JON GORDON writes the "How to increase your energy" chapter in The Experts' Guide to Life at Home.
Jon Gordon is a leading authority on developing positive, engaged people, leaders, businesses, schools and teams. He is the author of several books, including The Energy Bus: 10 Rules to Fuel your Life, Work and Team with Positive Energy. He is a corporate speaker and appears regularly on many national shows.
Samantha: What is the right power breakfast to maximize our energy throughout the day?
Jon: It's important to kick start your morning with protein and fiber which helps you sustain blood sugar levels and maintain your energy. A simple breakfast is hardboiled eggs and fruit. I also like a bowl of energy -- homemade oatmeal with raisins, apples, and chopped walnuts.
Samantha: How does energy impact the workplace?
Jon: Energy is the currency of personal and professional success. If you don't have energy you can't lead, inspire, sell, or make a difference. Fatigue costs companies 77 billion dollars a year and negativity costs 300 billion dollars. We know that companies that create a culture that infuses their employees and customers with positive energy are more successful and create results. Not the rah rah, cheering kind of positive energy but the kind that is infused with optimism, vision, trust, purpose, enthusiasm and spirit.
 Samantha: If you spend your day next to a negative co-worker, how should you handle it?
Jon: Negative people are actually great teachers that help us to become stronger and more positive. If we get affected by a negative co-worker it means that we need to develop our positive energy muscles. Our positive energy must be greater than anyone's negativity. So the first step is to be positive yourself and seek to shine a light on this person. Try to get them on the bus with your positive attitude rather than trying to change theirs. Or post a sign in your office that says "No Energy Vampires Allowed".
Samantha: Are there any celebrities that you consider models of high energy?
Jon: Oprah is a great example. High energy doesn't mean that you are bouncing off the walls. Rather I think of it in terms of "power" and how much power you bring to life and share with others. I also love Ellen's energy. Kelly Ripa has great energy. Denzel Washington, Will Smith, John Travolta and Tom Cruise have incredibly powerful and high energy.
Samantha: How do you get your friends and family out of a bad mood?
Jon: I don't necessarily try to get them out of a bad mood because only they can turn themselves around, but I try to inspire them to make a change with a positive story, or make them laugh or talk about trust, hope, faith and my favorite is something I use to do with my mother a lot before she passed away and that is walking and talking.
Samantha: Is there one quick physical activity you can do to increase your energy?
Jon: My favorite energy booster of all is the 10 Minute Thank you Walk. While you are walking simply say what you are thankful for. It's physiologically impossible to be stressed and thankful at the same time. It's the way our brains are wired. When you are feeling blessed you won't be stressed.
Samantha: What is the biggest energy mistake most people make?
Jon: We don't sleep enough and then try to make up for a lack of sleep with too much caffeine that only makes us more tired in the long run. If people would just get more sleep they would feel more energetic, think more clearly, enjoy life more, and enhance their health. You can't replace sleep with a double latte. There are more coffee houses than ever and we are more tired than ever.
To learn more about Jon Gordon and his new book visit http://www.jongordon.com/energybuspromo.html |
