Entrepreneurial Energy
Have you ever noticed that on some days, you feel like you could build a skyscraper with your bare hands, but on others, answering a single email feels like climbing Everest? We often chalk this up to "burnout" or "passion," but new research suggests something far more complex is at play.
In their 2024 paper, "Towards a Dynamic Model of Entrepreneurial Energy," researchers Kakatkar, Patzelt, and Breugst challenge the old idea that energy is a finite resource. Instead, they reveal that Entrepreneurial Energy (EE) is a dynamic, fluctuating force that can be managed, replenished, and even "hacked" through specific activities.
What is Entrepreneurial Energy?
Traditionally, researchers viewed energy as a "resource pool"—you start the day with a certain amount, and you spend it until it’s gone. Kakatkar et al. define Entrepreneurial Energy differently. It is a dynamic affective-energetic state characterized by high levels of vigor and activation specifically directed toward entrepreneurial goals.
Crucially, this energy isn't just physical (how many hours you slept); it is relational and contextual. It changes based on what you are doing, who you are with, and how you perceive your progress.
The Dynamic Model: The "Gain" and "Drain" Cycles
The core contribution of this paper is the Dynamic Model of Entrepreneurial Energy. The researchers found that energy doesn't just decline over time; it exists in a constant state of flux driven by two main cycles:
1. The Energy-Generating Cycle (The Upward Spiral)
Energy is actually generated through specific entrepreneurial activities. It isn't just spent; it is produced. Key drivers include:
- Goal Progress: Seeing a "small win" or hitting a milestone creates an immediate surge of energy that fuels the next task.
- Positive Social Interactions: Engaging with a supportive mentor, an excited customer, or a motivated team acts as an external "charge."
- Passion-Alignment: When an entrepreneur works on the "core" of their vision (the "why"), energy levels rise despite physical fatigue.
2. The Energy-Draining Cycle (The Downward Spiral)
Conversely, energy "leaks" when the entrepreneur feels disconnected or stalled. Common drainers include:
- Administrative "Drag": Mundane tasks that feel disconnected from the vision (taxes, paperwork, legal hurdles) drain energy faster than complex strategic work.
- Interpersonal Conflict: Negative interactions with stakeholders act as a "black hole" for mental vigor.
- Lack of Recovery: While passion generates energy, the body still requires detachment. Failing to mentally switch off leads to a "diminished baseline" the following day.
Key Insight: Energy as a Feedback Loop
The most fascinating part of the Kakatkar, Patzelt, and Breugst model is the feedback loop. High energy leads to better performance, which then generates more energy. This is why successful founders often seem "unstoppable."
However, the reverse is also true. A setback leads to lower energy, which leads to poorer decision-making, which leads to further setbacks. The researchers argue that the entrepreneur’s primary job isn't just managing their time, but managing these energy spirals.
How to Apply This to Your Venture
Based on the 2024 model, here are three ways to manage your entrepreneurial energy:
- Sequence for Vigor: Don't start your day with "admin" if it drains you. Use your peak energy for high-passion tasks to create an "upward spiral" that carries you through the boring stuff later.
- Audit Your Interactions: Identify the "energy vampires" (critics, pessimistic partners) and "energy catalysts" (cheerleaders, visionaries) in your network. Schedule your most difficult work after meeting with a catalyst.
- Strategic Detachment: Understand that "working harder" is often counterproductive. If you are in a downward spiral, the model suggests that detaching from the venture entirely for a few hours is the only way to reset the baseline.
Conclusion: The "Infinite" Battery
Kakatkar, Patzelt, and Breugst (2024) have given us a new vocabulary for the founder experience. By viewing energy as a dynamic flow rather than a static tank, we can stop feeling guilty about "low battery" days and start engineering our schedules to stay in the upward spiral of innovation.
Reference
Kakatkar, A., Patzelt, H., & Breugst, N. (2024). Towards a Dynamic Model of Entrepreneurial Energy. Entrepreneurship Theory and Practice. https://doi.org/10.1177/10422587231224197
