243. Don’t Scatter Your Forces

In this week’s reflection, I’d like to continue my Energy Management series.

What I’ve noticed is how easy it is, in today’s world, to scatter our energy on endless small talks, messages, and trying to please others to appear “nice” or agreeable.

Instead of focusing on our goals, we often gift our attention to things that don’t truly matter. The result? Lost energy, wasted time, and a blurred sense of direction. It’s better to have a nap than waste energy.

Our energy is our life force — the fuel that powers creativity, clarity, and meaningful action.

What if, instead of doing more, we started choosing more carefully?

What if we said “no” to the activities and people that quietly drain us — and “yes” only to what nourishes and inspires us?

I live in London, and there are always invitations to talk, network, or “catch up.” Before agreeing, I pause and ask myself:

  • Does this meeting move me closer to something meaningful?

  • Does this conversation energise me or drain me?

Protecting our energy is not selfish - it’s essential. Keep your eyes on your prize - your goals and important relations.

Warmly

Olga Smith

www.batcsglobal.com

241. The Power of Planning

As the saying goes, “Failing to prepare is preparing to fail.”

In the past, I was a chronic procrastinator. I’d delay, hesitate, and overthink. Then, when I was sick and tired of procrastinating, I jumped into doing things without a plan. The result? Mistakes, repetition, and wasted time. I’d redo the same work over and over again, and the feeling of frustration with myself made my blood boil.

With time, I have developed a habit of planning for success and luck. I realised that planning isn’t just about organisation - it’s the difference between reacting to life and creating it.

What I do first is I imagine the best possible outcome, and then I map the steps to make it happen. I divide my planning into three blocks:

  1. Reasourse
    What resources do I need? How can I get them?

  2. Time
    How many days, months or years will it take? At what time of the day will it be done best?

  3. Skills
    Do I have the necessary skills? Do I need training? Do I have to hire help?

Planning made me believe that I can achieve anything I want if I put my mind to it.

Yours

Olga Smith