Psychic energy
Psychic energy is a practical definition of the available resources of attention, motivation and regulation needed for action.
Definition
Psychic energy is not a precise medical entity, but a useful concept that describes the subjective and functional resources needed for focus, decision-making, self-control, and engagement. It is influenced by sleep, stress, cognitive load, health, emotions and the environment. It's worth using this concept with caution: not as a magical power, but as a shortcut for available mental capacity.
Key ideas
- Attention resources
- Regulation and motivation
- The impact of sleep, stress and overload
Practice and life
For a week, rate your mental energy morning, noon and evening on a scale of 1-10. Look for relationships between sleep, eating, stimuli, conflict and work quality.
Common misconceptions
It is a mistake to treat mental energy as an excuse for any resignation. It is also a mistake to ignore the real overload and try to act solely by willpower.
> Weakness is often not a lack of character, but a signal that the system is already working on reserve.
> — Guru Element
Questions for self-reflection
- What is using up my mental resources the most today?
- Do I need mobilization or regeneration?
- How can I reduce the cognitive cost of the next action?