A valuable lesson on my journey towards becoming an adviser so far has been how important it is to manage your energy and how this evolves over time.
These days, we talk a lot about energy. It has become a common way to describe how we feel and move through the world. It shifts, flows and responds to everything from our external environment to our internal thoughts and emotions.
As aspiring advisers, it is especially important to manage our energy as we continue to juggle multiple demands – our core duties within the working role, the pursuit of career progression through additional responsibilities and exams, and of course, managing life and other commitments outside of work.
Learning how to direct your energy early on can help with sustaining performance, avoiding burn out and staying focused on what truly matters.
Effective energy management starts with knowing who you are and how you operate
What do we mean by energy? In this context, we are referring to the capacity to do and create meaningful work while sustaining personal wellness and continuing to live with intention.
There are many different types of energy: physical; mental; emotional; spiritual. Managing these wisely is what allows you to consistently perform at your greatest and become the best adviser you can be.
No one size fits all
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to managing your energy; it really is down to the individual. So, an important foundation is self-awareness.
No one knows you better than you, but how often do you take the time to reflect on what truly works for you. Effective energy management starts with knowing who you are and how you operate.
- Are you an introverted or extroverted person? Introverts get energy from solo recharging, while extroverts get it from being round others – there’s a big difference.
- Do you perform best in the morning or late in the day? When is your mind at its sharpest? Are you organising your diary to optimise your use of energy?
- What people, tasks or environments drain your energy – and which ones recharge you? Have you got the right balance over a day or working week?
Understand what works for you and when you are at your best. You can say yes to work with confidence but equally confidently, you don’t need to be afraid to say no.
It might be declining a last-minute meeting, saying no to another work project, or not yet to a colleague seeking your immediate assistance or even avoiding unnecessary socialising when you need a break.
Setting boundaries isn’t selfish, it is strategic and essential.
Why it matters
Managing your energy effectively can shift you from merely surviving to thriving. You perform better, think more clearly and feel more balanced. You’re not just more productive, but more resilient, motivated and fulfilled.
As aspiring planners, we’re able to invest and engage more with clients and colleagues. The result? Stronger relationships and better outcomes.
Starting Out: Embracing change is the constant that shapes us
Taking it a step further, part of growing into a great financial planner is learning to read the energy of others. Not every interaction is equal. Some days, for example, a client or colleague may only be functioning at 30%. Recognising this and knowing that you need to bring that extra 20%, is what makes the meaningful difference.
Understanding where and how to meet clients where they are at, reading what they might need from you and being ready to provide it, is a skill that will serve you well as you embark on these important relationships for the first time.
While developing technical skills and knowledge will be critical in your career, your ability to manage your energy effectively will determine how far you go and the impact you make along the way.
Learning this early will help you build a sustainable and fulfilling career.
Alannah Kinsella is a paraplanner at Progeny
