January 12, 2026 Your Energy Leaks: Seven Things Draining Your Motivation (And How to Plug Them)
“A man sees in the world what he carries in his heart.” - Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
Listen to, or read this meditation:
Ever notice how some days you wake up ready to conquer the world, and other days you can barely conquer the couch? I’ve lived 83 years, and I’ll tell you straight—it’s not always about getting older. Most of the time, you’ve got leaks.
Energy leaks. Motivation drains. Little holes in your tank that let all your good stuff seep out while you’re not looking.
Here are the seven sneakiest thieves I’ve seen steal people’s fire—and how to stop them.
1. Toxic People
You know the ones. Every conversation leaves you feeling heavy. They complain, criticize, and drag you into their storms. Energy leak number one.
The plug: Limit your time with them. You can’t change people, but you can protect your peace.
2. Too Much Screen Time
Scrolling for “just five minutes” turns into an hour. Social media shows you everyone’s highlight reel while you’re stuck in your bloopers. Before you know it, you feel worse about yourself and your day’s half gone.
The plug: Set a timer. Thirty minutes max on social media daily. Watch your energy return.
3. Saying Yes When You Mean No
Every time you agree to something you don’t want to do, you leak motivation. Your calendar fills up with everyone else’s priorities while yours collect dust.
The plug: Practice this magic word: “No.” It’s a complete sentence. Use it more.
4. Clutter Everywhere
Messy desk. Messy car. Messy room. It all creates mental chaos. Your brain works harder trying to focus in the mess, and that drains you faster than you think.
The plug: Clean one space today. Start small—your desk, your nightstand, your car. Clear space, clear mind.
5. No Sleep Routine
Staying up late scrolling, sleeping in different times every day, no wind-down ritual—your body doesn’t know if it’s coming or going. Poor sleep murders motivation.
The plug: Go to bed at the same time every night. Even weekends. Your energy will thank you.
6. Unfinished Business
That project you keep avoiding? That conversation you need to have? That email you should send? Every incomplete task sits in the back of your mind like a mosquito you can’t swat. It drains you quietly.
The plug: Pick one thing you’ve been putting off and finish it today. Feel the weight lift.
7. Forgetting Why You Started
When you lose sight of your purpose, everything feels pointless. You go through motions without meaning, and that’s the fastest way to drain your tank.
The plug: Write down why this goal, this relationship, this job matters to you. Put it somewhere you’ll see it daily.
Here’s the truth, friend: You’ve got limited energy. Protect it like the treasure it is. Plug your leaks, guard your fire, and watch what you can accomplish when you’re running on a full tank.
Your Action Step:
Right now, pick ONE energy leak from this list—the one that hit you hardest. Write it down. Then write one thing you’ll do TODAY to plug it. Not tomorrow. Today. Your future self will thank you.
© 2026 Detroit Flanagan
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