Summary of "Mindset Matters – Episode #195" on The Everyday Millionaire Podcast
Episode Title: Mindset Matters – Episode #195 – Throwback Thursday: Are You Tired or Just Leaking Energy? Find Out Now
Host: Patrick Francey
Guest: Stephanie Hanlon
Release Date: July 24, 2025
In this insightful episode of The Everyday Millionaire podcast, host Patrick Francey teams up with his wife, Stephanie Hanlon, an Olympic mental performance coach, to delve deep into the concept of "energy leaks" and their profound impact on our daily lives and overall success. Titled “Are You Tired or Just Leaking Energy? Find Out Now,” this episode is a treasure trove of practical advice, personal anecdotes, and expert strategies aimed at helping listeners optimize their energy and mindset for wealth creation and personal fulfillment.
Introduction to Energy Leaks
Patrick opens the conversation by introducing the concept of energy leaks, which he describes as subtle drains on our mental and emotional energy stemming from unmet expectations and unresolved tasks.
Patrick (00:00): "Few have trained for or are equipped to deal with the life that is unfolding before them."
Stephanie elaborates on the emotional manifestations of energy leaks, such as irritation and frustration, linking them to the underlying unmet expectations.
Stephanie (01:54): "When we're talking about energy leaks and we can identify the feelings, they're generally related to unmet expectations."
Understanding Energy Leaks
The discussion transitions into defining what energy leaks are and why they are detrimental. Patrick shares a relatable example of procrastination—a small, everyday task that, when ignored, becomes an energy drain.
Patrick (02:18): "Energy leaks are things we can control that take energy away, requiring mental attention that depletes us."
Stephanie connects this to the concept of incompletions, emphasizing how unfinished tasks subtly drain our energy.
Stephanie (04:22): "Didn't say, didn't get to say, felt it would be too confrontational. So that stays in your body and can leak energy."
Identifying Common Energy Leaks
Both hosts provide tangible examples of energy leaks, ranging from household chores to unresolved personal conversations. They highlight how these seemingly minor issues accumulate, leading to significant energy depletion.
Patrick (03:09): "A pile of files you ignore is an energy leak because it keeps your mind occupied with negative thoughts."
Stephanie adds that even small agreements we break with ourselves, like skipping a workout, contribute to energy leaks and erode self-trust.
Stephanie (09:18): "Little agreements that you're making with yourself that you're breaking decreases that level of trust with yourself."
The Impact of Gossip
A significant portion of the episode addresses the role of gossip as a major energy leak. Stephanie shares experiences from her coaching sessions, illustrating how gossip not only drains energy but also distracts individuals from their personal goals and relationships.
Stephanie (11:32): "Gossip is an energy leak because it sucks energy away from meaningful conversations and personal growth."
Patrick concurs, emphasizing the importance of maintaining energy within personal spaces and avoiding unnecessary drama.
Patrick (12:33): "We just don't talk about people who aren't there to defend themselves. It’s safer and more productive."
Future Thinking and Worry
Patrick and Stephanie explore how excessive worry and future-oriented thinking serve as potent energy leaks, often leading to anxiety and depression. They discuss strategies to stay present and manage these mental drains effectively.
Patrick (13:37): "Worry is an energy leak, and we have to be aware of it."
Stephanie explains the cognitive burden of worry, noting that the brain cannot process multiple thoughts simultaneously, leading to reduced creativity and presence.
Stephanie (14:39): "Your brains cannot process two thoughts at the same time. So you're actually not in the moment."
Managing Digital Distractions
The conversation shifts to the pervasive issue of digital distractions—smartphones, social media, and constant connectivity—as modern energy leaks. Stephanie shares her personal strategies for minimizing these distractions to preserve energy.
Patrick (16:17): "Social media is an energy leak. I've made it so that I have more of a routine around social media."
Stephanie underscores the importance of being present, highlighting how device addiction can derail personal interactions and drain energy.
Stephanie (17:28): "Pulling yourself out of the relationship with yourself first, then with the people that you're being with."
Practical Steps to Address Energy Leaks
Both hosts offer actionable steps for listeners to identify and mitigate their energy leaks:
-
Identify Energy Leaks: Make a comprehensive list of daily tasks, conversations, and habits that drain your energy.
Patrick (09:25): "Make a list of all your energy leaks."
-
Rate and Prioritize: Assess each energy leak on a scale (e.g., 1 to 10) to determine its impact and prioritize handling the most significant drains first.
Patrick (10:05): "Rate an item on the scale and see which ones you're drawn to naturally."
-
Take Action: Address the leaks by completing unfinished tasks, setting boundaries in conversations, or seeking help where necessary.
Stephanie (22:43): "Identify the energy leak, identify the gap, and then ask yourself, can I close that gap?"
-
Limit Gossip and Drama: Foster a positive environment by avoiding gossip and focusing on constructive conversations.
Patrick (12:33): "We just don't talk about people who aren't there to defend themselves."
-
Manage Digital Usage: Establish routines to reduce time spent on digital devices and social media to preserve mental energy.
Patrick (16:17): "Not having a Facebook app on my phone is one way to prevent getting sucked into energy leaks."
Real-World Application: Coaching Example
Stephanie shares a compelling case study from her coaching experience, where addressing an incomplete schedule became an exercise in identifying and closing an energy leak. By promptly addressing gaps and taking immediate action, the team was able to prevent anxiety and confusion from derailing their focus.
Stephanie (19:30): "We identified the gap, created the solution, and took immediate action to close the energy leak."
The Importance of Focus
In the final segments, Patrick and Stephanie discuss how lack of focus and multitasking can exacerbate energy leaks. They advocate for the "fine art of monotasking" to maintain energy and productivity.
Patrick (26:01): "Where is your focus? Is also another energy leak. And where are you getting drawn into distractions?"
Conclusion: Managing Your Energy Leaks
As the episode winds down, Patrick emphasizes the critical takeaways: awareness and proactive management of energy leaks are essential for maintaining mental and emotional well-being. By identifying and addressing these leaks, individuals can reclaim their energy, enhance their productivity, and move closer to their personal and financial goals.
Patrick (27:35): "Manage your energy leaks, folks."
Stephanie echoes this sentiment, encouraging listeners to cultivate environments and habits that support their energy and focus.
Stephanie (27:43): "That was fun. Thank you."
Final Thoughts
This episode of The Everyday Millionaire provides a comprehensive exploration of how unnoticed energy leaks can impede personal growth and success. Through practical advice, relatable examples, and expert insights, Patrick Francey and Stephanie Hanlon equip listeners with the tools needed to identify, address, and ultimately eliminate these energy drains, paving the way for a more energized, focused, and prosperous life.
Notable Quotes:
- Patrick (02:18): "Energy leaks are things we can control that take energy away, requiring mental attention that depletes us."
- Stephanie (04:22): "Didn't say, didn't get to say, felt it would be too confrontational. So that stays in your body and can leak energy."
- Stephanie (14:39): "Your brains cannot process two thoughts at the same time. So you're actually not in the moment."
- Patrick (26:01): "Where is your focus? Is also another energy leak. And where are you getting drawn into distractions?"