Lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about how coaches are, at their core, energy managers. We are constantly paying attention to what’s happening with our teams and individual players. Reading the room, noticing shifts, and responding in real time. Most often, coaches and leaders are energy givers. We observe what’s needed in a moment and adjust our approach to help the team feel supported, focused, and positioned to succeed.

At the same time, effective coaching requires self-awareness. A coach must recognize the type of energy they are bringing into the community. Teams tend to reflect their leader’s attitude and outlook, which makes it essential for leaders to care for themselves and protect their mindset so they can show up in a grounded, intentional way.

Because of this, I’ve become very intentional about my own energy. This year, instead of setting traditional New Year’s intentions, I created an energy map. I’m using it to guide how I prioritize my time and decide which projects to say yes to through The Positive Coach. I started by identifying how I want to feel while coaching: balanced, inspired, proud, and joyful. From there, I mapped out the work that energizes and excites me and supports those feelings. Promoting women’s sports, coaching coaches, leading leadership seminars for athletes, speaking engagements, pitching lessons, and writing are all areas where I want to invest my energy. If something doesn’t feel energizing or uplifting, I’m choosing not to pursue it.

I posted my energy map by my closet as a daily reminder of the energy I want to give and receive this year. My hope is that by following what brings me joy, new and exciting opportunities, ones not yet on the map, will emerge, aligned with the energy I’m bringing into my life.

If you’re a coach looking for a creative way to plan for the year ahead, I encourage you to try creating an energy map focused on how you want to feel. I found the process uplifting, and I’m excited to see what 2026 will bring.