EngineerHer

I feel lucky—the energy is rising just when I need it most. January and February are traditionally my most busy times of the year. And – this may be a bit of a stretch for some people, but the energy is rising in the world! Trust me!

Why Talk About Energy Now?

Ireland is in the middle of a cold snap. Frost everywhere this morning! Not quite enough to justify a day off work, but still… winter is holding on.

And yet, beneath that frost, the earth is stirring. New life is starting. The days are getting longer—just a little, but enough to notice. On December 21st, we had 7 hours 29 minutes of daylight. Today? 7 hours 43 minutes. Fourteen minutes might not sound like much, but trust me—it matters.

This rising energy is the same wave that fuels all those “New Year, New Me” resolutions. We’re emerging from the winter darkness. The light is coming back.

What Does This Mean for Us as Engineers?

January isn’t the time for massive overhauls. It’s the time for foundations—clearing the decks, preparing the soil for growth. In engineering terms, think of it as design validation before full-scale implementation.

Here are some practical ways to ride this wave of energy without burning out:

• Clear up loose ends from last year—unfinished tasks, lingering emails, small fixes. (Because you know we all have them!)
• Move your body—even short walks can help shift mental energy. (And while it might be cold in Ireland right now, it’s at least dry!)
• Declutter your workspace—a clean environment supports clear thinking. (Use the removal of the Christmas decorations as an excuse for a scrubbing of your work area)
• Declutter your mind—make space for new ideas. (Spend a bit of time writing out everything that’s currently cluttering up your head. Whether it’s task lists, small jobs, nagging feeling of forgetting something – trust me, it’s worth it!)

What I’m Doing

Life continues as normal, but I’m making small, intentional changes:

• Dressing with purpose: Today, I’m in a green dress with brown boots and a cardigan. It sounds simple, but dressing well helps me start the day strong—and yes, those boots give me a confident stride for tackling tough meetings!
• Rotating my wardrobe: Instead of a big clear-out, I’m gradually shifting from holiday outfits to everyday workwear. It’s a small reset that feels good. This is a follow on from the last point. It gives me a chance to sort out my wardrobe without making a big fuss about it and retire the things that I no longer like.
• Tackling short tasks: I’ve got a list of 15-minute jobs—like fixing a candleholder that’s been sitting there for months. These quick wins build momentum.

What I’m NOT Doing

Even with rising energy, I’m not overhauling my life. No extreme exercise plans, no rigid diets, no expensive self-care routines. For me, January is about preparation, not transformation.

Why This Matters

As women in engineering, we often juggle demanding projects, tight deadlines, and high expectations. It’s easy to feel pressure to “do it all” at the start of the year. But sustainable success comes from small, strategic actions, not burnout-driven overhauls.

Think about the small steps you can take now, to prepare you for the year ahead. Calendar clean up? Automatic email filing? Meetings assessment? Delegation of tasks you almost forget you do?

So, let’s use this rising energy wisely. Lay the groundwork. Clear space for innovation. Prepare for growth—because the big breakthroughs come when the foundation is strong.

Your Turn:
What small actions are you taking this month to set yourself up for success? Share in the comments—I’d love to hear your ideas!