The 17 energy drains
A
Internal Psychology
01
Fear & Performance Identity
Letting fear of failure shape decisions and energy.
02
Perfectionism & Rumination
The "not good enough yet" loop that never ends.
03
Identity Fusion
Every work setback feels personal — a failure of who you are, not just what happened.
04
Joyless Execution
Going through the motions, disconnected from why you started.
B
Cognitive & Mental
05
Open Loops & Mental Clutter
Unresolved tasks and decisions running constantly in the background.
06
Decision Fatigue
Too many decisions, too little reset time. Every choice costs more than it should.
07
Digital Addiction
Habitual pull to screens and constant availability — the nervous system never fully rests.
C
Physical & Nervous System
08
Lifestyle Gaps
Sleep, movement, and nutrition consistently sacrificed to output.
09
Recovery Debt
Months of under-recovering. A deficit that one good night's sleep won't clear.
10
Hypervigilance
Nervous system stuck on high alert. Can't fully switch off, even in safe environments.
D
Relational & Social
11
Draining Relationships
Relationships that consistently take more energy than they return.
12
Leadership Loneliness
Responsible for others without anyone around who truly understands the weight.
13
Emotional Contagion
Absorbing team or co-founder stress directly into your own nervous system.
E
Environmental & Systemic
14
Hostile Environment
A culture or structure that actively works against your energy and judgement.
15
Financial Stress
Background noise of financial pressure that clouds clear thinking and sleep.
16
Work-Life Entanglement
Work expands to fill all available space. There is no "off".
17
Lack of Recognition
Meaningful work that consistently goes unseen or undervalued by those who matter.
Your reflection
Name what you notice
Circle the 2–3 drains that feel most true right now. Then write your answers below — even a few words is enough. You'll bring this to Session 1.
The drain I recognise most clearly in myself right now
When I notice this drain, what does it feel like — physically or emotionally?
One small thing I could do this week to address it
See your full energy picture
The 17 drains are context. Your Vitality Check gives you a scored baseline across four dimensions — physical, emotional, mental, and purpose — so you know exactly where to focus.