Energy Bus by Michelle Vryhof

We know that the inevitable factor of change keeps life interesting, but also challenging. When I consider the past few years of my own life, the situations have been fluidly changing but my “to-do” list is almost always a constant in length. The encouraging thing in my mind is that my never-die work ethic to be productive and be involved hasn’t wavered. The struggle, however, is teetering the line of burnout when trying to balance work and life. Also, keeping upbeat and having a positive attitude toward the daily aspects of the grind can become more difficult as the sport seasons or responsibilities go on and on without rest for the weary athletic trainers.

If you are feeling a little worn out and perhaps not quite your usual self, let me suggest that you take the time to read a small book that that could possibly change your life forever. I know, I know…why am I asking you to do then one more thing that takes up time from busy life? It’s a very short, easy read and the story demonstrates the pearls of wisdom in a way that keeps you interested to read it from cover to cover in one sitting. The book is titled The Energy Bus by Jon Gordon. The 10 valuable rules to fuel your life are:

1.       You’re the driver of the bus.

2.       Desire, vision and focus move your bus in the right direction.

3.       Fuel your ride with positive energy

4.       Invite people on your bus and share your vision for the road ahead.

5.       Don’t waste your energy on those who don’t get on your bus.

6.       Post a sign that says “No energy vampires allowed” on your bus.

7.       Enthusiasm attracts more passengers and energized then during the ride.

8.       Love your passengers.

9.       Drive with purpose.

10.   Have fun and enjoy the ride.

These rules make perfect sense when you read the whole book and find the ways to apply these principles. But here are some additional thoughts of how to keep up the positivity in your daily life, things that I try to remind myself all the time. First, in order to balance energy with work and life, we have to let go of some things in our work life. As athletic trainers, we wish we could do it all and we sure try to. We have to accept and then let go that we perhaps didn’t get to everything on our to-do list or didn’t finish a task quite as well as we would have liked. Do your best, but when it is time to say “no” you are helping yourself and those around you by not stretching yourself too thin and jeopardizing the quality of care you give. Second, stay positive by celebrating the smallest successes or improvements in others. It really spreads enthusiasm and encourages patients in dealing with their pain or struggle. I share this with you in hopes to help anyone who needs a little positive energy pick-me-up as we look ahead to a fresh new year full of great potential!!