You're Going To Be Tired Today

James McPartland
3 days ago
2 min read

"By the end of the day, your battery will be low. The only question is: what did you spend it on?"— James McPartland

You know that feeling when your phone hits 20% battery by noon and you think, "How did that happen already?"That's exactly what happens with our personal energy every single day.

Here's the truth: your energy starts draining the moment you wake up. It's not a question of if it will drain, but where it will drain.

Think of yourself as starting each day at 100%. By the time you’ve handled emails, traffic, tough conversations, social media, and dinner, you’re running on fumes. But not all activities drain your battery equally.

A productive work session might cost 10%. A toxic conversation? That could burn through 30% in minutes. Mindless scrolling might seem harmless, but it’s like running battery-draining apps in the background all day long.

Meanwhile, some activities feel draining but actually leave us energized. A tough workout costs energy upfront but leaves you feeling stronger. A meaningful conversation takes effort but fills you back up.

The question isn’t how to stop the drain. The question is: are you letting your energy leak into things that don’t matter, or are you investing it intentionally in what does?

Once you understand where your energy goes, you can start investing it where it counts.

Action Steps:

Track Your Energy Drains: Notice what leaves you depleted versus energized. Write them down.
Identify the Energy Vampires: What’s draining 30% when it should only cost 10%? Toxic people? Endless meetings? Social media rabbit holes?
Ruthlessly Prioritize: Schedule your highest-value activities—family time, meaningful work, health—when you’re at 80-100%.
Cut the Background Apps: Pick one energy drain to eliminate completely. Unsubscribe, say no, or delete the app.
Accept the Drain: Stop fighting the fact you’ll be tired by evening. Plan rest and give yourself permission to recharge.