Understanding Core Energy: What Drives Your Performance?

Core energy refers to the energy you bring into any situation. Both internal and external factors influence it. Think of it as the total energy available at any given moment—this energy directly impacts your performance.

Catabolic vs Anabolic Core Energy

There are two main types of energy:

1. Catabolic Energy: This is energy driven by stress. It can be draining and tear you down over time.
2. Anabolic Energy: This energy lifts you, heals, and fuels you for greater things.

While one may seem negative and the other positive, both types serve important roles in your life. Throughout this blog series, I’ll explore how each energy level can serve you, even when it seems challenging.

Your Energetic Profile

Everyone has a Core Energetic Profile—the energetic makeup you carry throughout your life. If you’re curious about how your energy profile impacts you, I recommend checking out this study for more research. The way you present yourself in any given moment is known as your Energetic Presentation.

Curious about the 7 Different Core Energy Levels? Stay tuned as I’ll be exploring each one. If you’re ready to understand your own Energetic Profile, I’m offering a special on the Energy Leadership Index assessment plus a 1.5-hour coaching debrief for just $100. Just schedule a time and lets see if it makes sense to take the assessment. 

Core Energy Level 1: The Victim Mentality

Let’s start by exploring Catabolic Energy. The first level of energy is often driven by stress and feeling powerless.

Examples of Level 1 thoughts include:

• “I made a mistake, so I’m not good enough for that promotion.”
• “I got sick, so I’ll never achieve my goals.”
• “My child left for college, and I don’t know what to do with myself.”
• “My boss doesn’t like me, and she’s piling work on me to keep me from taking time off.”

Do any of these sound familiar? These are all examples of Level 1 Energy, which is rooted in the belief that life happens to you and you have no control over it. This mindset leaves you feeling trapped and choiceless.

The core emotion of this level is apathy, and the typical response is inaction. While Level 1 energy can protect you from harm and responsibility, it also limits your ability to move forward and blocks potential growth.

Want to learn more about the victim mentality? Check out this great article from the Berkeley Wellbeing Institute.

CoreEnergy Level 2: Conflict and Control

The second energy level is also Catabolic, characterized by resistance, struggle, and frustration.

Examples of Level 2 thoughts include:

• “I can do it better myself, I don’t need your help.”
• “No one does it as well as I do, so I’ll do it all.”
• “If you don’t follow my rules, I’ll take away your privileges.”

Level 2 is marked by blame, judgment, and conflict. People view things in black and white in this energy, creating a sense of opposition. The core thought is conflict, and the dominant emotion is anger.

While Level 2 energy can push you to get things done and even manipulate others, it’s exhausting. The constant battle leads to burnout, and relationships can suffer from the aggressive mindset.

The advantage of Level 2 energy is that it motivates action. However, the downside is that it creates fear and division, leading to a cycle of ongoing conflict.

Stay Tuned for More!

Now that you know about the first two Catabolic Energy levels, have you recognized any patterns in yourself or others? If you have not read the into blog about Cor.e Energy, start here.  In future posts, I’ll explore the next energy levels and how they influence your life.