What (and Who) Is Draining Your Shine
Written by Monique Jordan-Cave
Your Career Bestie
The Energy Audit
Hello, friend
Picture this: You wake up, full of dreams and plans, maybe even inspired.
You’re gonna journal, pitch that idea, take that walk, drink the green juice—you’re basically a walking Pinterest board.
But by 3 PM? You’ve got the energy of a damp sponge and the motivation of a Monday morning sloth.
What happened?
Simple. Your energy got pickpocketed. And the worst part?
You probably let it happen.
If you want to do big things, live out loud, and stop playing small, you’ve got to guard your energy like Beyoncé guards her personal life. Ruthlessly. (and not have friends like Kanye).
Because your energy—not your time—is your most valuable currency.
1. Your Energy Is a Budget. Spend It Intentionally
Think of your energy like money. Every morning, you get a certain amount in your account.
Some days you’re ballin’ with 100 units. Other days, you're lucky to scrape together 25.
Now, just like money, how you spend it determines what you get back.
Are you investing your energy in things that light you up, challenge you, grow you?
Or are you spending it on:
People who treat venting like a full-time job?
Scrolling mindlessly and comparing your behind-the-scenes to someone else’s highlight reel?
Beating yourself up for every imperfect decision?
You’re not tired because you’re doing too much.
You’re tired because you’re doing too much of the wrong stuff.
2. Sneaky Energy Leaks (That You’ve Been Ignoring)
Let’s break down the usual suspects that rob you of your sparkle:
1. Energy Vampires
These are the people who always need something, but never fill you back up. Conversations feel like emotional hangovers. You leave interactions drained, not inspired. PSA: being kind doesn’t mean being available 24/7.
2. Doom Scrolling
You started looking for yoga mats and somehow ended up comparing your body, bank account, and entire life to strangers on the internet. Again. That “just five minutes” cost you an hour of joy.
3. Decision Fatigue
When you’re constantly trying to please everyone, overthink every email, or agonise over oat vs. almond milk—yeah, your brain gets fried. Simplify. Automate. Choose fast. Save energy for the stuff that matters.
4. Internal Trash Talk
The inner gremlin? She’s still lurking. Every “Why even bother?” and “You’re not cut out for this” steals more energy than a toddler on a sugar rush.
3. Do an Energy Audit—No Mercy
Take one day—just one—and track where your energy goes.
Who you talk to. What you do. What you think about.
Then ask:
• Did this energise or drain me?
• Did it move me closer to the life I want or farther away?
If the answer’s “drain” or “farther,” adjust accordingly.
Unfollow. Unsubscribe. Unbook. Un-yes yourself from commitments that aren’t aligned.
Reclaim that energy.
4. Protect Your Peace Like It’s Your Purpose
Boundaries aren’t rude—they’re spiritual self-defence. Saying “no” is saying “yes” to the life you actually want.
Protect your mornings. Take solo time without guilt.
Set limits around who gets your emotional labour.
And most importantly: be picky about your thoughts.
Because your thoughts shape your energy, and your energy shapes everything.
5. Time for Your Personal Energy Audit
1. Who or what leaves you feeling drained—every single time?
Name it. Yes, even if it’s someone you love. Especially if it’s someone you love.
2. Where are you wasting precious energy on things that don’t serve you?
Social media? Gossip? Perfectionism? Be specific.
3. What boundaries need to be set (or re-set) starting this week?
Think small: time limits, work cut-offs, scheduled alone time, muting group chats.
4. What energises you so much it almost feels illegal?
(Do more of that. On purpose. Often.)
Repeat after me:
"I’m no longer spending energy on things that don’t spark joy, growth, or deep belly laughs."
Protecting Your Shine Starts Now
You are not “too tired”—you’re just too available to the wrong things.
The truth is, energy doesn’t vanish—it gets stolen, leaked, or flat-out given away. But guess what?
You get to decide who (and what) gets a piece of your power.
So, take the audit seriously. Clean house. Reclaim your energy like your life depends on it—because the version of you who is lit up, focused, and wildly aligned?
She’s unstoppable.
Protect your peace like it's a non-negotiable. Because it is.
💡 What’s one energy-draining habit, person, or thought pattern you’re finally ready to unsubscribe from—starting today?
Let me know in the comments below.
Over to you!
MJx
Please feel free to share this article with a loved one, friend or colleague.
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How To Protect Your Energy Daily
Signs You’re Emotionally Drained
Energy Audit For Creatives
Boundaries For Busy Professionals
Stop Giving Energy To The Wrong People
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