehouse and (b) being charged an astronomical fine by the government for having to deal with their energy mismanagement because it wasn’t the best use of taxpayer dollars. 

I could write a book about this, albeit unnecessary as the core lesson is crystal clear.