Someone asked me recently if I had a guiding principle that helped me decide what new work to take on and how much time to spend pursuing my various interests. It's a great question. Entrepreneurs have an idea a minute, and it's often difficult to know which ideas to invest time in. My friend and colleague, Thomas Crum, shared this principle with me some years ago, and I try to live by it.

Go where your energy is strong.

Does the path you're on give you energy just thinking about it? Then follow it. If it doesn't, consider a new direction.

Easier said than done, perhaps, but you can start with small steps. Do you love to sing (write, play tennis, carve wood) but find you don't make time for it in your life? Find a teacher and begin lessons, or block out an hour twice a week to practice or engage in the activity.

Is your life of work unfulfilling at the moment? What one step can you take toward a different direction? Maybe you need to have a conversation with your boss or your staff, review life and work priorities, or ask for a change that would help you look forward to walking into the place where you spend a third of your life, instead of dreading it.

Even the right path has detours from time to time. Subject each new direction to your energy test. Is it strong? Do you wake up mornings eager to begin? When you're doing this activity, do you forget where you are and what time it is? This principle makes decisions a lot easier and keeps you on a road that's right for you.

Thanks for the opportunity to share my principle. What principles do you live by?

Share your life principle by sending me an email.

Unlikely Teachers: Finding the Hidden Gifts in Daily Conflict is now available to the general public through JudyRinger.com and Amazon.com.

Unlikely Teachers, published by OnePoint Press, is a collection of stories, practices, and inspiration on turning life's challenges into life teachers. Author and organizational speaker, Margaret Wheatley, calls the book "deliciously wise" and "filled with stories that delight and teach in the same moment." For yourself or a friend, let Unlikely Teachers be a support in difficult situations. Price: $15.00

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"True power is energy flowing freely toward a vision."

- Thomas Crum, Author, Three Deep Breaths

Many of the principles reflected in Ki Moments come from aikido, the Japanese martial art that teaches self-defense through the redirection of energy.

If you're interested in learning aikido, Portsmouth Aikido is an ongoing martial arts school located at the Seacoast Family Y in Portsmouth. Classes are held on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 7:45 p.m., Fridays at 6:45 p.m., and Sundays at 1:00 and 2:15 p.m. You can stop by anytime and watch a class.

The next Aikido Beginner Class will start May 21. The six-week course will run through June 25, from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. each Sunday. The cost is $65.00 per person for the course and includes a Portsmouth Aikido t-shirt. Anyone aged 12 or older is welcome.

Learn more about Portsmouth Aikido

Judy Ringer
Power & Presence Training
76 Park Street
Portsmouth, NH 03801
voice: 603.431.8560
website: www.judyringer.com

Judy Ringer is Founder of Power & Presence Training, a Portsmouth, NH company specializing in unique workshops to help you and your organization manage conflict, communicate effectively, and co-create a more positive work environment. E-mail Judy at judy@judyringer.com for a free initial meeting to discuss your training needs.

Ki (from Ai-ki-do) is Japanese for life energy. Ki Moments is a complimentary monthly "e-zine" with tips and how-to articles to help you manage the key moments in your life.

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