In this era of nature preservation, we’ve become increasingly cautious about where we get our energy—and rightfully so. The source of energy tells us a lot: how long it will last, what it might cost us, and what impact it leaves behind. We usually think of this in terms of fuel for our cars or electricity for our homes. But have we ever considered asking these same questions about ourselves—our bodies, our minds, and even our inner drive?

Let’s start with the physical body. We can get energy from fat, but too much fat leads to health problems. Alcohol gives us 7 calories per gram, but would a health-conscious person rely on alcohol as a sustainable energy source? Probably not.

Now comes the most overlooked part—the energy that fuels our motivation, mood, and desires. These are not just fleeting feelings; they are forms of energy, just as real as the fuel in your car. Think about this: your body might be in perfect health, yet one morning you wake up and feel no desire to do anything. We casually call it “lack of motivation.” But isn’t that an energy issue too?

We rarely stop to consider where this kind of energy comes from, how long it lasts, or what consequences it brings. And that’s a mistake. These intangible energy sources—our inner motivations, mental states, emotional drivers—can shape our lives just as much as, if not more than, the tangible ones. When these sources are misaligned or depleted, the results can be catastrophic—burnout, mood disorders, anxiety, or even suicide.

Just because these energies are not as easy to measure as fossil fuel or sunlight doesn’t make them less important. In fact, we are already seeing the consequences of neglecting them. We know what happens when we misuse physical energy sources—like liver cirrhosis from alcohol or heart disease from poor diet. Similarly, using the wrong sources for emotional or mental energy—like constant external validation or toxic competition—can lead to equally serious outcomes over time.

Here’s a simple example: say I work just for money versus working because I love what I do. Both may give me enough energy to get through the day, but what will the long-term effects be? One source may exhaust me, the other may sustain me.

It’s time we start thinking seriously about these non-physical energy sources—where they come from, how they affect us, and how to manage them wisely. Just like fossil fuels and carbon footprints, our internal energy choices matter. And honestly, it’s already late.