This post is about Core Energy Coaching™ concepts. I’m a Core Energy Coach™ and will tell you what Core Energy™ is and how it can help you live your lives, grow your business, or accomplish whatever you’re trying to do a lot better.
Watch the video on YouTube instead of reading the blog post.
Core Energy™ is a registered trademark of iPEC and all Core Energy™ concepts described in this blog post are derived from iPEC’s Core Energy Coaching™ program.
This is an image of the cognitive triangle. It’s a simplified version of the mental process, meaning how we think, feel, and act.
This repeating cycle creates what we Core Energy Coaches call “energy.” The Institute for Professional Excellence in Coaching, or iPEC, developed these core energy concepts. iPEC has classified energy into two major types: 1) Catabolic and 2) Anabolic.
With catabolic energy, we are reacting to something.
An event happens. Then a thought… then a feeling, and then an action.
The other form of energy is called anabolic energy. In anabolic energy, we’re being more proactive.
By proactive, I mean that we think, feel, act, and then the event happens. Anabolic energy people control their lives and actualize what they hope for. People who are constantly reacting to life, whether it’s the news that you’re watching or sporting event results, are in a catabolic space.
Why does energy matter?
Each type of energy has its place and all of us experience both energy levels. It’s not as if we’re only in one space or the other. Happier and more content people spend more time in the anabolic space because catabolic energy tends to tear you down, while anabolic energy builds you up over time.
A good analogy of this would be food. Catabolic energy is like that lousy food that tastes so good. Candy and cakes are so attractive and great to eat. They give you a quick burst of energy but eventually burn you out. You’re left lethargic. Anabolic energy is the nutritious food that builds you up over time. It’s not always the most attractive food to eat, so you must deliberate about your diet and what you consume.
iPEC has divided these energy levels into seven different levels. They range from 100% catabolic to 100% anabolic. Level one is 100% catabolic, and Level seven is 100% anabolic.
In the following paragraphs, I will describe each of the seven levels in more detail.
Level One – Victim
Level one is called victim energy. The core thought of level one energy is, “I lose.” At victim energy, you feel like you’re not in control. There’s something outside of you controlling you, and there’s nothing you can do about it.
Level Two – Conflict
Level two is called conflict energy. It is the most common energy level in our modern workplace and lives. With conflict energy, the core thought is, “I win, you lose.”
We experience level two in sports and as fans of sports and politics. There can only be one winner and one loser. Many of us think we’re getting energized by this competition. However, level two is very catabolic and it will eventually burn you out.
Level Three – Acceptance
Level three is the first anabolic energy level. Level three is called acceptance or responsibility. The core thought of level three energy is, “I win.” The difference between winning at level three and at level two is that you don’t care if the other side loses. You’re mainly focused on yourself.
Level 3 people will say things like, “It’s fine” and “I did my best.” They ignore negative obstacles that are in their way. They walk around them. They cope with adverse situations in their life. Thinking, “there’s nothing I can do about it”. They don’t dwell on it… they just move on. Level three people are good achievers. They set goals and achieve those goals.
Level Four – Compassion
Level four is very anabolic. Its title is Compassion Energy. The core thought of level 4 is, “You win.”
You’re serving others at level four. You’re trying to build others up because you care about them and empathize with their predicaments.
Level Five – Opportunity
The core thought at Level 5 is Win/Win. Level 5 energy is called opportunity. Good business people who strive for mutual benefit are operating at Level 5 energy.
If you’re a good businessperson, you’re looking for a win for your customers tied to a win for you. You’re looking for a win for your employees that is also tied to the win for you. The problem with level 5 is you try to chase every shiny object. A Level 5 business owner thinks there’s opportunity everywhere. So it can be difficult for them to focus.
Level Six – Synergy
With synergy energy, the core thought is that “everyone wins.” Most businesses provide some benefit to the world beyond the business relationship they have with their customers. Synergy goes beyond your business box and into the world or your community.
Level Seven – Total Awareness
Level 7 is called “total awareness” or “creator” energy. Most people rarely exist at this level, and that’s okay. It’s not always applicable to our situation. The core thought at level 7 is that “winning and losing don’t matter.” At first, you may say, “That sounds apathetic!” But it’s not apathy as much as disconnection.
Your ego is not connected to the outcome of some event or project. If you’re trying to win a project, you’re not attached to your ego. You may think, “If I win the project, that’s great, and we will do a great job. If I lose the project, that’s how it was supposed to be, and I will move on to the next thing.” You don’t tie your ego and self-worth to the things happening outside of you.
At level 7, you pick any one of the lower levels of energy as appropriate. If you believe competition is called for, you will put yourself at level 2. That’s a competitive level. You’re not going to get emotionally engaged, but you’ll participate there and act there to win when winning matters and the other side must lose.
How is Energy Used in Business Coaching?
I use Core Energy with my clients by doing “climbing the ladder” exercises. I have my clients model critical business decisions at each of the seven energy levels so they can objectively make the right decisions for themselves and their businesses.
Why does Energy Matter?
Energy matters because iPEC has correlated the average energy level to an individual’s level of contentment and happiness in life. Your core energy level is critical if you want to be content in life. When I conduct an Energy Leadership Index (ELI) assessment, I understand how energy is showing up for my client. If a client has catabolic energy levels, we will spend more time on mindset coaching. If my client has higher energy levels, we can quickly begin working on the mechanics of their business.
Jeff Schuster is the author of this post and is a business coach with Mechanics & Mindset Business Coaching. Jeff has published several more blog posts, podcasts, and videos on business mechanics, mindset, and coaching. Please set up a complimentary coaching session with Jeff if you’d like to share your business situation and gain insight into what may help you grow your business to the next level.
