Unleash Your Inner Energy—Staying Open Is the Secret to Real Enthusiasm and Motivation
There’s a freshness you feel on mornings when you wake up, glance out the window, and genuinely look forward to the day—a lightness in your chest, a sense that possibilities abound. But after a harsh comment, a setback, or a memory of past failures, that feeling fades. Suddenly, you’re carrying invisible weight, motivation slips, and you wonder what happened. It’s easy to assume energy comes and goes without explanation, but the real cause often lies in whether your heart is open or closed.
It’s surprisingly common to close down as a knee-jerk response, bracing for the worst, or clinging tightly to good feelings and fearing their loss. This habit quietly drains enthusiasm, leaving you tired or uninspired. The moment you choose to stay open—even when life gets weird, stressful, or awkward—you notice an immediate shift: energy flows back, simple joys return, and even difficult tasks seem lighter.
People who lead with openness, especially during setbacks, consistently find themselves more creative and resilient. Researchers studying emotional agility show that people who embrace a flexible and open attitude, rather than defensive reactivity, bounce back faster and see their motivation restored. The choice to stay open isn’t about pretending problems don’t exist—it’s about keeping your energy free no matter what life brings.
Anytime you notice a drop in energy or mood, pause and check: is your heart open or closed? Decide to stay open, especially when it feels hardest—during criticism or setbacks. Practice this habit as a challenge, tracking your mood and motivation before and after. Over days and weeks, see how staying open in more moments unleashes an enthusiasm you can rely on. Let this become your experiment starting with your next meaningful interaction.
What You'll Achieve
You’ll gain more reliable enthusiasm, energy, and optimism for daily life while discovering less burnout and greater stamina in the face of obstacles.
Develop the Habit of Not Closing Your Heart
Notice when your heart opens and closes.
Pay attention to when you feel enthusiastic, warm, or connected—and when you feel withdrawn, numb, or heavy.
Commit to staying open, especially in tough moments.
When challenged, purposefully relax into the experience rather than tensing up or shutting down. Say to yourself, ‘I choose to stay open.’
Practice during both positive and negative events.
Whether you’re complimented or criticized, face both with an open-hearted response instead of automatically clinging or bracing.
Track increases in energy and enthusiasm.
After practicing openness over time, notice any changes in your mood, focus, or willingness to take on new challenges.
Reflection Questions
- When do you notice your heart closing most often?
- How does staying open—even briefly—shift your mood or energy?
- What situations challenge your commitment to staying open?
- What habit cues can help you practice openness daily?
Personalization Tips
- During a team meeting, choose to keep your heart open when receiving both praise and criticism—notice the difference in your mood.
- When tackling a tough homework assignment, check in with your energy if you approach it with resistance versus with curiosity and openness.
- After a disagreement with a friend, reflect on the effects of staying open versus shutting down, and note changes in your ability to respond calmly.
The Untethered Soul: The Journey Beyond Yourself
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